Designer Daniella Kallmeyer Brings Signature Style to Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th Anniversary

Kallmeyer's custom costumes for the gala performance pay homage to the legendary choreographer's iconic movement.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a rich, burgundy fabric with a luxurious, shimmering texture, conceptually representing the opulent costumes designed by Daniella Kallmeyer for the Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th anniversary performance.The custom costume designs by Daniella Kallmeyer for the Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th anniversary gala captured the legendary choreographer's signature style.NYC Today

Fashion designer Daniella Kallmeyer fulfilled a lifelong dream by creating custom costumes for the Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th anniversary gala performance in New York. Kallmeyer, who attended a summer intensive at the Martha Graham School as a young dancer, designed flowing, dance-friendly dresses that captured the essence of Graham's choreographic style.

Why it matters

Kallmeyer's involvement in the Martha Graham gala represents a meaningful intersection of her passions for fashion and dance. As one of the most influential modern dance pioneers, Martha Graham's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and designers.

The details

For the gala, Kallmeyer transformed two pieces from her pre-fall 2026 collection into custom costumes. Dancer Xin Ying wore a flowing burgundy dress with a one-shouldered drape, while Lloyd Knight performed in another Kallmeyer design. The designer noted that she had already been inspired by Graham's iconic dresses with their emphasis on movement and fabric when creating her pre-fall line, making the costume commission a natural fit.

  • Daniella Kallmeyer attended a summer dance intensive at the Martha Graham School in New York when she was younger.
  • The Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th anniversary gala took place on April 17, 2026 in New York.

The players

Daniella Kallmeyer

A fashion designer who created custom costumes for the Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th anniversary gala performance. Kallmeyer had previously attended a summer intensive at the Martha Graham School as a young dancer.

Xin Ying

A dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company who performed in one of Kallmeyer's custom costume designs at the 100th anniversary gala.

Lloyd Knight

A dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company who performed in one of Kallmeyer's custom costume designs at the 100th anniversary gala.

Martha Graham

A legendary modern dance pioneer whose iconic choreographic style and costume designs inspired Kallmeyer's work for the gala.

Martha Graham Dance Company

A renowned modern dance company that celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala performance featuring Kallmeyer's custom costume designs.

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What they’re saying

“The irony of this piece is that before this project came to me, I had actually designed our pre-fall with Martha Graham in mind. She was known for dancing in these beautiful dresses with so much fabric, and incorporating the garments into the choreography. I often think about the way bodies move within my clothes, and a lot of the proportions that inspire me come from that world.”

— Daniella Kallmeyer, Fashion Designer

The takeaway

Daniella Kallmeyer's involvement in the Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th anniversary gala represents a meaningful intersection of her passions for fashion and dance. By designing custom costumes that captured the essence of Graham's iconic choreographic style, Kallmeyer paid homage to a legendary figure who continues to inspire new generations of artists.