Martha Graham rehearsing “The Witch of Endor" in 1965. Photo Credit: Sam Falk.

Lights, camera, DANCE ACTION! You would think that show business was as easy as those three words.  I know what these dancers do looks very easy, but in reality it is extremely difficult. During the first couple of weeks with the Teen Reviewers and Critics Dance Program I saw many performances, but it was a different experience to observe The Martha Graham Dance Company in practice mode.  I had always pictured professionals as perfect and incapable of making any mistakes, but in rehearsal I saw a lot of mess-ups— also, a lot of smiling and leg warmers. Even though the dancers would make mistakes in the choreography, they did not take it heart.  I was surprised to see that even during their break, the performers would use their time to continue working, “counting and watching like crazy maniacs,” as artistic director of the Martha Graham Company, Janet Eilber described.

According to Nancy Wozny, of DanceHunter.com, “Martha Graham premiered her first evening of solo work in 1929 and dance hasn’t been the same since.” Blakeley White-McGuire, who is performing Martha Graham’s role in Every Soul is a Circus, claimed to have no idea who Martha Graham was before moving to New York City from Louisiana.  Now she does. White -McGuire been working with the Martha Graham Company since 2002. When asked how much she practiced a week, she said that most of the week is dedicated to dance only, in specific, ballet.

When asked about the upcoming season White-McGuire optimistically exclaimed, “I feel like it’s gonna be a hit… “