SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

The School Partnership Program offers middle and high schools in New York City the opportunity to enhance their modern dance programming with the Graham Technique and to integrate Graham into curricula in compliance with the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts, the NY Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts, and the Common Core State Standards. The Martha Graham served as a professional development facilitator (Grade 12) for the Blueprint, which is used by schools throughout New York State.

  • Planning sessions to identify artistic and academic goals
  • Classroom teaching by trained teaching artists
  • Program-appropriate field trips
  • Formative and summative assessment
  • Professional development
  • Performances for friends, family, and invited guests
  • Attendance at open rehearsals by the Martha Graham Dance Company and/or Graham 2

We offer partnerships ranging from one-hour workshops to extended year-long residencies. We will work with each individual school to specifically tailor each program according to the needs and resources of its students and faculty. Current partners include: Talent Unlimited High School, Bronx Dance Academy, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, the Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts, P.S. 107 John W. Kimball School, and Susan E. Wagner High School.

For more information, contact Jennifer Patten, Head of School, at 212.229.9200 ext. 32 or jpatten@marthagraham.org.

LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS

Graham 2 is available to perform lecture-demonstrations for public and private school students throughout the New York City area. Students learn about the art of modern dance and the work of Martha Graham. In addition to providing historical perspective, the presentation introduces students to basic elements of Graham Technique and explores the role of emotional expression in her work. Concepts central to Graham Technique, such as contraction and release and spiral, are described as members of Graham 2 perform these exercises. Excerpts from the Graham repertory are also performed.

Students are asked to complete a both pre- and post- visit surveys so that they may consider how their understanding and perspective change over time. The Martha Graham School also provides pre- and post- visit lesson plans to assist teachers in student preparation. Surveys and lesson plans are adjusted for primary and secondary students.

For more information on Graham 2 lecture-demonstrations, contact contact Virginie Mécène at vmecene@marthagraham.org or at 212.229.9200 x 33.

MASTER CLASSES

The Martha Graham School is pleased to offer Master Classes in Graham Technique upon request. Teachers and schools may schedule a master class onsite at our Westbeth Studios or inquire about scheduling a Graham Master Class instructor to visit them on location.

For more information, please contact us at 212.229.9200 ext. 34 or school@marthagraham.org.

LICENSING AND RESOURCES

Martha Graham Resources licenses Graham ballets, and offers access to historic materials, opening its collection to researchers, educators, students, and performers worldwide by appointment.

For more information, please contact Oliver Tobin, Director of Martha Graham Resources, at 212.229.9200 ext. 19 or resources@marthagraham.org.

PHOTOS: Cara McManus and Ricardo Barrett by Melissa Sherwood.