old, shmold....

Martha Graham.


She practically invented modern dance. She was incredable. In fact some say she invented, “a new language of movement.” You can read all about the crazy amazing crap she did on wikipedia, if you fancy.. but the part that I personally love the most, is that she didnt start dancing till she was 16. Dancers know that if you want to “make it” as a dancer, you better start learning as soon as you can walk! But Martha didnt. She started when she was 16, and really, that’s just way too old to start if you want to make it as a professional dancer.. I think about this everytime I feel too old to accomplish something.

Here are a few things that some might say that I am “too old” to do:
*to make a career as an actress
*to be in a rock band (learn to really play the guitar and/or piano)
*to train my voice
*to learn a third language
*to eat dessert first
*to change
*to fall in love (in that young, passionate, all consuming, fluttery way)

I say no! I refuse to be too old to do things I want to do, ever. Thats it and that’s final.

Lastly, here is something wicked awesome that Martha G said one time:

'"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable 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 yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others"'