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Teens@Graham Initiative

Young Artists Program
School Partnership Program

The umbrella of the Martha Graham School's education/outreach programs, known as Teens@Graham Initiative, offers aspiring dancers, ages 13-19, from throughout the New York City Tri-State Area, the opportunity to experience the vibrancy and excitement of Martha Graham's groundbreaking Technique. While the study of dance is at the heart of each Teens@Graham Initiative, students of all interests and abilities learn much more than the physical skill necessary for success in performance. They also learn respect for the body, appreciation of art, the importance of collaboration, and use movement to advance their academic studies. Perhaps most importantly, they acquire the discipline that will naturally spill into other areas of their lives. Students are encouraged to create and explore their own artistic vision using their own life experiences as well as those learned through the program.

Each Teens@Graham Initiative provides opportunities for mentoring, cultural activities, and internships designed to help students better understand the ways in which artists work and the links between artistic disciplines. The language of the Martha Graham Technique and that of other important styles is paired with extracurricular arts and cultural activities, giving students the tools they need to fully realize their artistic potential.

Young Artists Program

The Young Artists Program is open by audition to talented student dancers ages 13-19 of all backgrounds from public schools throughout the New York City region. Each 12-week semester offers students a comprehensive program of dance instruction in Martha Graham Technique and Ballet, as well as the attendance at the Company's open rehearsals and an exciting program of cultural activities. Dance teachers are encouraged to select promising students to attend the audition.

Program Length: Two 12-week semesters

• Spring Semester: February 9 – May 17, 2008
• Fall Audition: June 7, 2008
• Fall Semester: September 20 – December 20, 2008

(All dates subject to change)

Program Offerings

• Martha Graham Technique. Learn the Graham vocabulary and concepts through traditional Graham classes, including floor excercises, center work, and combinations across the floor. Mondays, 5:00–6:30; Saturdays, 12:00–1:30
• Ballet. Improve flexibility and muscle memory through ballet technique, vocabulary, and body alignment. Tuesdays, 5:00–6:30
• Creative Workshop. Explore the creative process through the study of composition, including works from the Graham repertory. Saturdays, 1:30–3:00

Other opportunities include:

• Lectures: Throughout the year, distinguished Martha Graham scholars and professionals lecture on different art forms, increasing students understanding of the importance of art and its influence on developing society.
• Cultural Outings: Students attend performances or dress rehearsals in dance, opera or theater as well as art exhibitions and museums. Past events have included visits to the Noguchi Museum and Studio Museum in Harlem, as well as open rehearsals and performances by the Martha Graham Company and the Martha Graham Ensemble.
• Choreographers' Challenge: Working in small independent groups, dancers choreograph an original work which is presented before a teachers' panel for review and discussion. The best works are performed at the year-end presentation.
• Guest Teachers: Graham-based classes are taught by members or former members of the Martha Graham Company.
• Master Class: Students attend master classes with renowned teachers or choreographers from other dance techniques. Past techniques have included: José Limòn, Paul Taylor, Gus Giordano Jazz and Afro-Caribbean/Puerto Rican Salsa dance.
• Choreography: New works are choreographed for participating students.
• Year-End Presentation: Performance is an important part of the development of dancers and each semester closes with a live in-house presentation for family, friends and invited guests.
• Participation in the Martha Graham School's Summer Intensive (additional fee)

A commitment to the entire 12-week program is advised in order to receive the full benefits of the Young Artists Program. This commitment consists of two Graham classes, one Ballet class and one Creative Workshop session per week per semester.

Tuition per Semester

Please note: Students who participate in the Creative Workshops will have the opportunity to perform with the Martha Graham Ensemble at Marymount Manhattan College at the end of the Spring Semester. The Marymount performances are scheduled for May 29 – June 1, 2008.

(All dates and times subject to change)

Partial and full scholarships are awarded based upon merit and/or economic need.

For more information, please contact the Martha Graham School at youngartists@marthagraham.org.

School Partnership Program

The admirable qualities that made Martha Graham one of America's most venerated artists are particularly appealing to today's youth. Her spirit of rebellion, personal strength, moral rigor, and uncompromising dedication to her art inspire teenagers who are navigating the transition into adulthood.

Long recognized by the New York City Department of Education for its leadership role in teen education, the Martha Graham School capitalizes on this inspiration through the creation of educational programs designed to meet the specific needs of middle and high schools. The School Partnership Program offers schools the opportunity to enhance their modern dance curriculum with the Martha Graham Technique, as well as integrating Graham into their curriculum in compliance with the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and the Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. The Martha Graham School served as a professional development facilitator (Grade 12) for the Blueprint, which is used by schools throughout New York State.

Program components can include:

• Planning sessions to determine artistic and academic goals
• Classroom teaching by trained teaching artists
• Program-appropriate field trips;
• Program assessment
• Internships
• Performances for friends, family, and invited guests
• Professional development
• Attendance at open rehearsals or performances by the Martha Graham Company and Martha Graham Ensemble

Current partnership schools include:

• Talent Unlimited High School
• Bronx Dance Academy
• Frank Sinatra School of the Arts

For more information, please contact Tami Alesson, Director of Education, at 212-838-5886 ext. 202 or talesson@marthagraham.org.

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