Martha Graham Dance Company Premieres 'We Are Our Time' on PBS

Julia Wagner · 2026-02-05

Hey there, dance community. I've got some exciting news that's going to make your 2026 calendar look a whole lot brighter. The legendary Martha Graham Dance Company is bringing something special to our screens, and it feels like a moment we shouldn't miss. Mark your calendars for March 27, 2026. That's the night PBS will premiere "We Are Our Time," a new production from the company that basically wrote the book on modern American dance. It's not just another performance—it feels like a conversation with our current moment, channeled through a technique that's nearly a century old. ### Why This Premiere Matters to Dance Professionals Look, we all know Martha Graham's work. Her technique is in our studios, her philosophies in our teaching. But this premiere? It's different. It's the company actively engaging with right now, using that foundational language to speak about today's world. That's a powerful lesson for any choreographer or studio owner watching. How do we honor tradition while staying relevant? How do we make classic techniques feel urgent and contemporary? This production seems to be tackling those exact questions head-on. It's a masterclass in artistic evolution that we can all learn from. ### What 'We Are Our Time' Could Mean for Your Studio Let's get practical for a second. When something like this airs on national television, it creates ripples. Here's what I'm thinking might happen in our world: - **Renewed interest in modern technique classes.** When people see compelling Graham work, they want to try it. Be ready. - **Conversation starters with students.** This is perfect material for discussing dance history and its living legacy. - **Programming inspiration.** The themes might spark ideas for your own studio's performances or community events. It's that beautiful cycle—high-profile exposure lifts the entire art form. Our studios and classes benefit when dance gets this kind of platform. ### Making the Most of This Cultural Moment So what do we do with this? Don't just watch passively. Use it. Talk about it in your classes the next day. Share clips on your studio's social media (when available) with your thoughts. Host a watch party for your advanced students. Connect this national event to your local community. One of my favorite Graham quotes feels particularly relevant here: "Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion." This premiere seems to embody that—technique in service of something bigger, something that speaks directly to our time. ### The Bigger Picture for Our Industry Here's the thing that really gets me excited. When a pillar institution like the Martha Graham Dance Company gets prime-time attention, it validates what we do every day. It reminds the broader public that dance isn't just entertainment—it's essential human expression. It's cultural commentary. It's history in motion. That recognition matters. It makes our work teaching the next generation feel more connected to a larger story. It gives us reference points when explaining to parents why their child should learn modern technique, not just the latest TikTok trend. So circle March 27, 2026. Set a reminder. Gather your dance friends. This isn't just a television event—it's a moment for our community to witness how our art form continues to evolve while honoring its roots. And honestly? I can't wait to see what conversations it starts in studios across the country the very next day.