American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) opened the door to spiritual and emotional expression, creating the foundations of modern dance as she codified inventive movements and techniques. Graham collaborated with innumerable twentieth-century greats, including composer Aaron Copland (Appalachian Spring) and visual artist Isamu Noguchi, and was sought out by well-known classical ballet dancers, actors, and actresses who wanted to broaden and deepen their range of movement. The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded in 1926, is still active and influential today.
