The Roots of Robbins

Jerome Robbins was indeed a creative genius who left a priceless and inimitable legacy. Lewis Segal credits Robbins with a “stylistic fusion” that combined elements of classical ballet with folk dance, dramatic gesture and the unique talents and personalities of individual dancers (“Thank You, Mr. Rabinowitz,” Aug. 1).

However, that fusion was the innovation of Agnes de Mille--as Robbins, who made his solo debut as a dancer in Ballet Theatre’s 1941 production of De Mille’s “Three Virgins and a Devil,” himself acknowledged at her memorial service in 1993. My 1996 biography of De Mille documents her contributions.

CAROL EASTON, Venice

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Dancer Charlotte d’Amboise, in her tribute to Jerome Robbins, says, “Except for Bob Fosse in ‘All That Jazz,’ no one else was as good [as Robbins] at adapting dance to the movie form.” Take that, Gene Kelly!

KEVIN DAWSON, Sunland