Twyla Tharp (born July 1, 1941) is an American choreographer, dancer, and author known for her work that blends ballet, modern dance, and popular culture. She founded the Twyla Tharp Dance Company in 1965 and has created choreography for a wide range of venues, including concert dance companies, Broadway productions, film, and television.
Early life and education
Tharp was born in Portland, Indiana. She studied ballet at the University of Kansas before transferring to Barnard College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. While at Barnard, she also studied modern dance with Merce Cunningham and participated in the New York City Ballet’s School of American Ballet.
Career highlights
- Concert dance – Tharp’s early works, such as Bark (1965) and Deuce (1965), were performed by her own company and explored improvisation and the integration of everyday movements. Notable later works include Deuce Coupe (1973), Push Comes to Shove (1976), and The Golden Section (1990).
- Broadway – She choreographed the musical The Capeman (1998) and earned a Tony Award for Best Choreography for Movin’ Out (2002), a dance musical set to the songs of Billy Joel.
- Film and television – Tharp served as choreographer and consultant for the 1983 film The Company and contributed dance sequences to White Nights (1985) and The Mambo Kings (1992).
- Collaborations – She has worked with a variety of artists, including musicians such as Billy Joel, David Byrne, and the band The Police, as well as visual artists and fashion designers.
Publications
Tharp authored several books on creativity and choreography, including The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life (2003) and The Intentional Artist: Lessons in Art and Life (2010).
Awards and honors
- Tony Award for Best Choreography (2002)
- Kennedy Center Honoree (2004)
- National Medal of Arts (1999)
- MacArthur Fellowship (1978)
Legacy
Tharp is recognized for expanding the vocabulary of contemporary dance, incorporating elements from non‑dance sources such as sports, everyday actions, and popular music. Her interdisciplinary approach has influenced subsequent generations of choreographers and performers.
