Main content

Martha Graham | Step-by-step

17 April 2015

A series of short films demonstrating the physical techniques and dance moves developed by - beautifully illustrated by young dancers from Phoenix Dance Studio in Leeds.

Step-by-Step 鈥� Move 1 鈥� Floor Work - Sitting spine stretches

Floor Work Contraction & Release in First Position.

Step-by-Step 鈥� Move 3 鈥� Centre Work - Contraction in parallel & Swivel

Contraction in parallel & body arch to recover with spiral.

Step-by-Step 鈥� Move 4 鈥� Travelling Work 鈥� The Prance

Martha Graham used a lot of imagery in her work. This move emulates a horse-like prance.

Step-by-Step 鈥� Move 5 鈥� Travelling Work 鈥� High Leg Brushes

Turned out high leg brushes / opposition in the back.

Step-by-Step 鈥� Move 6 鈥� Travelling Work 鈥� Leaps in 4th Position

Whilst keeping his centre connected, Sam spirals his torso.

Dance | Step-by-step

  • Techniques and movements of classical ballet

  • The techniques developed by legendary dancer Martha Graham

  • Classic hip-hop moves and the building blocks of Krump

  • Kathak dance moves from Hastas to Tatkars and Chakkars

Martha Graham Quotes

  • “The spine is your body’s tree of life. And through it, a dancer communicates; his body says what words cannot.”

  • “The arms start from the back because they were once wings.”

  • "Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body."

  • "Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion."

  • "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique."

Vines | Ballet | Fouett茅s

Contemporary Dance