Martha Hill discusses modern dance in the United States with an introduction and conclusion by Susan Hess; Hill thanks the film creators, Ralph Jester, Charles Rinehart, and Jack Venza; talks about how this dance period will be characterized in the future; her childhood and dance background; discusses films after audience viewings including outfits worn by Bennington dancers, and how Hill became director of the Bennington School of Dance; dancing with Martha Graham and teaching to make extra money; teaching at Bennington College and New York University both from 1932-1951; pioneering dance at Juilliard; how early modern dance pieces were choreographed by Martha Graham and Mary Wigman for women only with Graham introduced men in her work, American Document; Graham's evolution into stark movements; the Carnegie Hall studio performances, and the Graham company moving to different locations; Bennington College combining Dance, Theater and Music into one Art Department after Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Discussion concludes with brief comments on Reel 2 by Susan Hess.
Series statement
Susan Hess Modern Dance Lecture Series Video Archive
Uniform title
Susan Hess Modern Dance Lecture Series Video Archive.