Martha Graham: From the Revolution to the Present Days By Fabiana Gutierrez Translated by Victor Gomes
Left: Blakeley White-McGuire and Tadej Brdnik. Below: Ying Xin. Both in Martha Graham’s Errand into the Maze. Photos by Brigid Pierce.
Martha Graham is a great example of what a legend is. From Carnegie Hall to the Egyptian pyramids, her legacy has travelled through more than fifty countries and continues to enchant crowds around the world.
Born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1894, Graham revolutionized the arts by creating an innovative technique – a technique that became synonymous with modern dance. The cultural and artistic impact of her masterpieces are frequently compared to that of Picasso’s paintings and of Stravinsky’s music.
Graham forever changed the way we express and observe dance. Not only did she develop a new dance language, such as in expressing emotions and human characteristics, but she also brought significance to the movement. Her technique is still very much studied and performed by dance companies from around the globe.
She mentored Merce Cunningham and Twyla Tharp, as well as many other big names in dance. She was also of great influence to Hollywood stars: Bette Davis, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck,