Graham technique
Martha Graham founded her company and school in New York in 1926, and the technique she developed there is widely regarded as the first codified modern dance technique. It rests on the opposition of contraction and release, a stylised version of breathing, with movement starting in the torso rather than the feet.
Spiralling of the torso around the spine and expressive floorwork are also central, and critics have described the style as powerful, jagged and tense. It strongly influenced Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton and Paul Taylor. It is taught today at the Martha Graham School in New York and in many university dance programmes.
Sources
- Graham technique - Wikipedia
- Martha Graham Dance Company - History
- Martha Graham Dance Company - official site
- Martha Graham School - official site
Organisations connected with this dance
Listed as references; being listed is not an endorsement by or of the organisation.