Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life

by Russell Freedman

Martha Graham, the American dancer, teacher, and choreographer, revolutionized the world of modern dance. She possessed a great gift for revealing emotion through dance, expressing beliefs and telling stories in an utterly new way. Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman documents Martha Graham's life from her birth in 1894 to her final dance performance at the age of seventy-five and continued career as a choreographer until her death in 1991. Graham's own recollections as well as those of her dancers, students, friends, and lovers reveal Graham's unwavering dedication, her extraordinary sense of artistry, and the fierce intensity that left an impression on all who saw her perform. Original research based on interviews and a remarkable collection of photographs not widely reproduced give this biography a rare and unparalleled depth. Includes notes,a bibliography, and an index.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Art

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 1998

About the author

Russell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.

He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.

Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.

Reviews

[H.A. Leuschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Martha Graham and her fellow dance pioneers were ready to discard all the old rules. They wanted to create a new kind of dance, a uniquely American dance that would capture the spirit and energy of their country and their times.'

Martha Graham did that with the greatest passion, dedication and grit that is both inspiring and courageous. She wanted to show that despite the restrictions society set out for women at the time, you could get what you wanted. She went on to revolutionize the dance world with the invention of a new approach and technique that brought forth many generations of talented and creative new dancers and choreographers.

She '...explored serious themes dealing with ordinary people and modern life.' Contrary to the diktat of classical ballet she explored the movement that was rooted to the ground in bare feet and used the breathing to extract emotions and personal drama the audience could identify with.

This book is a beautiful tribute to a grande dame who through her art opened many doors for many people and stood her ground with ingenuity and flair against all adversities thrown in her path. Even when crippled with arthritis towards the end of her life, she used her deformed hands to create a novel angle to her dance. A well written and inspiring book!

[Carmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book about a 20th century icon. I was devastated when this came up last week on a "dusty" list at work, meaning no one had checked it out in so long that it is in consideration for being weeded from the collection. That thought was so unbearable I talked the next patron in the door into taking it home so that the book would gain amnesty. Luckily, the next patrons through the door were a certain trio of sisters who are inquisitive types and avid readers- the sort to give a chance to some crazy old modern dance lady they've never heard of and so they took it home.

Be sure to visit you library's biography section and take a chance on somebody unexpected.

p.s. Merce Cunningham, who danced with Graham was from my hometown. The very fact that a revolutionary dancer/choreographer like that could have come from Centralia, WA always seemed like a true, genuine, real-life miracle to me.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dancer myself I enjoyed reading Martha Graham: A Dancer’s Life. I was able to relate to the story of Martha beginning stages of performing and wanting to create a new story for each performance. Martha’s perseverance and determination is toxic and as a reader I was automatically drawn in, curious to know her next big break or creation. Also, my dance teacher is obsessed with Martha’s technique and style, so I was intrigued to learn more about Martha and her history in dance. Martha began with people not interested with her new style called, modern dance it look as if the dancers were angry and stuff when performing, but what the audience didn’t know was that Martha was using society as her creativity for modern dance. Only if Martha knew the success that her modern dance would become with fellow dancers, choreographers and directors. Through Martha’s struggles of earning respect from companies to use their space to put on performance she learned the importance of her dancers and how much they respect and care enough to be a part of shows. Martha made her dancers do these daily stretches and warm ups to prevent her dancers from any injuries. Her dancers would do exercises to warm up that back abc spine because it was major part used in their movement. Martha’s modern dance becomes a success and throughout she meets the love her life Erick, but they do not last after an argument of creativity. The artists continue on with their lives and pursue their passions and dreams. Martha explains in her story that finding love is a struggle for a performer because you are worried about yourself that worrying about another person is too much to handle. Many dancers in the professional face this issue of having a relationship and I now as a performer myself it is hard, but it depends on the person and their desires. Even though she loved Erick very much their love was not meant to last. This book contains dance, art, love and passion. I highly recommended this book to anyone interested in pursuing dance or anyone who loves to perform because is I think it teaches a great lesson of perseverance and passion.

