Martha Graham was an iconic American dancer and choreographer whose influence on modern dance continues to be felt today. Her quotes and words of wisdom have inspired millions around the world. From her thoughts on art and creative expression to her reflections on life, Graham’s words are filled with insight and inspiring advice. Here are some of Martha Graham’s most inspiring quotes that will help you find the courage to pursue your dreams and live a life of passion.1. “No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it is just that others are behind the time.” – Martha Graham
2. “Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” – Martha Graham
3. “It’s not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” – Martha Graham
4. “The body says what words cannot.” – Martha Graham
5. “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” – Martha Graham
6. “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” – Martha Graham
7. “Movement never lies.” – Martha Graham
8. “We learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same.”- Martha Graham
9. “The only sin is mediocrity” – Martha Graham
10. “Dance is a song of the body… either of joy or pain” – Martha Graham
Martha Graham on Dance
Dance is the hidden language of the soul. Martha Graham, the mother of modern dance, believed firmly in the power of movement to express emotion and tell stories. She was a pioneer in her field, creating an entirely new technique and philosophy that has influenced generations of dancers and choreographers. Throughout her career, Graham was known for her inspiring words about the power of dance and how it can be used to open our minds and spirits. Here are some of her most famous quotes on dance:
“Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.”
“Dance is a cry of joy or despair expressed in movement.”
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all time, this expression isunique.”
“Dance is the timeless interpretation of life itself.”
“The body says what words cannot.”
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.”
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it’s just that others are behind the times.”
These powerful words from Martha Graham remind us that dance has so much more to offer us than just entertainment; it can open up our minds and connect us with our inner emotions. As we move through life, let us carry these words with us and remember to express ourselves fully through movement.
Famous Quotes by Martha Graham on Life
Martha Graham was a renowned American dancer and choreographer. Her work revolutionized modern dance and her quotes on life have inspired many. Here are some of her famous quotes on life:
“Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.”
This quote encourages us to take risks and just go for it, even if we don’t have the skills yet. It’s a reminder that our willingness to try is more important than our actual ability.
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it’s just that others are behind the times.”
This quote speaks to how artists must remain true to their own vision and not be swayed by what is popular or accepted at the time. It also reminds us that sometimes, we are ahead of our time, but that doesn’t mean it will be accepted right away.
“The only sin is mediocrity.”
This quote encourages us to strive for excellence in all that we do. We should always push ourselves to go beyond our limits and strive for greatness. Mediocrity should never be an option if we want to make something truly great out of our lives.
“It’s not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions.”
This quote reminds us that the only opinion that matters when creating something new is our own. We should never let outside opinions influence what we create or tell us whether or not something is good enough.
Martha Graham on Expression
Martha Graham was an American modern dancer and choreographer who revolutionized the world of dance. She is known for her unique approach to movement and expression, which has become a foundation of contemporary dance. Her quotes on expression have become some of the most iconic in the world of dance. Here are some of her most famous quotes on expression:
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
This quote speaks to the power of dance as a form of self-expression. Through movement and gesture, dancers can communicate emotions and thoughts that words cannot express. This quote emphasizes how important it is to allow one’s true self to come through in their dancing.
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it’s just that others are behind the times.”
This quote highlights how art reflects its time and culture, while also pushing boundaries and creating something new. It reminds us to be aware of our place in history, while also striving to innovate and create something unique and timeless.
“The only sin is mediocrity.”
This quote emphasizes Graham’s commitment to excellence and innovation in art. She believed that mediocrity should be avoided at all costs, and that artists should strive for greatness in their work. This quote challenges us to push ourselves further, even when it feels uncomfortable or difficult, in order to achieve something truly great.
Most Inspiring Quotes by Martha Graham
Martha Graham was an American dancer and choreographer who was a leading figure in modern dance of the 20th century. Her works are among the most iconic in the history of modern dance and her quotes are just as inspiring. Here are some of her most inspiring quotes:
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it’s just that others are behind the times.”
“The only sin is mediocrity.”
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
“Dance is an art that imprints on the soul what words fail to express.”
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”
“I have spent all my life with dance and being a dancer. It’s permitting life to use you in a very intense way. Sometimes it is not pleasant. Sometimes it is fearful. But nevertheless it is inevitable.”
