DANC 212
Prelude to Revolt: The Life and Work of Martha Graham Spring 2010
Division I
This is not the current course catalog

The revolutionary dance work of Martha Graham (1894-1991) has been compared to the artistic innovations of Picasso and the musical genius of Stravinsky. The study of Graham’s development within the American cultural climate over the last decade, including her influence on the dancers and actors she trained, and her collaborations with musicians and artists, informs our understanding of the modern performance culture of today.
This course will be comprised of two elements: 1) Historic Evolution: An overview of modern dance from its roots in 1900 to the present, we will focus on the development of Graham’s dance theory from her days with Denishawn to her later years, while also studying the work of her contemporaries, and her influence on artists who studied with her. 2) Dance Technique: an intensive introduction to major principles of the Graham Technique as a tool for the development of the performer in any medium. Required reading: Time and the Dancing Image by Deborah Jowitt (1988); Spaces of the Mind, Robert Tracy (2004); Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham by Agnes de Mille (1991). Videos on reserve.