Ballet
Rodeo
Rodeo is the ballet that made American dance feel genuinely American. Agnes de Mille built it around a tomboyish Cowgirl trying to win over the ranch hands, and Copland's score gave us those wide-open, hoedown melodies everyone recognizes. It's warm, funny, and it basically kicked off the whole Americana style on stage and in musicals.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Aaron Copland
- Choreographer
- Agnes de Mille
- Premiere
- 1942, New York
- Structure
- One act
- Running time
- About 25 minutes
The story
At a Saturday ranch gathering out West, a spirited Cowgirl wants to ride and rope with the men and catch the eye of the Head Wrangler, but she keeps getting ignored while the other women flirt in their pretty dresses. Heartbroken, she sits out the big Saturday night dance. When she finally swaps her dungarees for a dress, she lands not the Wrangler but the easygoing Champion Roper, and the two kick off a joyful hoedown finale.
What Rodeo is famous for
- Copland's famous Hoedown finale
- Defining the American frontier ballet
- The plucky Cowgirl heroine
- Agnes de Mille's folk-infused choreography
Companies that perform Rodeo
Rodeo is in the repertoire of companies including American Ballet Theatre.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the music from Rodeo famous outside ballet?
Very. Copland's Hoedown became hugely well known on its own, even turning up in advertising and pop culture, and the score's suite is a concert-hall staple.
What's the story about?
A Cowgirl who wants to be one of the ranch hands and win the Head Wrangler's attention, but ends up finding happiness with the Champion Roper at the big dance.
Who choreographed Rodeo?
Agnes de Mille, who also danced the lead Cowgirl at the 1942 premiere. Her success here led to her landmark choreography for the Broadway musical Oklahoma! the following year.
Who composed Rodeo?
Rodeo was composed by Aaron Copland.
How long is Rodeo?
Rodeo runs about 25 minutes.