BAM Affiliation While making headlines during her lifetime for her brash political views and extravagant lifestyle, Isadora Duncan is today seen as one of the most notable dancers of the early 20th century, and an important precursor to Martha Graham. Duncan gave one of the first important dance performances at 30 Lafayette, in 1908: an evening of dances set to Beethoven, with the New York Symphony Orchestra. She returned to BAM with her ensemble, the Isadora Duncan Dancers, in 1919. In 1978 and '79, choreographer Annabelle Gamson presented two programs which paid tribute to Duncan's lasting influence.