Martha Graham by 
Basic Concepts in Modern Dance by 
According to historians, modern dance has two main birthplaces: Europe (Germany specifically) and the United States of America. Although it evolves as a concert dance form, it has no direct roots in any ballet companies, schools or artists. Modern dance emerges as a consequence of its time, alone and outside any academic institution.
The Martha Graham Technique (excerpts) performed by The Martha Graham Dance Company filmed under the supervision of Martha Graham assisted by Ross Parkes.
Recognized as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century Martha Graham created a movement language based upon the expressive capacity of the human body. Graham’s groundbreaking style grew from her experimentation with the elemental movements of contraction and release. By focusing on the basic activities of the human form, she enlivened the body with raw, electric emotion. The sharp, angular, and direct movements of her technique were a dramatic departure from the predominant style of the time. In this interview, Martha Graham speaks on the role and responsibility of the dancer and dance technique.
Martha Matinees: About the Martha Graham Technique.
Martha Graham Dance Video
Covers Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis & Ted Shaw to Martha Graham & Doris Humphrey.
TIME magazine named Martha Graham “Dancer of the Century,” and People magazine named her among the female “Icons of the Century.” As a choreographer, she was as prolific as she was complex. Graham created 181 ballets and a dance technique that has been compared to ballet in its scope and magnitude. Her approach to dance and theater revolutionized the art form and her innovative physical vocabulary has irrevocably influenced dance worldwide.
Martha Graham (born May 11, 1894, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died April 1, 1991, New York, New York) influential American dancer, teacher, and choreographer of modern dance whose ballets and other works were intended to “reveal the inner man.”
In 1916, Martha Graham began studying at Denishawn. During the next seven years, Graham evolved from a student, to a teacher, to one of the company’s best‐known performers.
Recognized as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Martha Graham created a movement language based upon the expressive capacity of the human body. Her creativity crossed artistic boundaries and embraced every artistic genre.
