Gemze de Lappe

Gemze de Lappe (February 28, 1922 – November 11, 2017) was an American dancer who worked very closely with Agnes de Mille and was frequently partnered by de Mille's favorite male dancer, James Mitchell. Born to Birch Wood de Lappe, an actor and teacher, and his wife, Maureen McDonough, an actress and drummer, Gemze attended Hunter College and the Ballet Arts School at Carnegie Hall. Originally trained by Irma Duncan and Michel Fokine, de Lappe began her career in Fokine's company. Her Broadway musical theatre performance credits include Simon of Legree in the original production of The King and I (also in the film version), Paint Your Wagon (Donaldson Award winner), Juno, and The American Dance Machine.