Martha Graham Dance Company

Definition

The Martha Graham Dance Company is one of the oldest and most renowned modern dance companies in the world, founded in 1926 by choreographer Martha Graham. This company is significant for its innovative approach to dance, which emphasizes emotional expression and movement as a form of storytelling, reflecting the influence of European classical dance forms while breaking away from traditional ballet techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Martha Graham created a unique technique based on 'contraction and release', focusing on the body's natural movements to express emotions.
2. The company has performed numerous iconic works, including 'Appalachian Spring' and 'Night Journey', which have become staples in the modern dance repertoire.
3. Martha Graham was a trailblazer for women in dance, using her platform to highlight themes of feminism and individual struggle through her choreography.
4. The company has trained generations of dancers, many of whom have gone on to become influential choreographers and educators in their own right.
5. Martha Graham's influence extended beyond her company; she inspired a whole movement towards modern dance that embraced personal expression over classical constraints.

Review Questions

• How did the Martha Graham Dance Company impact the evolution of modern dance in relation to classical European forms?
  • The Martha Graham Dance Company played a crucial role in shaping modern dance by integrating elements of European classical forms while moving away from their strict structures. By emphasizing emotional expression and innovative movement techniques like contraction and release, Graham's work challenged traditional ballet norms. This fusion not only broadened the scope of what dance could represent but also encouraged future choreographers to explore personal and societal themes through movement.
• In what ways did Martha Graham's personal philosophy influence the choreography produced by her company?
  • Martha Graham's personal philosophy emphasized authenticity and emotional truth, which profoundly influenced her choreography. She believed that dance should reflect inner feelings and human experiences, leading to works that explored complex themes such as identity, struggle, and femininity. This approach set her apart from many of her contemporaries who adhered more closely to classical forms, allowing her company to create pieces that resonated deeply with audiences and pushed the boundaries of modern dance.
• Evaluate the legacy of the Martha Graham Dance Company within the broader context of American cultural history and its relationship with European influences.
  • The legacy of the Martha Graham Dance Company is significant in American cultural history as it represents a transformative period where modern dance became a respected art form. By blending European influences with distinctly American themes, Graham's work fostered a new identity for American dance that was both innovative and expressive. This legacy continues today as many dancers and choreographers draw inspiration from Graham’s techniques and philosophies, ensuring that her impact resonates within the arts and culture landscape while bridging historical divides between classical European traditions and contemporary American expression.

Related terms

Modern Dance: A genre of dance that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a departure from classical ballet and an emphasis on individual expression and innovative movement.

Ballet: A highly technical form of performance dance that has evolved over centuries, originating in the Italian Renaissance courts and later flourishing in France and Russia.

Choreography: The art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified, particularly in the context of dance.