These films are an invaluable historical representation, but I can’t say I enjoyed them much. I’m happier I watched them, than I am to watch them again. Still, it just means I’ve got more growing to do, which is exciting in its own way.

united states, 1959, english

NATHAN KROLL


Martha Graham: Dance on Film

I consider myself to be someone who is open to various forms of art. I may not know much about them, but I’m usually at least receptive to trying to see what they have to offer. I particularly delight in experiencing things totally outside my knowledge area, as they offer me an opportunity to grow my cultural base. As I mentioned in my essay on Pina, I’m an almost total novice when it comes to dance. I loved that film so much, I was super excited to watch this one. I’m therefore disappointed to discover I still have a long way to go in my appreciation of dance, before I can give this another try.

I didn’t enjoy this anywhere near as much as I hoped I would. Ever since seeing Pina, and the films of the Carlos Saura set, I’ve been excited to see another aspect of dance. What I discovered was my appreciation is too surface to extend this far back. The dance I’ve seen, and loved, quite clearly owes a massive debt to the pioneering work of Martha Graham. That much was clear, and I found the interviews with her fascinating. But when it came to watching the dances themselves I was bored. That’s ok, it just means I’m not there yet. I’ll be returning to this set again, with a little more time, and a different mood. Hopefully I’ll be able to connect then.