14 Facts About Graham technique

Graham technique has been called the "cornerstone" of American modern dance, and has been taught worldwide.

Graham technique is based on the opposition between contraction and release, a concept based on the breathing cycle which has become a "trademark" of modern dance forms.

Graham technique is known for its unique dramatic and expressive qualities and distinctive floorwork; dance critic Anna Kisselgoff described it as "powerful, dynamic, jagged and filled with tension".

Phrase "Graham technique" was registered as a trademark before Graham's death, and was the subject of a trademark dispute in the early 2000s.

Graham technique is based on "contraction and release", and uses different parts of the body in opposition to one another to create spirals for dramatic tension.

Related searches

Fundamental movement of Graham technique is the cycle between "contraction" and subsequent "release", which developed as a stylized representation of breathing.

Indexical meaning of the contraction in Graham technique's choreography is generally that the dancer is overcome with emotion, although the details depend on the specific context.

Graham technique falls use contractions and manipulates the body's center of gravity, in order to control the timing and direction of a fall.

Graham technique falls can be used for dramatic effect, making meaning in a choreographic context from manipulating the balance between actively suspending the body and surrendering to gravity.

Graham technique is designed to make its dancers expressive and dramatic.

In contrast, Graham technique was strongly promoted by dance critic John Martin, who helped her to win a popular following.

Graham technique dancers are trained to highlight their effort and use weight as a dramatic tool, while ballet dancers strive to appear weightless and effortless.

Graham technique is taught in most university dance programs, and remains the "hallmark" style of contemporary concert dance; its movement vocabulary is familiar to almost all professional contemporary dancers.

Martha Graham technique founded a school, the Martha Graham technique Center of Contemporary Dance, which she sold in 1956.