QUESTION 9: INTERNATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHER (CHOICE QUESTION) INTERNATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHERS Alvin Ailey Martha Graham George Balanchine Christopher Bruce Mathew Bourne Pina Bausch William Forsythe Mats Ek Rudi van Dantzig Jiří Kylián Choose ONE international choreographer from the prescribed list above - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1

The programme note will be structured with headings for each section, using clear and concise language to present the information effectively.

Martha Graham trained initially at the Denishawn School and later developed her own unique style. She founded the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926 and became known for her innovative techniques and choreography, including works like 'Appalachian Spring,' which resonates with themes of American life.

Graham’s movement vocabulary is characterized by her use of contraction and release, which express deep emotions. Her style often incorporates dramatic bodily expressions that reflect her storytelling.

Graham was influenced by various factors, including her interest in Greek mythology, American themes, and her own life experiences. She sought to express complex emotional states through movement, often drawing from her own struggles and triumphs.

Martha Graham's contributions are monumental; she revolutionized dance with her technique and choreography, paving the way for modern dance. Her emphasis on the emotional and psychological aspects of movement has influenced countless dancers and choreographers, solidifying her legacy in the art of dance.