Twyla tharp

The legendary choreographer tells us how even the most seemingly non-dancelike things from her past — typing, baton-twirling, and working at a drive-in among them — have informed both her past and present.

Rachel Syme interviews Twyla Tharp about her dogged work ethic, not falling in love with Baryshnikov, and what’s lost and gained by making art as you age.

twyla tharp (photo by annie leibovitz)

“I had to become the greatest choreographer of my time. That was my mission, and that’s what I set out to do.” A large consensus of critics, dancers, and dance-loving audiences would agree that Twyla Tharp has succeeded in her mission. No one making serious dances in this country since the 1960s could ignore the challenge of her inventive, quirky, complex creations. No serious dance artist has ever stretched the boundaries between classical and popular, serious and silly, accessible and…

After five decades at the top of her field, choreographer Twyla Tharp continues to innovate.

Twyla Tharp, American dancer, director, and choreographer who was known for her innovative and often humorous work. Her pieces, notably The Fugue (1970), Deuce Coupe (1973), Push Comes to Shove (1976), and Baker’s Dozen (1979), established Tharp as one of the most innovative and popular modern choreographers.

Twyla Tharp started taking dance lessons at a young age in San Bernardino, California. Once she was done with high school, during the summers she would continue studying dance with Wilson Morelli and John Butler. Then, once Tharp transferred to Barnard College, she studied with Igor Schwezoff at the American Ballet Theater, along with Richard Thomas and Barbara Fallis. During this same time she also worked under Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Eugene “Luigi” Lewis. The very first…

The revered choreographer on looking to runners and figure skaters for inspiration – and why dance belongs to us all