America in Dance: Celebrating Martha Graham

May 23, 2026

Dancer and choreographer Martha Graham started her eponymous Center of Contemporary Dance in New York City in 1926 and went on to become one of the most decorated artists of the 20th century. One hundred years later, the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet is putting on one of her most politically charged works, “American Document” (per the Martha Graham website, “a work inspired by essential American texts that addressed the question, ‘What is America?’”). In this iteration, it will incorporate testimonials gathered from residents of the Little Traverse Bay region. The show is part of a global celebration of Graham’s legacy and enduring work. Great Lakes Center for the Arts will host the performance on May 29, with an encore later this summer on Aug. 22 at John M. Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for students and $40 for adults at greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/graham100.

A still from “Appalachian Spring” – photo by Fran Dwight