Martha Graham Then and Now

Martha Graham is the mother of modern dance. Graham continued to dance into her mid-70s and choreographed until her death on April 1, 1991 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration not only for dancers but for artists of all kinds. Her company continues to perform.There is also a play dedicated for Martha Graham on February 10, 2016 in New York, the play is called Graham deconstructed. Which is her company that is dancing for her.

 

The Martha Graham Dance Company has been a leader in contemporary dance since 1926. Today, the Company is showing a new programming vision that shows masterpieces by Graham along with  newly commissioned works by contemporary artists. With programs that offer a nice thematic narrative, the Company creates new platforms for contemporary dance and multiple points of access for audiences.

425_Maddie_Happiness_2

Today, there are many artists like Martha Graham, a very young one is Maddie Ziegler. She plays a role in Dance mom which she dance all kinds of dance. For example contemporary dancing just like Martha Graham. Mayah Nabhan states that , ”I love watching Maddie dance, but my favorite is jazz, and her dance outfit is always the best with sparkles or feathers which is cute for dancing”.

 

Graham’s language of dance is based on two main principles: contraction and release. Her dancers create tension through contracting a muscle, and then use the flow of energy when the muscle is relaxed to initiate the movement.Today dance is based on the same thing, espacially in contemporay dances.So she set up an example that could be used today and further on. Martha Graham is still called the mother of all modern dance and that why she inspires other dancers to follow her lead.

 

Unis Middle School journalist

Houda Assli

One Comment

  1. My long life dream was always to be a professional dancer and leave behind a legacy. After everything else I had tried with sports and school I had never really gotten to it. I think dance is a great sport and it has its own type of beauty. After watching every season of Dance Moms and still watching it to this day I have fallen in love with the life of a dancer. Most professionals would start very early like 3 years old, so that dream is kind of gone for me. I think this article really helps represents how Martha Gram was a true inspiration.

Leave a Reply to Leann Bazzi Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *