Martha Graham was one of the most influential figures in American modern dance, and her techniques and styles are still practiced today. She has become widely known across all ages and decades. Her first debut dates back to the 1920s. Over time, she became more experienced and wiser in the field of modern dance. Martha Graham, whose style was considered controversial, became one of the dance world's best choreographers and dancers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayIn 1894, Martha was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania (Pratt 8). She was the daughter of Jane Beers and George Graham. His father was a renowned doctor who treated mental disorders. After living in Pennsylvania for 12 years, she and her family moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1908 (Harmon et al. 182). It was there that she began studying modern dance in her early years. Martha's father played a big role in her life. Dr. Graham inspired his daughter to seek meaning in people's actions. When she sat in her father's office, she looked at the patients in bewilderment. The patients blurted out words and moved their arms and legs wildly, making her even more curious about people's actions (Pratt 13). Dr. Graham then took his daughter to a Ruth St. Denis performance in 1911, where she was hypnotized by the dancers (Harmon et al. 182). Martha entered the Cumnock School of Expression after graduating from high school. There she trained in dance, theater and self-expression. Martha's love for studying people's actions was incredibly strong. After Graham graduated from college in 1916, she then enrolled at the Denishawn School of Dance (182). She was recognized at school for her talent and determination, not for her dancing potential. When Shawn, who owned the school, left to serve in World War I, Graham began teaching for him. After returning from the war, she continued to teach and dance small roles in Shawn's productions. This is where her dancing career began (183). Graham is considered one of America's greatest and most influential dancers. Graham's love of dancing gave her the strength and determination she needed to become one of the best. Her incredible emotions changed the world of dance, not only in her dancing style, but also in her innovative choreographic style (182). Graham's style of modern dance has never been seen in America before. The public therefore had to get used to it (Switzerland 108). People often define modern dance as a contrast to ballet, but Graham's new style of modern dance moves away from the strong traditions of ballet. Everyone could see that Martha wasn't afraid to be unique. For example, music was not required in all of his dances. Without the music, the audience could then hear the sounds of the dancer (Microsoft Encarta). In dances that had music, Graham expressed himself through metaphors or images (McLanathan and Brown 173). These dances involved posture, the role of gravity and the movements of the characters. Graham's style was considered important among other artists. After becoming more experienced, Graham moved to Broadway. Her performances on Broadway were nothing like those she did in Denishawn (Pratt 33). Graham always said she was a dancer and not a showgirl. She had four outstanding solos in the show, although she..