What American frontier themes did Martha Graham explore in her dances?

Martha Graham explored American frontier themes by focusing on the emotional and spiritual essence of the individuals who settled the land, rather than merely depicting historical events.1

Her most notable works in this genre include:

• Frontier (1935): A solo dance that symbolized the frontier woman’s achievement of mastery over an uncharted domain. This work was significant for initiating the use of decor in her repertoire and marked the beginning of her collaboration with sculptor Isamu Noguchi.1
• Appalachian Spring (1944): Perhaps her most famous work on this theme, it features a score by Aaron Copland. The ballet depicts a wedding celebration at a Pennsylvania farmhouse, exploring the characters' hopes, apprehensions, and the faith required to build a new life in a pioneer setting.12
• American Document (1938): A major work that incorporated male dancers into her company, further expanding her exploration of American themes.1

Through these dances, Graham sought to reveal the "inner man," using the frontier setting as a backdrop to examine human conflict, resilience, and the emotional life of her characters.1