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7.1 Describe Martha Graham's background, training and career - NSC Dance Studies - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 7
7.1 Describe Martha Graham's background, training and career. Martha Graham was born into a strict Presbyterian family that opposed her participation in the perform... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:7.1 Describe Martha Graham's background, training and career - NSC Dance Studies - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe Martha Graham's background, training and career.
Answer
Martha Graham's background and career began in a conservative family that strongly opposed her dance aspirations. Undeterred, Graham sparked her interest in dance by witnessing a performance by Ruth St. Denis, which motivated her to pursue a career in the arts despite her family's reservations. Eventually, she enrolled in the Denishawn School, where she received training that would shape her unique style.
After her initial training, Graham moved to New York City, where she could explore her individuality in dance and choreography. Over the years, she established her own dance company and created the Martha Graham School of Modern Dance, encouraging new talent and promoting contemporary dance. Graham's innovative techniques and pioneering spirit led her to become a central figure in the evolution of modern dance, earning her the title of 'the mother of contemporary dance'.
Step 2
The movement vocabulary and symbolism.
Answer
Graham's 'Lamentation' utilized a unique movement vocabulary that expressed deep emotions through the body. The performance displayed the three stages of grief: denial, anger, and acceptance. The emotional intensity is highlighted by her use of contraction and release, creating powerful images of struggle and vulnerability. Graham's movements reflect her inner turmoil, utilizing angular and stylized gestures to communicate feelings of despair and longing, encapsulated in the symbolic act of reaching for help while physically restrained.
Step 3
The production elements.
Answer
The production aspects of 'Lamentation' contributed significantly to its impact. The costume, a tube of purple stretch jersey fabric, constrained Graham's movements, enhancing the visual representation of entrapment within grief. The set element, a central wooden bench, emphasized her isolation and struggle, while the stark lighting created dramatic contrasts, focusing attention on the dancer's emotional expression. Together, these elements effectively communicated the themes of confinement and the quest for liberation.
Step 4
Evaluate how the music enhanced the theme of Lamentation.
Answer
The music for 'Lamentation' played a crucial role in enhancing its emotional depth. It comprises three distinct stages that align with the dancer's emotional journey. The initial discordant chords reflect her internal conflict and struggle against reality. As the performance progresses, the music builds to a climax, mirroring the moment when she confronts her grief. Towards the end, the music softens, symbolizing her struggle to accept and cope with loss, thus facilitating a poignant connection between the auditory and visual elements of the dance.
Step 5
Do you think Martha Graham's choreography and dance technique made an impact on dance and society? Substantiate your answer.
Answer
Martha Graham's choreography and techniques profoundly influenced both the dance world and broader society. By focusing on authentic emotional expression and drawing upon personal and societal themes, her work opened up new avenues for dancers and choreographers. Graham's rejection of traditional ballet norms, along with her innovative approaches to movement and storytelling in dance, paved the way for future generations in modern dance. This shift not only enriched the artistic landscape but also challenged cultural perceptions of women and emotion in both art and daily life, making her a significant figure in contemporary history.