The incomparable repertoire of Martha Graham is available to professional dance companies and universities for licensing.
Organizations that license a Martha Graham work will receive:
- A Graham Master teacher (if your company does not include a Graham artist)
- A detailed regisseur packet (rehearsal videos, rehearsal audio, staging notes, historic background)
- Rental costumes from the original Martha Graham designs, or costume design and construction consultation
- Set rental
- Lighting and technical consultation
- Performance quality audio
- Contact information for obtaining music rights
- Original program notes and credits
- Dramatic archival photos, publications and educational materials
Learn more about:
Professional Productions
Student Productions
High School Productions
Archival Materials
Professional Productions
Professional dance companies around the world have licensed Martha Graham masterworks. The Martha Graham Licensing and Resources Department will customize licensing projects geared toward your company’s needs, and will provide support to ensure reconstructions and performances of the highest artistic quality and authenticity. Our past partners include:
Ballet de Lorraine
HET Dutch National Ballet
South Carolina Contemporary Dance Company
Diana Vishneva
Ballet de L’Opéra de Paris
Verb Ballets
Many of the Graham classics are available for licensing by professional companies. View the Martha Graham Dance Company repertory.
For more information, contact Suzy Upton at supton@marthagraham.org.
Student Productions
I cannot tell you what a transformational experience it was for my students to feel the power of the Graham Technique in their bodies, and to feel its spirit in their soul thanks to your miraculous teaching and mentoring.— Susan Haines, Western Washington University
More than 100 colleges and universities have staged reconstructions of Martha Graham’s renowned choreography. Student productions, which can be geared to beginning, intermediate and advanced dancers, couple classroom studies in the Martha Graham Technique with performances of her revolutionary choreography. This unique opportunity for students allows them to gain deeper understanding of Graham’s pioneering movement vocabulary by experiencing its world-renowned expressive power onstage.
Martha Graham Masterworks Available for Student Productions
Celebration (1934) a minimalist study of joy, is a classic and vigorous example of Graham’s formative years; 12–15 women (may also be a co-ed cast), score by Louis Horst. Appropriate for intermediate and advanced modern dancers.
Panorama (1935) uses sheer numbers and geometric design to drive home Graham’s intense socio-political themes; 30–35 dancers, may be co-ed, score by Norman Lloyd. An excellent Graham introduction for intermediate dancers.
Steps in the Street (1936) is a powerful statement about the individual against tyrannical forces; 12 women (has been performed with 24), score by Wallingford Riegger. For intermediate and advanced students, some prior Graham training required.
Diversion of Angels (1948) is a lyrical, ecstatic essay on love; 4 men, 7 women, score by Norman Dello Joio. A wonderful challenge for professional track students who have studied some Graham technique.
Temptations of the Moon (1986) is part pagan ritual, part lyrical celebration; co-ed cast of 16-18; score by Béla Bartók. An excellent introduction for advanced students, ballet and modern, with no prior Graham training.
Other works available for student productions: Heretic, Primitive Mysteries, “Helios” from Acts of Light. Excerpts from Appalachian Spring, Night Journey, Clytemnestra and El Penitente, Solos Lamentation and Satyric Festival Song.
Reconstruction Packages
Using our network of Graham master teachers, Martha Graham Licensing and Resources offers packages that ensure reconstructions and performances of the highest artistic quality and authenticity. See the list above for artistic support available for each production includes:
- A Graham Master teacher (if your faculty does not include a Graham artist)
- A Martha Graham Tool Kit (rehearsal videos, rehearsal audio, staging notes, historic background)
- Rental costumes from the original Martha Graham designs, or construction option
- An authentic lighting and technical consultation
- Performance quality audio
- Contact information for obtaining music rights
- Original program notes and credits
- Dramatic archival photos, publications and educational materials
- Collaboration on interdepartmental curriculum (music, visual arts, education, theater, history departments)
- Martha Graham T-shirts are available for schools to purchase in groups of 25, 50, or more for resale on campus. Contact us for more information about this popular fundraising idea.
- Fees for basic support packages begin at $3,500, not including rental costumes.
Our recent university partners include:
George Mason University
Grand Valley State University
Illinois State University
Laban School, London
Miami Dade College
Pomona College
Skidmore College
University of Arizona
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina – Greensboro
University of Hartford
Dean College
University of Utah
Oklahoma University
Point Park University
Southern Methodist University
Rambert School, London
Western Washington University
Belhaven University
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
High School Productions
Special consideration is given to qualified high schools considering licensing a Martha Graham work. Please contact Suzy Upton at supton@marthagraham.org for further information.
Inquiries Regarding the Use of Photos, Films, Costumes, and Sets
Martha Graham Licensing and Resources has digital reproductions of photos, film and video for use in books, newspapers, magazines, journals, documentaries, exhibitions, webs sites, catalogues, posters, brochures and more. Costumes and sets are also available on loan for reconstructions, exhibits and photo shoots.
How to Donate Historic or Archival Materials
Martha Graham Licensing and Resources welcomes donations of historic and archival material related to Martha Graham. Past donations have included programs, photographs, films, personal collections, books, magazines and correspondence. Donations are tax-deductible.
How to Arrange an Interview
Interviews can be arranged for students and other researchers interested in speaking with dancers who have worked directly with Martha Graham.
