Martha Merideth
Martha Merideth is best known in the community for her dedication to the arts education in dance and theatre. By virtue of this passion, young children, teens and adults receive a solid start and the training needed to become proficient in their endeavors. She is a strong advocate for aspiring young artists and encourages people of all ages to a healthy, passionate life reinventing and expanding themselves through creative connections.
Martha’s most recent success has been with her Daring Shadowgraph Dances Projects. Her debut of “Carousel” at the Long Island Dance Consortium Festival on April 29, 2006, was a massive triumph. She worked with dancers from Ajkun Ballet Theatre in producing this piece, and they are currently making inquiries to have Martha do more choreography for their company.
Her next adventurous choreography was "Fashion Field Fantasy", as premiered at the Long Island Dance Consortium in April of 2007. It was vibrant telling of a dream where mannequins come to life and dance with a security guard. The music was energetic, a combination of Tango, Salsa and Waltz. The reception was exceptionally enthusiastic.
“Born in New York City, I've been blessed with the opportunity to justify my existence through dance and theatre. Because of my most beloved brother, Arnold Joseph, and my mother, Margaret, I am standing here today, joyful with what makes me love life and feel so alive and young. Tender strong memories fill my very soul with my teachers: Martha Graham, Charles Weidman, Ruth St Dennis, Ted Shawn, Robert Joffrey, Doris Humphrey, Luigi, Mme Andersen Di Ivanzora, Gerald Arpino, Merideth Baylis, Perry Brunson, Bill Dollar, Margaret Craske, Mayra Kinch, Maria Grandy, Josephina Garcia, Goya and Matteo, and other luminaries.”
Many successful artists received their start on the right foot under Martha's personal tutelage. A few of her alumni include:
- John White (Washington Ballet Company)
- Heather Matarazzo (Hollywood films such as Devil’s Advocate with Al Pacino, Princess Diaries 1 and 2, television series, specials, etc.)
- Alexandra Ansenelli (Principal - New York City Ballet)
- Idina Menzel (Broadway: Wicked - Tony Winner, Rent. Film: Rent.)
- Mara Reiner (Mark Morris Dance Company)
For more alumni, see our Graduate Alumni page.
In 1979 Martha founded her own nonprofit performing company, Dance Theatre Eclectic. Since its inception in the 70's she has used DTE as a training vehicle for budding professionals, and in 1987 she founded Families Unite for Life to raise funds and awareness for hands-on care for babies and children with AIDS.
At age 11, after Martha’s first year of training, she received a full scholarship for the Joss Ballet (Elizabeth and Don Oscar Becque). This scholarship led her being in the Humphrey–Weidman Dance Company by age 13, and to act as Charles Weidman’s demonstrator during teaching and touring engagements.
Martha’s academic scholarships were first garnered in the 6th grade while a student at the Willard Mace Private School, followed by Quintano’s School for Young Professionals, Jacobs Pillow University of the Dance, and Sarah Lawrence College. Martha chose Adelphi University to stay performing in NYC. At age 13, Martha was on correspondence to tour, perform and demonstrate in Master Classes for Charles Weidman, Elizabeth and Don Oscar Becque and the Dance Notation Bureau. These experiences were the foundation that led her to found her school, encouraged by her late husband, Dr. Howard Vernon Merideth, and teach as adjunct professor for Nassau Community College, Adelphi University and public schools.
As well as teaching in her own school for over 40 years, Martha has taught Adult Ed throughout Nassau County and has taught as an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College and Adelphi University.
Martha has been a board member of the Town of Oyster Bay Arts Council for 18 years and is currently serving as Second Vice President. She is also a director of the Long Island Dance Consortium, a member of the Huntington Arts Council and the Syosset Chamber of Commerce.
The summer of 2006 began Martha's weekly volunteer action to bring herself to the doorsteps of people in rehabilitation programs in Hicksville. With a long history of teaching, she feels she can provide exercise, jazz, tap, and Ballroom to encourage these people to seek healthier ways of life. She works toward providing hope where there is little or none.
