Softening the boarders of codification

Should a formal, traditional ‘western’ modern dance technique be a necessary component for dance education in the globalised 21st century? Can the specificity of boarders that codification embraces, be crossed and dissolve, allowing the language to transform and continue to grow? As a teacher of the Martha Graham technique for over 30 years, Susan Sentler questions its relevance daily especially while working in Asia as she notices dancers' needs within the landscape of the art field. This chapter will not only question the relevance of the Graham technique but also emphasise the methodologies and strategies she has developed to teach the inherent principles inherent, focusing on current pedagogic practice with dance students aged 16 to early 20s. Moreover, Susan interrogates how – through a combination of varied somatic practices and creative improvisational play – students can be encouraged to not only embody this particular technique with greater efficiency, but also stretch their confidence of agency and curiosity, working towards an individual artistic voice.