Martha Graham : the evolution of her dance theory and training, 1926-1991 /

Agnes De Mille's astute biography of Martha Graham and Graham's own Blood Memory [reviewed together in BKL Ag 91] illuminate the life and character of our century's most revolutionary dancer, choreographer, and teacher. This volume focuses on the growth and development of her dance training, which "pioneered many of the teaching methods that are now standard in modern dance pedagogy." Horosko, herself a dancer as well as author and education editor at Dance magazine, follows the evolution of Graham's classroom techniques in interviews with dancers who worked with Graham over a period of 65 years, witnessing the changes in her teaching approach to meet the needs of each generation. Twenty-six dancers discuss their experiences as students of Graham's from 1926 to 1990. A "Syllabus of Graham Movements" lists basic exercises and their variations, including quoted instructions and cues that hint at Graham's poetic perspective. Appendixes list the members of the Martha Graham Dance Company over the years and all of her dances. An invaluable record of Graham's techniques, discipline, and creativity. (Reviewed Dec. 15, 1991)1556521421Donna Seaman

Horosko, a former ballerina and current education editor for Dance Magazine , compiled these brief reminiscences by Graham's students and company members, many of whom are mentioned by Graham in her recent autobiography Blood Memory ( LJ 8/91). Anna Sokolow, Sophie Maslow, Jane Dudley, Erick Hawkins, and John Butler, among others, became important artists, teachers, and choreographers in their own right and, as such, provide unique insights into Graham's movement theories and teaching techniques. Modern dance students and teachers will be especially pleased with the precise physical descriptions of specific Graham contractions and falls, and the syllabus of Graham movements. Recommended for performing arts libraries.-- Sheila Riley, Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, D.C. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.