A Study of Martha Graham?s Dance Pieces which were Based on Americanism- Focused on 「American Document」-Eun-sook ChoProfessor of DanceChaung-Ang UniversityIn modern dance, one name influenced the complete growth of dance: Martha Graham. As a dancer, choreographer, and teacher, she was the most famous, and most controversial. She set a standard for a new style of movement. We can see through modern performances and films of her own performances that her pieces were serious and profound.Especially, in 1930s and 1940s, Graham choreographed several pieces based on American themes such as 「American Provincials」, 「Frontier」, 「Chronicle」, 「American Document」, 「Appalachian Spring」, and 「Letter to the World」. When she choreographed she put in her own philosophical ideas, and generally stayed away from political commentary. But in one piece, 「American Document」, she included not only philosophical ideas but also political content. This piece was an unexpected step in Graham?s development. It premiered in Bennington, Vermont, on August 6, 1938, and toured for nearly three years. But after that, it was lost. Unlike many of her pieces, it has been out of the repertoire even though it was a major work. Now, sixty-four years later, it is difficult to decipher.The study illustrates Graham?s dance pieces which were based on American themes in 1930s and 1930s. Also, the development of the 1938 「American Document」 will be explain ed.