Agnes de Mille was a dancer and a choreographer (编舞). Early in her career, de Mille had created the choreography for a ballet called Three Virgins and a Devil. She thought it was good work, but nobody made much of it.
A few years later, de Mille choreographed a ballet named Rodeo. Again, she thought her work was solid, but it resulted in little commercial fame.
Then, in 1943, de Mille choreographed Oklahoma!, a musical show that enjoyed nearly instant success. In the coming years, Oklahoma! would run for an incredible 2,212 performances, both around the nation and abroad. In 1955, the film version won an Academy Award.
But the success of Oklahoma! didn’t bring her much happiness. She thought that her work on Oklahoma! was only average compared to some of her other creations. She later said, “After the opening of Oklahoma!, I suddenly had unexpected success for a work I thought was only fairly good, after years of neglect for work I thought was fine. I began to think that perhaps my entire scale of values was untrustworthy. I talked to Martha.”
Martha was Martha Graham, perhaps the most influential dance choreographer of the 20th century. Although not as well-known by the general public, Graham has been compared to other creative geniuses like Picasso or Frank Lloyd Wright.
During their conversation, de Mille told Martha Graham about her frustration. “I confessed that I had a burning desire to be excellent, but no faith that I could be.”
Graham responded by saying:
“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.”
34. What can be learned about de Mille’s ballet named Rodeo?
A. It earned her a large fortune.
B. It didn’t enjoy much success.
C. It made her rise to fame overnight.
D. It laid a solid foundation for her career.
35. How did de Mille feel about the great success of the musical Oklahoma!?
A. Relieved. B. Ashamed. C. Confused. D. Proud.
36. Picasso and Frank Lloyd Wright were mentioned to suggest that Martha Graham ______.
A. had been influenced greatly by them
B. enjoyed the same popularity as them
C. was the most influential artist in her field
D. was outstanding in visual arts and architecture
37. Which of the following statements best represents Graham’s words in this passage?
A. Comparing with others prevents you from maintaining uniqueness.
B. Your action reveals the inner landscape, which is the soul of music.
C. Choosing to be positive is going to determine how you live your life.
D. You should always keep yourself open to the urges that motivate you.
 
34-37  BCCD