I feel that the essence of dance is the expression of man--the landscape of his soul. I hope that every dance I do reveals something of myself or some wonderful thing a human can be.

— Martha Graham

I have heard stories that it was love at first sight for both of us, that we disappeared to a guest room at Merle's house, had our meals sent up, and didn't emerge for several days. This is absolutely untrue. I would never behave like that as a guest in someone's home. Carlos and I went to my beach house.

— Martha Graham

I never set out to create a technique. I started out on the floor to find myself, to find what the body could do, and what would give me satisfaction - emotionally, dramatically and bodily. But I did not ever dream of establishing a technique. I still can't believe anything like that happened.

— Martha Graham

Misery is a communicable disease.

— Martha Graham

No artist is ahead of his time. He is his time. It is just that others are behind the time.

— Martha Graham

Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.

— Martha Graham

People have asked me why I chose to be a dancer. I did not choose. I was chosen to be a dancer, and with that, you live all your life.

— Martha Graham

Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.

— Martha Graham

Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can.

— Martha Graham

The body is a sacred garment.

— Martha Graham