Martha Graham may have painted the image of a brooding dancer, but she may be the only professional dancer of this decade to make a substantial mark on the art form. Her methods have transcended her life on Earth and continues to impress international audiences.

The dance company she founded in 1926 has passed her signature methods to a new generation that celebrated her legacy at The Martha Graham Dance Company’s 2012 Gala.

The gala’s founders, Lee and Marvin Traub, hosted the event at the Russian Tea Room last night.

The guest list clearly reiterated Martha Graham’s amassed a loyal following as Russian royalty – Princess Kristina Kovalenko – attended alongside Michael Gould of Bloomingdales.