The Martha Graham Dance Co. will perform “Appalachian Spring,” featuring the music of Aaron Copland, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

“You can’t talk about modern dance without mentioning Martha Graham’s incredible contribution to the art form,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center. “Martha Graham Dance Co. is known for expressing beauty and grace in their performances. Their shows are so diverse and range from sensual movement to earth shattering athletic precision. Graham’s work has garnered recognition from the Kennedy Center and even the White House.”

Recognized as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Martha Graham (1894-1991) created a movement language based upon the expressive capacity of the human body. It all began in 1926 when Graham started teaching a group of dancers who had been drawn to her creative work. Thus began the Martha Graham Studio, to remain under her personal guidance for the next 66 years.

The Martha Graham Dance Co. has been a leader in the development of contemporary dance since its founding. Informed by Graham’s expansive vision, the company brings to life a timeless and uniquely American style of dance that has influenced generations of artists and continues to captivate audiences. Graham and her company have expanded contemporary dance’s vocabulary of movement and forever altered the scope of the art form by rooting works in contemporary social, political, psychological and sexual contexts, deepening their impact and resonance.

The Martha Graham Dance Co. performance is co-presented with UNL’s Interdisciplinary Arts Symposium.

Tickets, starting at $36 for adults and $18 for students, are available online, at the Lied Center box office or by phone at 402-472-4747.