Module 11: Ballet for Martha by Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan, and Brian Floca (SLIS 5420 review)

Summary: Greenberg, Jordan, and Floca tell the story of Appalachian Spring, a dance performance with choreography by Martha Graham, music by Aaron Copland, and set by Isamu Noguchi. The dance was first performed on October 30, 1944 in Washington, D.C. The authors and illustrator describe how the creative efforts of Graham, Copland, and Noguchi all came together in one cohesive work.

Citation: Greenberg, J., Jordan, S., & Floca, B. (2010). Ballet for Martha: making Appalachian Spring. New York: RB/Flash Point.

Impression: Ballet for Martha is a beautiful book, and it tells the story of what must have been a beautiful dance performance. I was glad the authors discussed both the ups and downs of creating Appalachian Spring because it gives the reader a realistic picture how difficult yet rewarding the production experience can be. For example, during the rehearsal process Martha “has a tantrum. She screams. She yells. She throws a shoe. The dancers wait. Martha always figures it out” (p. 17). They also emphasized the collaborative nature of the work and discussed how each of the three people on the creative team effected the final product. A thorough bibliography at the end of the book provides resources for anyone who wants to learn more about Graham, Copland, or Noguchi.

I was especially impressed with Floca’s watercolor illustrations. One of my favorite is a two page spread of composer Aaron Copland. Copland is sitting at the piano, and the background of the pages is a piece of sheet music. I thought the spread was clever and well-composed. There are many illustrations of the dancers in rehearsal for the production and at the first performance, and I was also fascinated that he was able to indicate the movement of the dancers so well.

Review:
School Library Journal:
Gr 2-6 --If Martha Graham's choreography for "Appalachian Spring" was a "valentine" to the world, as critics wrote in 1944, then this book is a love letter in return. Simple, poetic prose tells the story of the creation of one of the world's most-loved ballets and compositions, and Floca's graceful watercolor illustrations take admirers through every part of its development. Written in the present tense, the narrative has a sense of drama that carries readers along as if the events were happening in real time. Fascinating details about the collaboration among Graham, Copland, and Isamu Noguchi (set design) are well documented in the lengthy "curtain call," notes, and resources pages, which read like a fantastic set of liner notes. Floca varies the illustrations from vignettes to bird's-eye views to landscapes and expertly capture the fluid movements of the dancers. The page layouts are well planned to create the most movement and interest. The authors researched extensively but found a way to crystallize all of the information into a gem that is approachable for young readers. More than anything, this work emphasizes the value of collaboration and celebrates the work that Graham, Copland, and Noguchi did to bring together the performing and visual arts. Readers may be inspired to go to Russell Freedman's Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life (Clarion, 1998) and should be encouraged to check out one of Leonard Bernstein's definitive recordings of "Appalachian Spring" and a video of the ballet.

Dobbs, C. (2010). [Review of the book Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring, by J. Greenberg, S. Jordan and B. Floca]. School Library Journal, 56(8), 119-120. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

Use in library:
Libraries could use this book as part of a display or booktalk featuring books on the creative arts.