Dancers + Choreographers

Martha Graham

Born in Pittsburgh, family moved to California in 1908 where she saw a performance of Ruth Saint-Denis that inspired her to become a dancer. Would later study at Saint-Denis' dance school. In 1926, took a teaching job at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and gave her first recital at the 48th Street Theatre in New York City. A year later, opened her own school, the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. In 1936, established the school of modern dance at Bennington College. Was invited to perform at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, but declined.

Gave her first performance at the White House for the Roosevelts in 1937 and would dance for seven other presidents. Most notable and probably longest lasting work was Appalachian Spring, choreographed in 1944. Didn't stop dancing until 1970, when she was 76 years old. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1976, and in 1984 was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government. Continued writing ballets until her death in 1991.

Gene Kelly

Born the third of five children, "The Five Kellys"—Jay, Jim, Gene, Louise, and Fred—performed amateur vaudeville shows around Pittsburgh. Family founded The Gene Kelly Studio of the Dance in 1932, with one studio in Pittsburgh and one in Johnstown. Taught at the studio, as well as choreographed and directed shows at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and University of Pittsburgh. Graduated from Peabody High School and the University of Pittsburgh.

Went to Broadway in 1938 and in 1940, starred in Pal Joey, a hit that ran for 270 performances. Hollywood came calling. Debuted in For Me and My Gal with Judy Garland. Other films followed including Cover Girl (1944) and Anchors Away (1945), earning an Academy Award nomination. Joined the navy during WWII and returned in 1946, making many films including The Pirate, Take Me Out to the Ballgame and On The Town. In 1951 made An American In Paris, winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture. Followed with the spoof of early movie-making, Singin' in the Rain that went on to become one of America's most popular musicals.

After Singin' in the Rain, moved to Europe to take advantage of a new income tax law. Upon returning to the US, appeared in two musicals, Brigadoon and It's Always Fair Weather. In 1957, his fifteen year marriage to wife Betsy ended. Also that year made his last film for MGM, Les Girls. In 1960, married Jeannie Coyne, his longtime dance assistant and former pupil from Pittsburgh. Together they had a son, Timothy, and daughter Bridget. In 1973 Jeannie died from cancer. During the 1970s and 1980s, made retrospective films including That's Entertainment! and That's Entertainment II.

In 1982, received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 1985, a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute. Married writer Patricia Ward in 1990 and died in 1996. His legacy continues at Pittsburgh CLO where the annual Kelly Awards honor local high school talent, strongly supported by Patricia Ward Kelly.