Graham master class

Peter Sparling is Thurnau Professor of Dance at the University of Michigan and active independent dance artist. As former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, chair of the U-M Department of Dance from 1988-93 and Artistic Director of Peter Sparling Dance Company from 1993-2008.

Sparling’s teaching draws from the mid-century American Moderns for its deep connectivity between inner impulse and manifestation in dynamic shape. Range of expressive motion and the ability to gauge impact and projection – with acute awareness of musicality and phrasing – remain his priorities, along with constant referencing of the intention of the choreographer to animate and contextualize the classroom movement.