Dance Legends: Graham100

sUMMER 2026

Dance Legends: Little Traverse Bay Celebrates Graham100

This summer, Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey invites you to experience Dance Legends: Little Traverse Bay Celebrates Graham100, a dynamic, multi-disciplinary celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company. Through live performances presented by CTAC School of Ballet under the guest direction of Peter Sparling, two original exhibitions, classes, workshops, and special events, Dance Legends explores the lasting influence of Martha Graham, one of the most groundbreaking artists of the 20th century. From iconic masterworks like Appalachian Spring and Lamentation to contemporary visual art inspired by movement, this season offers meaningful ways to experience dance as history, creativity, and community connection. Join us in Petoskey as Graham’s legacy comes to life through movement, music, art, and local voices.

LEARN ABOUT THE LEGEND

Who is Martha Graham?

Martha Graham (1894–1991) was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century and a defining force in the development of modern dance. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, she created more than 180 works and introduced a bold new movement language known for its angular shapes, emotional intensity, and innovative use of costume and fabric. In 1926, she founded her pioneering all-female dance company in a small studio at Carnegie Hall in New York City, laying the foundation for what would become the Martha Graham Dance Company, the oldest dance company in the United States. Her artistic legacy continues to shape dance, theater, and visual culture around the world.

Highlights

  • Helped establish modern dance as a major American art form
  • First dancer to perform at the White House
  • Traveled internationally as a cultural ambassador for the United States
  • Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction
  • Three-time Guggenheim Fellowship recipient in choreography
  • Named Dancer of the Century by Time
  • Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame

experience GRAHAM100

Exhibits & Programming

 

Explore all that Dance Legends has to offer by selecting below to discover the exhibitions or browse performances, classes, workshops, and special events.

Dance Legends Exhibitions
Explore Modern Movement and In Motion at CTAC - Petoskey this summer!
Dance Legends Programming
Explore related classes, performances, and special events in celebration of the Martha Graham Centennial!

thank you

Sponsors

Dance Legends: Little Traverse Bay Celebrates Graham100 is made possible thanks to the support of: