Hello, welcome to Planet Classroom.

I am Orb.

Join me as your virtual guide on a journey of global learning called Planet Classroom.

You will hear stories from artists, musicians, dancers, technologists, game makers, filmmakers,

innovators and creators of all kinds from around the world.

It's time to engage or imagine nations, share our ideas and explore solutions for a brighter

future for all.

Our planet is a classroom where learning together brings us together.

Today on Planet Classroom, we are talking about the Martha Graham Ballet Appalachian Spring.

Many people believe its themes remain relevant to today's world.

And I do believe that's true.

It is very stylized.

It may seem like it's out of a different era.

But the collaborators who created Appalachian Spring, Martha Graham, the composer, Aaron Copland,

this set designer, is Samu Nguci.

We're determined to distill the essences of America into this ballet.

And they were leaning into the idea of the frontier mentality of about American determination,

optimism, hope for the future.

The ballet shows that life is not always easy, that there are challenges, but they want

you to think about and believe in the power of optimism, of hard work, of determination,

and resisting against challenge.

And I think that is something that all of us can relate to in our lives.

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