Martha Graham

Hello, my name is Martha Graham. When I was a little girl, I loved to watch things move. I would watch the leaves dance in the wind and the clouds float across the sky. My father was a doctor, and he taught me something very special. He told me that our bodies can show our feelings, even without using any words. That idea was like a tiny seed planted in my heart, and it grew and grew as I got older.

When I grew up, I knew I wanted to be a dancer. But I wanted to dance in a brand-new way. I wanted my dances to tell big stories and show big feelings, like being very happy, very sad, or very strong. I created moves that were different from the pretty, twirly ballet dances that most people knew. I used my breath to help my body move. I would fall down to the ground and then spring right back up, full of energy. Some people thought my dances looked a little strange at first, but I knew I was showing the feelings that were deep inside my heart.

I was so excited about my new way of dancing that I wanted to share it with everyone. I started my own group called the Martha Graham Dance Company. I also opened a school to teach other people how to dance using their whole bodies and all of their feelings. Together, we put on shows that told wonderful stories without saying a single word. It made me so happy to see my students learn how to express their feelings in such a strong and beautiful way.

I created dances and shared them with the world for many, many years. I lived to be 96 years old. Today, dancers all over the world still learn my special way of moving. People remember me for showing that dance is a powerful way to tell a story and share what you are feeling deep inside.