[The Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent my undergrad years studying modern dance--primarily Graham and Duncan. I learned the necessity of breath, and that movement must be driven by emotion. Most importantly, I learned that there is no "expiration date" for modern dancers, and so I continued to dance and challenge myself. I returned to ballet (after a 15 year hiatus), started jazz, belly dance, west African, hip-hop, and eventually opened my own Classical Pilates studio. The one thing I excelled at in Pilates was my breathing--and I made sure my students were breathing correctly. I credit that to Martha Graham. And now that I counsel elementary school students, I know how to teach them to breathe in order to calm themselves. Every breath is precious, every breath has purpose.

[Denise Chojnacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing individual! A girl; someone who all the odds are stacked against her becoming a dancer not only becomes a dancer but a legend in her field. I've determined that truly talented, passionate people are also somewhat eccentric as evidenced in this account of Graham's life. What it did also present was an individual that was so passionate about her craft that she continued sharing her gift with the world into her 90s. It is another story of "I can't? Watch me!" Her connections with people were fascinating as well as some situations that could have potentially ended her life. She only ever wanted to dance. Here's hoping she's doing just that in the afterlife.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a dancer or enjoy the art of dance, this book is a must-read. Great photos too!

[Emily Kanelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

For over seventy years Martha Graham danced, taught and choreographed dance. She even created her own dance company, The Martha Graham Dance Company. Martha was an amazingly talented individual, who’s dance techniques have been used around the world. Martha created new conventions of dance, expressing her emotions through unique, one of a kind movements. Her whole life’s purpose was to dance and teach dance, her passion and everyday motivation was driven by her love of dancing. At twenty-two she did not let her age drag her down, she danced full force forward until she was where she wanted to be. Through Martha’s life that revolved around dance she made many relationships, some as friends and some she identified more than friends. Though, she continued to put dance at the top of her priorities. Martha achieved many accomplishments throughout her career, from lead roles to becoming the first American dancer to travel abroad as an ambassador. As life went on Martha reached a time when she couldn't dance anymore but she still was an active individual in the dance scene.

This was an amazing read as it was filled with an enormous amount of detail about Martha Graham’s dancing career. The book also contained images of Martha onstage dancing, allowing the reader to better imagine Martha’s breathtaking technique. A story that could intrigue anyone to continue to read and wanting more even at the end. This would be a wonderful book to have in a classroom, to teach children to never give up on your dreams no matter what.

[Dronile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible book about the life of Martha Graham, her art, and how she changed dance. Freedman weaves in details about Martha’s personality and relationships that help her come to life in our minds and hearts - through interviews we get an idea of what it was like to know Martha personally. Her love and passion for dance are clearly reflected throughout the book and are the most touching parts of her story. To dedicate one’s self so wholly to one’s art is a path not many are willing to do, yet Martha did so to the very end. I’d recommended this book to any dancer or artist who is looking for inspiration in their art.

[Jan Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable afternoon read. Great photos. This is not the bio to read for an in-depth consideration of Martha Graham's life. There are plenty better, most of which I have read, but I enjoyed this as an overview. Great photos. I was surprised that I was able to pick up a revelation or two that I had not noted before.

[Genoveva Uzunova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book! I enjoyed reading about the life of Martha Graham.

[Lisa Van Oosterum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative good read about the amazing life of Martha Graham. This book discusses her whole life and provides enough detail to understand. It was in the juvenile section of the library, which tells me that it isn;t about the writing, but about the facts. And that was enough for me.

[Nafeesa Islam · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a while I was reading this concurrently with Blood Memory, Martha Graham’s autobiography. This book is a copy of that, written in the third person. If you’re looking for a biography version of the autobiography, this is it.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look into an amazing revolutionary. She's my inspiration for choreography and art and this book is beautiful and well-written. If you are not familiar with dance start with Graham.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great one by freedman, fantastic pics, especially if you like dance. A great book even if you don't

[Jethro]

Very fast read. It is a good book which makes me wish I was involved in the dance world. Graham was amazing and danced as long as she could, and choreographed until she died.

[Kristine Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew absolutely nothing about Martha Graham before reading this and came away feeling like I had met her!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by one of my favorite children's lit bio authors, this explores the life of the great dancer Martha Graham. I kept thinking of my sister Jenny throughout the book.

[Sue Kozlowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-fiction. This book was my first introduction to Martha Graham. She was born in Pittsburgh in 1894 and died in 1991. Awesome dancer who invented American modern dance.

[Cate Foody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely written. A lot of information was given, I had to do a biography and this was a great book to choose!