Errand into the maze

Graham's Technique

–The Graham technique is a modern dance movement style. It's is based on "contraction and release", and using different parts of the body in opposition to one another, creating spirals for dramatic tension. It also incorporates formal exaggerations of "natural" movements.

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–Graham's technique is designed to make dancers expressive and dramatic. She believed when one dances, there should be a story behind their movements, and also have the ability to express pain through your movements.

–Graham's unique style was often perceived as ugly as it departed from the well-known ballet form and their strive to appear weightless and move effortless.

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–Nowadays, Graham's technique is taught in most dance programs and has influenced the lives of many. Graham's technique remains the 'hallmark' of contemporary dance as we know it.

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–The technique is mostly based on the curvature of the spine, the tension and relaxation of the muscles and using your core muscles to be able to sustain the position. Most of Graham's movements are very angular and sometimes rigid. There is also a lot of contact with the floor and using gravity as an advantage.

Order of Class

Graham's technique is usually taught in this order:

-Floor work (contraction exercises and kneeling combinations)

-Standing exercises (transition from floor to standing combinations, working the legs, feet and torso whilst including balance and control)​

-Across the floor (travelling combinations; walking exercises, jumps, leaps and turns)

-Falls (consists of contractions)

Errand into the maze

Errand Into The Maze is about the defeating of one's inner demons and fears, a psychological journey that Graham had taken repeatedly.To show her fear, Martha Graham encompassed contractions and release into her dance.

In this dance there are three stages; having fear invade, coming to terms with said fear and the triumph at not letting the fear win.​

This picture demonstrates the fear overcoming her and her attempt at fighting it off as she roles on the floor.​

As you can see, Martha Graham incorporates her technique into her classes and her choreography. Contraction and release was included in this piece, as well as her angular shapes and bodily lines. It is a very intense piece and clearly demonstrates the story of trying to combat your inner demons and defeating your own fears.

"I decided that the only thing was for me to dance it through…I was able to conquer that basic thing that we all have, which is the fear of the unknown, fear of something not recognisable."

-Martha Graham

"Ballet…did not say enough, especially when it came to intense drama, to passion"

- Martha Graham