Twyla Tharp Quotes

A collection of quotes by Twyla Tharp.

Twyla Tharp is a renowned American dancer and choreographer. Born on July 1, 1941, in Portland, Indiana, she is considered one of the most innovative and influential figures in contemporary dance. Tharp began her dance training at a young age and went on to study at various prestigious institutions, including Barnard College and the American Ballet Theatre School.

In 1965, Tharp formed her own dance company, Twyla Tharp Dance, which quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of ballet, modern dance, and athleticism. Throughout her career, Tharp has collaborated with numerous prominent artists from different disciplines, such as musicians, designers, and filmmakers, to create groundbreaking performances.

Tharp's choreography combines athleticism, precision, and a keen sense of musicality. Her works often break traditional boundaries and incorporate elements of everyday movement. She has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award for her choreography in the Broadway musical "Movin' Out" and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2008.

Notable collaborations include working with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Elvis Costello, and Billy Joel. Tharp’s innovative approach has influenced generations of dancers and choreographers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance.

Today, Twyla Tharp continues to create new works and has cemented her place as one of the most influential and celebrated choreographers of our time.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Twyla Tharp

Art

My mother was the first woman in the county in Indiana where

My mother was the first woman in the county in Indiana where we were born, in Jay County, to have a college degree. She was educated as a pianist and she wanted to concertize, but when the war came she was married, had a family, so she started teaching.

Twyla Tharp

Family

In terms of individuals who actually inspired me, very few o

In terms of individuals who actually inspired me, very few of the academic people that I had access to had that power over me. Maybe it's simply because I wasn't that committed to geometry.

Twyla Tharp

Power

Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energiz

Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with a certain degree of cynicism.

Twyla Tharp

Experience

The only thing I fear more than change is no change. The bus

The only thing I fear more than change is no change. The business of being static makes me nuts.

Twyla Tharp

Business

My mother was a dominant force in my life. She had a very sp

My mother was a dominant force in my life. She had a very specific idea about education, which was: you should know everything about everything. It was quite simple. There was no exclusivity, and there really was no judgment.

Twyla Tharp

Education

Judgment is not my business. Existing is my business.

Judgment is not my business. Existing is my business.

Twyla Tharp

Business

The formal education that I received made little sense to me

The formal education that I received made little sense to me.

Twyla Tharp

Education

I thought I had to make an impact on history. I had to becom

I thought I had to make an impact on history. I had to become the greatest choreographer of my time. That was my mission. Posterity deals with us however it sees fit. But I gave it 20 years of my best shot.

Twyla Tharp

History