Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance
History
The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance is the oldest professional school of dance in the United States, founded in 1926 by the pioneering choreographer Martha Graham. The school was initially established as a training ground for Graham's company, the Martha Graham Dance Company, but it quickly grew into a full-fledged educational institution offering comprehensive training in the Graham Technique, a method of dance and movement created by Martha Graham herself.
Philosophy and Approach
The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance is rooted in the philosophy and approach of its founder. Martha Graham believed in the expressive capacity of the human body and sought to explore and expand the emotional and physical boundaries of dance. This philosophy is embodied in the Graham Technique, which emphasizes the use of breath, contraction, and release to express a wide range of human emotions. The school continues to uphold this philosophy, training dancers to use their bodies as instruments of artistic expression.
Curriculum
The curriculum at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance is designed to provide a comprehensive education in contemporary dance. The core of the curriculum is the Graham Technique, which students study intensively. In addition to technique classes, students also take courses in composition, music for dancers, anatomy, and dance history. The school offers both full-time and part-time programs, and students have the opportunity to perform in student choreographic workshops and in repertory by Martha Graham and other contemporary choreographers.
Faculty
The faculty at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance is composed of experienced dancers and choreographers, many of whom have performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company. The faculty is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Martha Graham while also encouraging students to develop their own artistic voices. The school also regularly invites guest artists and choreographers to teach master classes, providing students with a diverse range of perspectives on contemporary dance.
Facilities
The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance is located in New York City. The facilities include several spacious studios equipped with sprung floors, a performance space, a costume shop, and a library of dance literature and videos. The school also has a close relationship with the Martha Graham Dance Company, and students often have the opportunity to observe company rehearsals and performances.
Notable Alumni
Many notable dancers and choreographers have studied at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. These include Merce Cunningham, a pioneer of modern dance; Paul Taylor, founder of the Paul Taylor Dance Company; and Pearl Lang, a prominent dancer and choreographer who was a member of the Martha Graham Dance Company for many years.