About the work
"Martha Graham Dance Company" here denotes the centennial programme of the eponymous New York company marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 ("Graham100"). Founded in 1926 by the dance pioneer Martha Graham, it is the oldest dance company in the United States. The mixed repertory programme combines legendary Graham classics with a world premiere by the choreographer Hope Boykin – "En Masse" – set to rediscovered music by Leonard Bernstein, arranged by Christopher Rountree.
Plot
The centennial programme gathers key works of the Graham repertoire – among them "Night Journey", "Chronicle" and "Appalachian Spring" – and sets new work alongside them. Hope Boykin's premiere "En Masse" draws on a recently discovered Bernstein composition as well as newly arranged excerpts from his "MASS" (both arranged by Christopher Rountree). Graham's classics stand for the invention of modern dance: the expressive "contraction and release" technique, mythic and psychological subjects, and iconic female figures. The New York premiere of "En Masse" took place in April 2026 at New York City Center; the programme toured numerous U.S. cities in 2026.
Cultural significance
The Martha Graham Dance Company shaped twentieth-century modern dance like almost no other institution; its founder is considered one of the most influential artists of her time. The 2026 centennial honours this legacy and links it with contemporary commissions such as Hope Boykin's "En Masse", demonstrating the ongoing relevance of the Graham tradition. The connection to Leonard Bernstein also draws a line between two central figures of American cultural history.