Martha Graham's Creative Approach to Dance

Numerous writers have offered insight into Graham's life, art, and influence. An interesting and valuable volume in this substantial body of literature is Ernestine Stodelle's Deep Song: The dance story of Martha Graham. Stodelle was a friend of Graham and a talented dancer in her own right. As such, she was able to provide not only an interesting retelling of the significant events in the great artist's life and artistic career, but also vivid descriptions of Graham's creations as seen through the eyes of a fellow dancer, and re-created through the fluid prose of a talented writer.

The events of Graham's life are well known. She was born on May 11 1894, in the industrial town of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. While Allegheny had little to offer in terms of artistic inspiration, Graham managed to retain and develop her childhood sense of fascination and curiosity. When Graham was 14, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California. The sunny, multicultural atmosphere of Santa Barbara was a source of delight for young Graham.