GRAHAM FOR ACTORS
Unlock powerful storytelling and emotional depth with the Martha Graham technique, crafted to enrich actors’ presence and expressive range on stage.
« Nothing is more revealing than movement. »
- Martha Graham
GRAHAM FOR ACTORS is a Dance & Acting workshop imagined by Isabelle Zighondi, based on the dance technique of the American choreographer and modern dance pioneer Martha Graham. It is an accessible dance practice that offers a new physiological approach to acting that allows for emotional expression that truly captures the essence of the moment.
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Foundations of the Martha Graham Technique
[ 001 ]
Discover the core principles of the Martha Graham technique, centered on emotional expression, inner awareness, and conscious movement. This practice emphasizes body mechanics—understanding center, breath, weight, and spiral—and helps actors tune into themselves, others, and their surroundings. Starting from physical movement and the participants’ existing knowledge, the training gradually integrates texts, vocal exercises, and pronunciation, creating a platform for personal exploration. Here, actors are encouraged to internalize Graham’s technical foundation, adapting it to their own artistic voice.
« Learn not to dance, but to move, to link body and emotion, soul and thought »
That is why Hollywood actors and film directors came to work with Martha Graham, including Woody Allen, Ingrid Bergman, Claire Bloom, Kirk Douglas , Bette Davis, Gregory Peck, Liza Minelli, among others.
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From Technique to Performance
[ 002 ]
In the next phase, participants work on scenes in front of the camera, as if on set. Every session is filmed to allow for reflection and refinement, with the Graham technique supporting their creativity and emotional authenticity. This workshop combines work on text, voice, and physical expression, all designed to enhance body awareness, emotional resonance, and presence. Rather than seeking perfection in form, the focus is on achieving a heightened sensation and authenticity in each movement.
This process is a path toward a new physiological approach to acting, where emotion and gesture are interconnected, enabling actors to deliver genuine, impactful performances.
[ GRAHAM FOR ACTORS ]
Videos
Isabelle Zighondi
[LOCATION]
PARIS, FRANCE
Isabelle Zighondi is a French-Lebanese Film-TV and stage actress and dancer. She starred in several feature films, such as the French movie Skies of Lebanon (2021) in La Semaine De La Critique de Cannes and directed by Chloé Mazlo.
Isabelle was born in Paris and grew up in Lebanon, mastering four languages: French, Arabic, English and Italian. She graduated with a degree in audio-visual cinema from USEK. During her studies, she danced and performed with the Caracalla Dance Theater in the most prestigious theaters in the world before returning to Paris to continue her Master’s Degree in Audiovisual Cinema at the Pantheon Sorbonne Paris 1 University.
Isabelle was born in Paris and grew up in Lebanon, mastering four languages: French, Arabic, English and Italian. She graduated with a degree in audio-visual cinema from USEK. During her studies, she danced and performed with the Caracalla Dance Theater in the most prestigious theaters inShe works in major productions both in France and internationally. Her latest works in the Arab World are Flight 422, produced by MBC Studios and October Films, directed by Ashley Pearce, and DAHAB, produced by Eagle Films, directed by Mohamed Samir. Both series are streaming on Shahid VIP (2023). the world before returning to Paris to continue her Master’s Degree in Audiovisual Cinema at the Pantheon Sorbonne Paris 1 University.
Alternating between her two passions, Isabelle is now pursuing a PhD in Dance and Cinema at the University of Toulouse Jean-Jaurès, studying the influence of Martha Graham's dance technique on acting for cinema and television.
Summer Camp
Venise, Italy
(July 13-16)
For any inquiries, please contact us at summerintensive@grahamforeurope.com
Following the success of its tour, Graham For Actors is delighted to invite you to the international acting summer camp for its first edition in Venice, Italy.
PROGRAM
4 intensive days, 5 hours/day (3 days of practice, with 2 hours of Graham Technique and 3 hours of acting) + 1 day of events (colloquium & presentations). The Summer Camp is integrated into Graham For Europe’s Summer Intensive, offering participants free events with practitioners and researchers exploring and pursuing Martha Graham's legacy. Location: The courses will take place at Venezia Balletto in Mestre (Via Rossetto, 5, 30172 Venice) Language: The entire program is conducted primarily in English, with the possibility of acting in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Arabic. All teachers speak several languages.
COST
European Citizens: 300 euros / Non-European Citizens: 250 euros
HOW TO APPLY?
- Send a 1-minute video presentation
(in English/ French/ Arabic/ German/ Spanish/ Italian)
- Demo reel or/and CV
Previous workshops
🇪🇬 CAIRO @ MAAT|CDCC (Nov 13-16, 2023)
🇫🇷 TOULOUSE @Université de Toulouse-Jean Jaurès (November 9-10, 2023)
🇫🇷 PARIS @Micadanses (July 19-21, 2023)
🇱🇧 BEIRUT @Notre Dame University-Louaize (May 31-June 2, 2022)
🇫🇷 PARIS @Micadanses (May 14-15, 2022)
🇫🇷 TOULOUSE @Université de Toulouse-Jean Jaurès (April 9-10, 2022)
