practice was the basis and therefore, a fundamental for a good dancer. Graham’s intense belief in practice aided in forming such a unique technique. “ To practice means to perform, in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire, Practice is a mean of inviting the perfection desired.” It is said that Martha worked on her falls for fifty years, and they grew more beautiful and complex each time she performed them. This technique is not the only one she worked to perfection.Graham was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, on May 11, 1894. She was the oldest of three daughters. She also had a brother named William Henry Graham; he died of scarlet fever at eighteen months. This was devastating for the family especially for Martha’s father. He always wanted a son; once they were blessed with one he was no sooner taking away from them. Her family settled in Santa Barbara, California in 1908. This is where Martha discovered the rhythm of the sea, and her love for art began. Throughout her career, her choreography demonstrates this influence. Her professional career began in 1916 at the Denishawn School in Los Angeles. The pioneers of modern dance Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn founded this school of dance. Denishawn was the first in America, to explore all of folk, classical, experimental, oriental, and American. It is here where; “Graham learned to discard the strict forms and gestures that traditionally governed choreography.” (Martha 66) Apparently in the beginning Martha didn’t move well enough to suit Ruth, or Martha herself. “ “Darling, why does a girl like that come to us? Can’t she look in the mirror and see that she’s hopeless?” Totally hopeless... What can I do with this ... ” ”(De Mille) This are the words Ruth uttered to Ted her first time seeing Martha. She went from not knowing how to dance to an outstanding dancer. ...
