La Guiablesse (ballet)

La Guiablesse is a one-act ballet created in 1933, with choreography by Agnes de Mille and music by Darius Milhaud. It is based on a Caribbean folktale about a seductive she-devil, or "diablesse," figure. The ballet premiered in Philadelphia on March 22, 1933.

The story revolves around a young man who is lured into the forest by the beautiful and mysterious La Guiablesse. Unbeknownst to him, she has one cloven foot, a telltale sign of her demonic nature, often hidden by her long skirt. He becomes enthralled by her charm and is led astray, eventually losing his way in the dangerous and supernatural realm she inhabits. The ballet explores themes of temptation, deception, and the allure of the unknown, drawing on Caribbean folklore and mythology.

While not as frequently performed as some of de Mille's later works, La Guiablesse is significant for its early exploration of folkloric themes and its unique blend of ballet technique with Caribbean-inspired movement. It is considered an important work in de Mille's development as a choreographer and showcases Milhaud's versatility in composing for dance.