Martha Graham - A pioneer. 'The Mother Of American Modern Dance'

 Martha Graham

Born: 11th May 1884 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania
Died: 1st April 1991 in  New York City

Background + inspiration 

Martha Graham was born 11th May in Allegheny, Pennsylvania - Modern day Pittsburgh. She was born to George Graham, a psychiatrist who helped with those with nervous disorders, and Jane Beers. In her very early life, Martha and her family had to move to California due to one of her sisters become unwell. California became the place where Martha found her love for dance after she had seen Ruth St. Davis - Another early pioneer of modern dance. Although she had this passion for dance, her parents did not see it as respectable which meant that she instead attended a junior college. Unfortunately, shortly after this her father sadly passed, which lead to Martha taking control of her life and enrolling in Ruth St. Davis' dance school so that she could peruse her own dreams.

Why did Martha Graham want to create "Modern Dance"?

When dancing, Martha found herself rejecting Ballet techniques, as she instead believed that dance should focus more on natural motion instead of the music that was being danced to. When it came to moves that she practiced, she liked to work with movements that would push the body based on its structure. Along with this, when it came to dance, Martha wanted to focus more on the movement aspect rather than the character or ideas. Also, Martha believed that dance should instead of displaying a picture perfect and idyllic story, should focus more on the struggles of human lives and illuminate the inner nature of humans.

What were the main elements of her dance?

When it came to her dance, Martha began by gaining inspiration from things like classic myths or current social issues or even paintings. After this she would then find music to go with the piece she was creating or she would turn to composer Louis Hort - partnered with her many times - who would create something for her to use while she created her movements.

Within Martha's dances, it was expected to see the use of a flexed foot which was something that was never seen used in ballet. This was used along side her common floor work, the giving into gravity and also the use of contractions and releases which would never be seen in any ballet works or in any other style of dance at the time.

Martha Graham was the first person to use moving scenery and props as symbolic objects in a piece along with the use of speech in them as well. Her dance company was very diverse as it was often seen to include African Americans and Asians into her works. Going against ballet, Martha liked the use of dress and long garments in her works.

What Impact did Martha Graham Have On Dance?

Over time, Martha went on to revolutionise America dance and is now considered to many as the greatest dancer of the 20th century. In her works, she showed the world that dance could display the struggles of everyday life instead of just displaying a ideal fantasy and it was found that her movements helped display the raw emotion of the human life. With her works, she was impactful as she gave many the freedom to express how they felt and make many feel heard through her works.

Examples of her works;

Night Journey - 3rd May 1947

Night Journey is based on the classic Ancient Greek story of Oedipus the king. The piece revolves around the main part where Jocasta, Who was Oedipus' mother, Finds out that she has slept with her son and has given birth to his four children.

Lamentation - 8th January 1930 

Lamentation was a dance that represented the feeling of grief itself and in this the performer wears a long purple garment to create the idea that grief is formless - meaning not a person or animal but an essence.

Heretic - 14th April 1929

 

Heretic was the story of a woman who was deemed an outsider that doesn't go along with society's norms which leads to her being constantly scolded and rejected by the others. We can tell she is different to the others as she wears a white outfit that contrasts with the black outfits of the others.