Curtain Up

When I was studying
at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, sometimes Martha herself would teach. One time we were doing contractions on the floor and she came over to me and slipped her hand under the small of my back. “Crush my hand,” she commanded.

That was my first lesson in the fierce physical commitment the Graham technique demanded. Now, decades later, Janet Eilber is keeping that deep physicality while also experimenting with new formats and influences. With powerful women dancers—the men are no slouches, either—she has commissioned new works and involved the company in outside-the-box projects. Read Gia Kourlas’ “Out of the Maze” to learn how Eilber is moving the Graham idiom forward.

With Martha Graham as the guiding light
for our Women’s Issue, we take a look at three inspiring women who have recently become leaders: Alessandra Ferri, Larissa Saveliev and Lourdes Lopez. They all started out as dancers and expanded their range as they matured. When you read “Through the Glass Ceiling,” you’ll see how each developed her own style of leadership.

Not too long ago,
having a child meant the end of your performing career. But in these more evolved times, it’s possible—though difficult—to have a baby and a career, too. In “Pitter-Patter in the Studio,” Elaine Stuart talks to five dancer/mothers who are fulfilling this double role with special grace.

This month
we bring you a new section called “Burning Question.” There are always lots of issues swirling around the dance world, and we want to key in to some of them with perspectives from different leaders in the field. Turn to page 44 to see our first sizzler.

Our revamped education section, “Learning Curves,” is filled with practical advice for today’s performers. Plus each month we’ll talk to a young dancer at the crossroads—that crucial moment when she has to decide between college and a pre-professional route.

Wendy Perron,
Editor in Chief

[email protected]

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Photo at top: Wendy with the Graham Company, by Nathan Sayers. Bottom: Wendy in her teens, by Jerry Bauer.