Context

• • 1960-70s rise of the unions to protect workers.
• • Education for all- grammar and comprehensive systems.
• Power of Science and Medicine; eradicating disease such as small pox, anaesthetics.
• • Interest in the power of technology- space race; man on the moon.
• Development of easy travel, cars, air lines.
• • Racial tensions combined with class and political tensions leading to riots.
• • 1980s decline in manufacturing in the UK due to cheap labour elsewhere
• • Development in communication access- phones, internet. 
• Graham's language of dance is based on two main principles: contraction and release.
• Her dancers create tension through contracting a muscle, and then use the flow of energy when the muscle is relaxed to initiate the movement.
• This creates a very choppy, tight movement.
• The contracting of the spine and rib cage make the female dancers look more aggressive, like they are ready to attack and push toward the ground.
• In the 1930s, Graham's physicality as a dancer was shockingly different from smooth and graceful ballerinas.
• Ballets were arranged to appear effortless, while Graham's muscular movement made the effort visible in the choreography.
• • Key features: Low centre of gravity, a spiralling torso and use of off-balance from contemporary dance. Use of weight and the floor in deep plies and lunges.