Martha Graham has been a leading figure in American Modern Dance for many years. Her styles and techniques are still being used today. She was well-known to all generations and ages. Her debut took place during the 1920s. She became more knowledgeable and experienced in modern dance as time passed. Martha Graham was a controversial dancer and choreographer whose style had been criticized.

Martha was the daughter of Jane Beers and George Graham. She was born Allegheny in Pennsylvania on 1894. Jane Beers Graham’s daughter. Her father treated mental disorders. She and her family left Pennsylvania in 1908 after living there for 12 years (Harmon et. al. 182). It was here that she first began to study modern dance.

Martha’s life was shaped by her father. Dr. Graham’s daughter was inspired by him to seek the meaning of people’s acts. She would stare at her patients with confusion as she sat on the couch in her father’s room. She became more interested in people’s behavior when they would shout out words or move their arms and leg in an erratic manner. Dr. Graham’s daughter was mesmerized when she saw Ruth St. Denis dance in 1911 (Harmon, et al.). 182).

Martha attended Cumnock School of Expression following her graduation from high-school. She trained there in self-expression, dance, and drama. Martha was fascinated by the actions of others. Graham enrolled into Denishawn School of Dance 182 in 1916 after she graduated from junior colleges. The school recognized Graham’s talent and determination rather than her potential to dance. Graham became the owner’s teacher when Shawn left for World War I. Graham continued to teach after Shawn returned from World War I. She also danced in small roles for Shawn. Here is where her dance career began (183).

Graham is one the most influential and major dancers of America. Graham’s passion for dance helped her to achieve the level of excellence she achieved. Her emotions were so powerful that they changed the way people danced, both in terms of her dancing style and her choreography.

The style of Graham’s modern dance had never been seen before in America. It was necessary for the audience to adapt to this new style of modern dance (Switzer 108) Modern dance has often been compared with ballet. However Graham’s brand of modern dancing was a departure from this strong tradition. Martha’s uniqueness was evident to all. Music was not necessary in every dance. Audiences can hear the dancer’s sounds without music (Microsoft Encarta). Graham’s metaphors and images were used in her dances when there was music (McLanathan, Brown 173). These dances involve posture, the gravity role, and character moves. Graham was known for his style.

Graham then moved to Broadway after gaining more experience. Her Broadway performances were very different from those she gave at Denishawn. Graham stated she was not a girly showgirl but a dancer. She performed four solos that were outstanding, but refused to wear skimpy outfits. The directors threatened to cut her solos unless she cooperated. Graham was not bothered because she understood that her solos are the highlight of the performance. She was back on stage a few days later performing her solos. Martha’s income was significant, but she still budgeted her money. She decided to open her studio.

Graham’s was a prestigious school. Graham was a wonderful teacher. She loved to dance more than she liked teaching. Her first performance was April 18, 1926. Graham’s dream was realized, and it was a great success.

Martha was young mentally and physically even though she had aged. To stay young, Martha began to travel to new places and to learn more about dance (McLanathan Brown 170). She continued to be a teacher, but she also began a schedule that was even more demanding than her previous one (Pratt 40). She received many awards over the years for her success and achievements.

Graham was rewarded for her strong faith, determination and choreography. She received an Aspen Award in Humanities along with the Medal of Freedom. Harvard and Yale also awarded her honorary degrees. The influence she had on the world of ballet was incredible and incalculable (McLanathan 171). Graham’s spectacular ideas would have made it tragic for her works to be lost. It would have been a great loss to the dance world.

Martha struggled to leave the stage. She would compare her to other colleagues at the same age, and realize that not only did they no longer dance, but most of them no longer lived (Pratt 96). She retired as a dancer in 1969. However, she continued dancing in her sleep (96).

Martha began drinking more after her retirement. She began drinking to escape the frustrations of getting older. Graham was in hospital in 1970. Graham’s situation deteriorated (97) as time went by. In 91, she suffered a heart attack and severe pneumonia. Graham died April 1, 1991.

Graham lived an interesting and rewarding life. She may have been able to make her audience adapt to her modern dance style, but she achieved her dreams and was a huge success. Martha Graham became a world-class dancer and choreographer.