Agnes de Mille was one of the first American-born choreographers of stature - in synthesizing classical ballet technique with modern dance and American Folk dance, she created a unique form of modern ballet. This natural dance created a new style and brought pieces such as Oklahoma and Carousel to Broadway. From there to Hollywood and eventually the American Ballet Theatre, she was recognized as an American original. Her distinguished family background provides the other half of the story; her family was a dynasty in Hollywood royalty, from her father William, an important director, to her uncle Cecil B., the producer. Her story is entwined with that of her legendary friends and contemporaries; Rogers and Hammerstein, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Rebecca West and Kitty Carlisle Hart.