Martha Graham’s Centennial Celebration in Ann Arbor

By UMS

Still image from Lamentation, woman wrapped in purple fabric on bench with knee and arms up

Martha Graham Dance Company returned to the Power Center stage to celebrate its 100th anniversary with three unforgettable performances and a dynamic lineup of events. The week brought together company dancers, U-M students, and audiences from beyond campus through a special lobby art installation, a book signing, and dance workshops for all skill levels. From stage to studio to shared spaces, the Martha Graham Dance Company made its presence unmistakable. Take a look back at this action-packed week.

Janet Eilber, a white woman with glasses, holds microphone and smiles Still image from En Masse, woman dressed in blue under a spotlight with right arm in the air

Three Different Programs, Featuring U-M students

To highlight the breadth of Martha Graham’s repertoire, the company presented three distinct programs over the course of the weekend. Friday and Sunday performances featured Panorama, performed by 30 first-year University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance students, while Sunday’s program also included Appalachian Spring accompanied by live music from the U-M Contemporary Directions Ensemble. With a different program each night, audiences were inspired to return—35 households attended all three performances, and 78 households experienced two.

Still image from Appalachian Spring, woman in red dress with leg kicked back Still image from En Masse, Six dancers stand in a line with arm extended to the right

Still image from Appalachian Spring, man in all brown extends arms over 4 women in white dresses and bonnets Still image from En Masse, Seven dancers dressed in blue jump in air

School Day Performance

In addition to their public performances, the company performed Appalachian Spring and We the People for 600+ K-12 students from nine Southeast Michigan schools.

Lobby Installation

Peter Spalding in front of 'Night Journey' artwork

Peter Sparling, U-M professor emeritus and former Martha Graham principal dancer, celebrated the company’s visit with Doom-Eager: Paintings for Martha, a Power Center lobby exhibition inspired by Night Journey and Graham’s tragic heroines.

Martha Graham at 100 Book Signing

Panel of speakers at Literati bookstore

A special book signing at Literati Bookstore celebrated Martha Graham Dance Company: 100 Years, the photography book by Ann Arbor natives Deborah Ory and Ken Brower of NYC Dance Project, with remarks from the photographers alongside Sparling.

You Can Dance!

Collage of You Can Dance! workshop attendees

Rehearsal Director Blakeley White-McGuire and MGDC dancer Meagan King led a free You Can Dance! workshop for community members of all ages and skill levels, exploring movement inspired by Martha Graham’s iconic style in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Masterclasses and Workshops

Collage of Masterclass dancers

Artist facilitators Seycon Nadia and Cara Graninger brought Martha Graham’s legacy to life in 12 school workshops across Southeast Michigan, guiding students to create their own pieces inspired by her innovative dance style. MGDC artists engaged with students across multiple academic contexts through performances, conversations, and classroom visits. White-McGuire participated in a 30-minute moderated conversation in the course Community Matters, exploring the intersections of community engagement and community impact through dance. MGDC apprentice dancer Grace Sautter visited both the American Culture course Dance in America and the UMS-sponsored Engaging Performance class, leading Q&A sessions with students in each setting. In addition, SMTD dance majors participated in a masterclass hosted by White-McGuire and observed a portion of an MGDC rehearsal on the Friday prior to the performance.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

UMS first presented the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1970, and they remain one of our closest artistic partners. We are grateful to our generous supporters who helped make this residency possible.