Martha Graham Dance Company

Student Matinee Program Information

Students will learn about the art of modern dance through the work of Martha Graham. The matinee will include excerpts from the Graham Americana classic “Appalachian Spring,” with music by Aaron Copland, as well as “We the People” by Jamar Roberts with music by Rhiannon Giddens. Students from Minneapolis’ South High School will perform an original version of “Our Own American Document.” This work, inspired by Graham’s “American Document,” will explore themes of identity and belonging. The one-hour event includes a Q&A with the artists.

Pre-Show Questions:

• What do you know about modern dance?
   
• What is the job of a composer?
   
• How would you describe the connection between music and dance?
   
• What does a dance about democracy look like? What does music about democracy sound like?
   

Post-Show Questions:

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• As the Martha Graham Dance Company celebrates the 100-year legacy of this great American dancer and choreographer, what kind of birthday party would you throw for Martha Graham? Who would you invite, and how would you honor her legacy?
   

“Martha Graham + Appalachian Spring” — Kennedy Center - Media/Interactive Lesson for Grades 6-12. Students will: 

• Explore Martha Graham’s life and influences
• Discover how “Appalachian Spring” exemplifies Graham’s style and approach to choreography
• Unpack the elements of “Appalachian Spring” and how they contribute to the work’s timelessness and impact
• Experience the “musical masterpiece” of the same name composed by Aaron Copland to accompany the choreography
  • MN State Connect & Respond Standards 

Watch

• “Martha Graham Dance Company in ‘Appalachian Spring’ & ‘We the People’” (2-minute video showing excerpts from “We the People” and “Appalachian Spring.” All Grades.)
• “Martha Graham Dance Company (Performance/Demonstration)” (Kennedy Center - 60-minute video discussing the legacy of Martha Graham, and company members demonstrate the Graham technique. Includes excerpts from some of the company's most celebrated works, including “Errand Into the Maze,” “Appalachian Spring,” “El Penitente” and “Diversion of Angels.” All Grades.)
  • MN State Connect & Respond Standards
• “Jamar Roberts On Choreography” (Short video of Jamar Roberts discussing his choreographic style and what he looks to for inspiration. All Grades.)
• “Uncovering the History of the Banjo with Rhiannon Giddens: From African Roots to American Music” (20-minute video. Join renowned musician Rhiannon Giddens as she delves into the fascinating and complex history of the banjo. Grades 8-12.)
  • MN State Connect Standards
     

Read

• Martha Graham Collection — Library of Congress (Online collection includes a timeline of Graham’s life and a significant assembly of manuscript music scores, scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, choreographic notebooks and more.)
• “Aaron Copland + Fanfare for the Common Man” (Kennedy Center - Media/Interactive Lesson for Grades 6-12. Students can learn more about “Appalachian Spring” composer Aaron Copland.)
  • MN State Connect & Respond Standards
• Jamar Roberts - Choreographer (Website of “We the People” choreographer Jamar Roberts)
   

Listen

• “I Couldn't Throw It Out,” Season 2, Episode 16 “Dance Great Martha Graham” (50-minute podcast about Martha Graham, including an interview with Graham herself in 1989. Transcript available. Grades 8-12.)
• Rhiannon Giddens on YouTube Music
• Aaron Copland on YouTube Music
   

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