Train at the source.
Professional training at the Martha Graham School offers programming for advanced beginners through the professional level. Current Graham technique Faculty include both current and former artists of the Martha Graham Dance Company — several of whom trained with Martha Graham herself.
Professional Training at the Martha Graham School offers programming for advanced beginners through the professional level. All professional programs are full-time and taught in-person at the Martha Graham Studios in New York City. The Graham Technique is foundational to every program, and is offered at four levels from Elementary to Advanced/Professional. Programs support international F-1 Student Visas.
As an accredited charter institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the Two-Year Certificate Program, Advanced Studies Certificate Programs, and Teacher Training Program are approved by NASD.
Two-Year Certificate Program
2 Years · 60 credits · Pre-Professional
Developed for students seeking a career in dance, this two-year, full-time certificate program offers studies at the pre-professional level.
Students must complete at least one Summer Intensive. Program Admission is by audition or faculty recommendation. Members of the program must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Courses included: Graham Technique · Ballet · Contemporary · Repertory · Composition · Acting · Anatomy for Dance · Music for Dance · Dance History
DEV SUGGESTION: courses link to popup windows with descriptions, like this ^
Advanced Studies Certificate Program
Track: Composition
2 Years · 60 credits · Pre-Professional
A two-year, full-time certificate program admitting students interested in advancing their studies in composition. Studies culminate in a thesis-equivalent portfolio of student work completed over the two-year period.
The Advanced Studies Certificate Program in Composition prepares students to enter into the field of dance as professional choreographers. This program encompasses a minimum of eight dance classes per week, including the Graham Technique, Ballet, and related dance and conditioning disciplines. Students in this program must also participate in the school’s Winter Intensive and enroll in Composition.
Advanced Studies are supported by a monthly Colloquium to discuss and explore the professional world of dance with the School’s Program Directors. Students in this program participate in field trips aimed at observing NYC-based professional company life and rehearsals. Students are required to attend four professional performances of their choice each year, one of which must be the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Transfer credits may be accepted upon review of a college/university or comparable post-secondary professional studio school transcript indicating at least three semesters of Composition or equivalent studies.
Courses included: Graham Technique · Ballet · Contemporary · Composition · Performance Workshop · Winter Intensive
Advanced Studies Certificate Program
Track: Individualized Performance
A two-year, full-time certificate program for students interested in advancing their studies in performance. Studies culminate in a thesis-equivalent portfolio of student work completed over the two-year period.
Designed for students interested in performance opportunities that build upon their previous experience on stage. Performance track students are held to high standards of technical proficiency and must demonstrate advanced performance skills in their application. In addition to coursework, ASC: Performance track students are cast as dancer-performers in the choreography for ASC: Composition students during the Fall Semester.
Advanced Studies are supported by a monthly Colloquium with Program Directors; field trips to observe NYC professional company rehearsals; and are required to attend four professional performances per year, one of which must be the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Courses included: Graham Technique · Ballet · Contemporary · Martha Graham Solo/ Duet Study · Performance Workshop · Winter Intensive
Advanced Studies Certificate Program
Track: Graham 2
A two-year, full-time certificate program admitting pre-professional dancers interested in joining Graham 2, the Martha Graham school’s pre-professional performing company.
This track requires advanced Ballet and/or Contemporary technique and a strong desire to learn and perform Martha Graham’s technique and repertory. Students applying to this track must complete an online audition, and be available to attend an in-person callback audition upon invitation. Students who are admitted to the Graham 2 track are also required to be simultaneously enrolled in the ASC program.
Courses included: Graham Technique · Ballet · Contemporary · Graham 2 Company · Repertory
Teacher Training Program
1 Year · 30 credits · Pre-Professional
This one-year, full-time certificate program prepares advanced and professional dancers with a background in the Martha Graham technique for a career in dance education. The fall semester addresses teaching methodology; the spring semester focuses on technical training in the Graham Technique and related disciplines.
Participation in the Winter Intensive is required as part of the Fall Semester. Students enter the Teacher Training Program at the start of the Fall (September) semester and are placed in technique classes appropriate to their level after evaluation by Program Directors during the first week of orientation.
Transfer credits may be accepted for Composition upon review of a college/university or comparable post-secondary professional studio school. Transcripts must be submitted as part of the registration procedure in August, indicating at least three semesters of Composition or equivalent studies.
Courses included: Graham Technique · Ballet · Contemporary · Performance Workshop · Dance History · GrahamWorks · Music for Dance I + II · Anatomy for Dance · Acting for Dance · Repertory · Composition
Independent Program
Minimum 1 Semester · All Levels
This one-year, full-time certificate program prepares advanced and professional dancers with a background in the Martha Graham technique for a career in dance education. The fall semester addresses teaching methodology; the spring semester focuses on technical training in the Graham Technique and related disciplines.
Participation in the Winter Intensive is required as part of the Fall Semester. Students enter the Teacher Training Program at the start of the Fall (September) semester and are placed in technique classes appropriate to their level after evaluation by Program Directors during the first week of orientation.
Transfer credits may be accepted for Composition upon review of a college/university or comparable post-secondary professional studio school. Transcripts must be submitted as part of the registration procedure in August, indicating at least three semesters of Composition or equivalent studies.
Courses included: Graham Technique · Ballet · Contemporary · Performance Workshop · Dance History · GrahamWorks · Music for Dance I + II · Anatomy for Dance · Acting for Dance · Repertory · Composition
READY TO BEGIN?
Take the next step toward your training.
The Martha Graham School accepts applications on a rolling basis. The Fall 2027 application deadline is May 1, 2027. Auditions are held in January, March and June. International students are welcome — F-1 Student Visa support is available for all full-time programs.