Martha Graham
Early Life
Martha Graham was born on May 11, 1894, in Allegheny City, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, George Graham, was a physician specializing in nervous disorders. Graham's interest in the human psyche and the body's ability to express emotions can be traced back to her father's influence.
Education
In 1911, Graham saw a performance by the famous ballet dancer Ruth St. Denis, which inspired her to pursue a career in dance. She enrolled in the Denishawn School of Dancing and Related Arts, where she studied under St. Denis and Ted Shawn. Here, Graham was exposed to a range of dance styles, including traditional Asian and American Indian dances, as well as more contemporary forms.
Career
Graham left Denishawn in 1923 to take a job with the Greenwich Village Follies. In 1926, she established the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance. This was the start of a long and illustrious career, during which Graham created a total of 181 ballets.
Graham's Dance Technique
Graham developed a unique dance technique that has been described as the "cornerstone of American modern dance." This technique is based on the principle of "contraction and release," and it emphasizes the emotional and expressive potential of the body.
Legacy
Graham has been hailed as a true pioneer in the world of dance. Her innovative techniques and the depth of her works have had a profound influence on the development of modern dance as a serious and accepted art form. She has been awarded numerous accolades for her contributions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.