Martha graham technique class

Style of modern dance

Graham technique is a modern dance movement style and pedagogy created by American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham (1894–1991).^[1] Graham technique has been called the "cornerstone" of American modern dance, and has been taught worldwide.^[2] It is widely regarded as the first codified modern dance technique,^[3] and strongly influenced the later techniques of Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton, and Paul Taylor.^[4][5]

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.^[7][8] Its other dominant principle is the "spiraling" of the torso around the axis of the spine.^[9] Graham technique is known for its unique dramatic and expressive qualities and distinctive floorwork;^[1][10] dance critic Anna Kisselgoff described it as "