ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Advanced Studies Certificate (ASC) is a two-year, full-time certificate program focusing on on-site training and real-world application. Students declare a concentration in one of two key disciplines: Performance or Composition. Studies culminate in a thesis-equivalent portfolio of student work completed over the two-year period.
The program prepares students for entry into the dance field as professional performers or choreographers, and includes a minimum of eight dance classes per week, including Martha Graham Technique, Ballet, and related dance and conditioning disciplines, as well as participation in the Graham School Winter Intensive. Studies are supported by a monthly Colloquium with the School’s Program Directors to discuss the professional world of dance. Students partake in field trips to observe NYC-based professional company rehearsals, and reflect on their studies. All students are required to attend four professional performances of their choice each year, one of which must be the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Using a combination of on-site training and real-world application, the ASC prepares students both in the studio and within the dance industry itself.
ASC Performance Track: Individualized Study is designed for students interested in performance opportunities that build upon their previous experience on stage. Performance track students are held to high standards for technical proficiency, and must demonstrate advanced performance skills in their application.
In addition to coursework, ASC: Individualized Study students are cast in ASC: Composition student work in the Fall Semester. Students engage in the creation of an original composition designed for them. In the spring semester, students collaborate with the Program Directors and are assigned a piece Graham repertory for further study, with coaching from current or former Martha Graham Dance Company dancers, which is presented in the final School Spring Showcase in June.
In addition to Martha Graham Technique, all ASC: Individualized Study students enroll in the following courses:
CorePower: A cross training class designed to supplement dance technique by building strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Conditioning: A flexibility and mobility course dedicated to stretching, recovery, and overall well-being.
Performance Workshop: Designed to provide students with performance experience, the class is primarily dedicated to an in-depth study of Martha Graham repertory, but may occasionally draw from other Martha Graham Dance Company non-Graham repertory. Students learn 1-2 works or excerpts in preparation for a formal presentation during the Fall Showing and Spring Showcases at the Martha Graham School.
Ballet: Training focuses on individual student abilities, and classes are structured to enhance and support the study of the Martha Graham Technique.
Graham Works: Year 1. An exploration of Martha Graham’s line of action in the development of her technique. Dancers experience the innovative exercises that Graham developed in her early years, and study the continuing change and growth of the language she was introducing through examining films and learning phrases from repertory that reflect her creative process.
Contemporary: Year 2. Classes build upon Graham Technique and encourage dancers to explore the connections between this classic approach and post-modern styles.
WINTER INTENSIVE
The Martha Graham School Winter Intensive is a requirement for all full-time students enrolled in the Fall Semester. ASC students are required to take three weeks of Martha Graham Technique during the Intensive.
Additionally, all ASC: Individualized Study students are required to take three weeks of Repertory:
- Beginner/Intermediate or Advanced Repertory: Dedicated to the study of Graham’s classic choreography, the course offers students a deeper understanding of Graham’s expressive style as well as practice in valuable performance techniques.
Transfer credits may be accepted for Composition upon review of a college/university or comparable post-secondary professional studio school transcript, which students submit as part of the registration procedure in August, prior to the start of the Year 1 Fall Semester, indicating at least three semesters of Composition or equivalent studies.
Students may additionally elect into the following courses:
- Intermediate or Advanced Ballet: Training focuses on individual student abilities, and classes are structured to enhance and support the study of the Martha Graham Technique.
- Intermediate or Advanced Contemporary: Classes build upon Graham Technique and encourage dancers to explore the connections between this classic approach and post-modern styles.
HOW TO APPLY
ASC: Individualized Study provides robust training for advanced dancers who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, a Martha Graham School certificate program, and/or an equivalent certificate program from an accredited professional studio school.
To apply, click here to visit our Admissions page and complete Step 1: Application, Step 2: Online Audition, and Step 3: ASC: Individualized Study Applicants Only.
Students enter the ASC at the beginning of the Fall (September) semester.
International students click here for information regarding the F-1 visa process and key deadlines.
TUITION AND AID
For information regarding program tuition and financial aid, click here.
Photos of Martha Graham School dancers by Melissa Sherwood.