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Which early Martha Graham dances reflected her Denishawn training?
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Martha Graham
Martha Graham performing “Letter to the World” (also called “The Kick”), 1940.
When Martha Graham made her debut as an independent artist in 1926, several of her early dances reflected the Orientalism and exotic style characteristic of her training at Denishawn. Specifically, works such as Three Gopi Maidens and Danse Languide echoed her past at the school, where she had been introduced to a diverse repertory exploring Asian, folk, and classical dance traditions.1
These early performances were noted by critics for being graceful and lyrical, contrasting sharply with the stark, original style she would develop in her 1927 concert and beyond.1