Martha Graham

Martha Graham in Appalachian Spring

Martha Graham's ballet Appalachian Spring, with music by Aaron Copland, premiered on this date in 1944 at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Graham starred in the dance that told the story of an American pioneer couple establishing their home in 19th-century Pennsylvania. Copland won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for the ballet, which he called Ballet for Martha. Graham suggested the title of the piece, taking it from Hart Crane's book-length poem, "The Bridge."

Previous:	Marquis de Lafayette
Next:	Martha Stewart

From our Archives: Today's Highlights, October 30, 2007