“It’s not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It’s your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”
Martha Graham’s Legacy
Martha Graham was one of the most influential and celebrated dancers and choreographers of the 20th century. Her works revolutionized modern dance, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers. Throughout her career, Graham used her art to express powerful ideas about life, creativity, and the human experience. Here are some of her most iconic quotes that define her legacy:
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
This quote speaks to the power of movement to communicate emotions and feelings that words cannot always express. Through dance, Graham was able to use her body to convey powerful messages about life and human nature.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of passion in artistic expression. To Graham, technique alone was not enough; it had to be combined with a deep emotional connection in order for art to truly come alive.
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it is just that others are behind the times.”
This quote reminds us that true artists are ahead of their time, but only in relation to those who can’t or won’t keep up with them. Graham believed that real artistry was a matter of being attuned to the spirit of one’s own era, rather than trying to predict what would be popular in future generations.
“The body says what words cannot.”
This quote speaks to the power of movement as a form of communication beyond words. For Graham, dance was a way for her body and soul to express emotion in ways that verbal language could not. She believed that through physical expression we can unlock deeper truths about ourselves and our world.
Knowing Yourself
Martha Graham, a legendary American modern dancer and choreographer, has some valuable advice on knowing yourself. She said, “Know your body and know your mind, and separate the two.” This is an important step in self-discovery and self-knowledge. Knowing your body means understanding its limits, capabilities and strengths. It also means understanding how to use it to its fullest potential. Knowing your mind involves understanding the power of thought and being aware of the thoughts that you generate.
By separating the two, you can start to gain insight into different parts of yourself that may have been neglected or overlooked. For example, if you are not aware of how your body feels when it is under stress or in relaxed states, you can start to become aware of those sensations and learn to better manage them. Similarly, if you are not aware of the thoughts that are running through your head at any given moment, you can begin to become mindful of them and consciously choose how to respond or react.
Another important part of knowing yourself is learning to trust and love who you are as a person. Martha Graham said “It’s very hard in the beginning to trust yourself—to have faith in yourself—but with practice comes poise.” Learning to accept who you are as a person is essential for finding inner peace and contentment with life. Accepting yourself means being kinder towards yourself, forgiving mistakes, celebrating successes, and cherishing moments of joy along the way.
Learning about oneself takes time but it is an incredibly rewarding experience that leads to greater self-understanding and confidence. Through Martha Graham’s words we can be reminded that knowing ourselves is an ongoing practice that requires patience but yields invaluable rewards.
Quotes about Courage from Martha Graham
Martha Graham, the iconic American dancer and choreographer, was an inspiration to many. Her words of wisdom are often quoted for their timeless wisdom and courage. Here are some of her most inspiring quotes about courage:
“No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time; it’s just that others are behind the times.”
Graham spoke often about the importance of having courage to pursue your dreams and create art. She said, “Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art. Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.” She encouraged others to push through fear and doubt and cultivate their creative spirit.
“You are only what you give,” she said. “If you pour out your soul through your work, then you will become a living legend.” This quote speaks to the power of being true to oneself and giving as much as one can in life in order to truly make a difference.
Graham also spoke of the importance of courage when facing adversity: “A man has only one aim in life – to find courage – not merely to endure but to conquer all obstacles.” She believed that it was possible for anyone who put their mind and heart into it, no matter how difficult the task may be.
Finally, Graham reminded us that courage goes hand-in-hand with greatness: “Courage is the hallmark of greatness. It is only when we take risks that we truly discover ourselves.” These words remind us that we must push beyond our comfort zone if we want to reach our potential.
Conclusion
Martha Graham’s quotes have helped to inspire and guide generations of dancers, choreographers, and artists. Her words emphasize the importance of passion, courage, and creativity in pursuing one’s goals. They also remind us that we must take risks and be willing to make mistakes in order to create something unique and meaningful. Martha Graham’s words remind us that the journey towards greatness is rarely easy, but it is ultimately worth it. Her words will continue to inspire many for years to come.
In conclusion, Martha Graham’s quotes are a testament to her creative genius and her dedication to her craft. Throughout her career she was able to create something truly remarkable that will continue to inspire generations of dancers and choreographers for years to come.