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Rodeo, a ballet commissioned by Agnes de Mille for the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, tells the story of a young cowgirl who attempts to break into the masculine world of the ranch hands. Ridiculed by the men and women of the ranch for her attempts, the cowgirl eventually overcomes their doubts and wins a prominent place in the ranch as well as the romantic interest of one of the ranch hands. Rodeo's novelty stemmed from the fact that it was the first truly American ballet, and the work incorporates tap dancing and characteristically American gestures such as bronco-riding and steer-roping movements. Copland’s fluid melody and consciously simplistic composition reminiscent of American folk music complement these rhythmic flourishes.
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