The Martha Graham Dance Company, widely regarded as the foundational pillar of American modern dance, has announced GRAHAM100, a comprehensive centennial celebration marking a century of artistic innovation. Founded by the visionary choreographer Martha Graham, whose influence on the 20th century remains as profound as that of her contemporaries Pablo Picasso and Igor Stravinsky, the company continues to serve as a vital laboratory for movement and psychological depth.
The centennial programming reflects the dual nature of the institution: a commitment to the preservation of Graham’s unparalleled masterworks and a dedication to fostering contemporary voices through new commissions. Central to the celebration is a rigorous New York season that bridges the gap between historical repertoire and the current choreographic landscape.
Masterworks and Iconic Collaborations at City Center
The upcoming season at New York City Center showcases the rigorous technical vocabulary that Graham developed, centered on the elemental principles of contraction and release. This movement language, designed to heighten the emotional resonance of the human form, is exemplified in the scheduled performances of “Chronicle” (1936), “Night Journey” (1947), and the quintessential “Appalachian Spring” (1944).
These works are notable not only for their choreography but for their integration of total stagecraft. Each features the iconic set designs of Isamu Noguchi, whose long-standing collaboration with Graham redefined the relationship between sculpture and the moving body. The repertoire also includes the profound solo “Lamentation” (1930) and the lyrical “Diversion of Angels” (1948).
Enhancing the historical significance of these performances, The Mannes Orchestra, under the direction of David Hayes, will provide live musical accompaniment. This underscores Graham’s tradition of collaborating with premier composers, including Aaron Copland, Wallingford Riegger, and William Schuman.
New Commissions and Contemporary Dialogues
In alignment with its forward-looking mission, the company will debut several significant new works. Jamar Roberts has created a world-premiere solo for leading dancer Lloyd Knight, featuring a score by Stahv Danker. Additionally, the New York premiere of Hope Boykin’s “En Masse” will be presented, set to newly discovered music by Leonard Bernstein, arranged by Christopher Rountree.
The season also incorporates recent contributions from contemporary choreographers Hofesh Shechter and the duo Baye & Asa, demonstrating the Graham dancers’ versatility in adapting to various modern aesthetics while maintaining their technical core.
Institutional Legacy and Multimedia Exhibitions
The GRAHAM100 initiative extends beyond the proscenium through several high-profile institutional partnerships and exhibitions. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center will host a major exhibition titled “Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance.” This showcase utilizes rarely seen archival materials from the Jerome Robbins Dance Division to examine Graham’s role in expanding dance into social, political, and psychological realms.
In Sag Harbor, The Church will present “Martha Graham: Collaborations,” a multimedia exploration of the company’s history through the lens of its artistic partnerships. This exhibition will feature original sets by Noguchi and costumes by designers such as Halston and Donna Karan, highlighting Graham’s influence on fashion and visual art.
Furthermore, a two-part documentary produced by Partisan Pictures is set for broadcast on PBS. This cinematic portrait offers a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s history and current rehearsals, with Meryl Streep providing the voice of Martha Graham.
Global Reach and Future Perspectives
The company’s centennial year is marked by an extensive international and domestic tour, bringing Graham’s “uniquely American style” to major cities across the United States and Europe, including engagements in Italy and Latvia. A collaborative world premiere with PHILADANCO!, choreographed by Tommie-Waheed Evans, will also debut, revisiting the themes of Graham’s 1938 work “American Document” to explore modern identity.
The celebration culminates in a gala event at the New York Public Library, honoring dance advocate Jody Gottfried Arnhold. This milestone year reinforces the Martha Graham Dance Company’s status as a “national treasure,” continuing the legacy of an artist who first performed with her supporting group a century ago and forever altered the trajectory of performing arts.
Important Dates and Schedules
- Martha Graham: Collaborations Exhibition (The Church, Sag Harbor): January 18 – March 22, 2026.
- PBS Documentary Premiere: March 27 and April 3, 2026.
- Guggenheim Works & Process Preview: March 22, 2026.
- New York City Center Season: April 8–12, 2026.
- GRAHAM100 Gala (New York Public Library): April 17, 2026.
- Centennial Anniversary of First Performance: April 18, 2026.
- The Mother of Psychological Dance Exhibition (NYPL): May 26 – November 7, 2026.
- World Premiere of “in case of fire, speak” (Philadelphia): May 29–30, 2026.
