…..depends on the question.
If your question is whether it is still cold in Iowa, the above image will be your answer.
If your question is: “Who is Agnes De Mille?” the answer is:
The woman who choreographed the dream ballet sequence for Oklahoma!*
Agnes was a lifelong friend of Martha Graham. One evening the two were having dinner; Agnes expressed doubts about her own creativity.
In response, Martha wrote to Agnes, words that are often quoted (have you seen this quote? Did you know who it was addressed to? Does it excite you about your own creativity? )
A Letter to Agnes De Mille
There is a vitality,
a life force,
a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.
( –
a life force,
a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.
And If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.
The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine
how good it is
nor how valuable it is
nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly
to keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate YOU.
Keep the channel open…
No artist is pleased…
There is no satisfaction whatever at anytime
There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes “us” MORE alive than the others.
Martha Graham
( –
I will smile the next time I read it knowing now the recipient was Agnes De Mille.
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall (Are you humming OKLAHOMA!?)