Twyla tharp biography photograph

1. Twyla Tharp: American Ballet Luminary and Trailblazing Choreographer
2. Early Life and Education
3. Choreographic Innovation
4. International Acclaim
5. Awards and Collaborations
6. Literary Contributions and Recognition
7. Personal Life

Twyla Tharp: American Ballet Luminary and Trailblazing Choreographer

Twyla Tharp is a renowned American ballerina, choreographer, and director. She is a multiple Emmy and Tony Award winner and currently serves as Artist in Residence at the New York City Ballet.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 1, 1941, in Portland, Indiana, Tharp's family later moved to Rialto, California. Her parents owned a drive-in movie theater, which provided a steady stream of customers at the intersection of two major highways. Tharp worked at the theater while attending Vera Lynn's School of Dance and San Bernardino High School. She skipped school activities due to her busy schedule. She briefly attended Pomona College before transferring to Barnard College in New York City. There, she studied under Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. Tharp earned her degree in art history and joined Paul Taylor's dance company.

Choreographic Innovation

Tharp honed her skills with Taylor from 1965 to 1970. As her ideas matured, she formed her own dance company in 1971. Tharp's choreography became known for its groundbreaking synthesis of modern and classical techniques. She called her approach "The Bicentennial Bowl," seamlessly blending the soaring grace of ballet with the vibrant rhythms of avant-garde dance. This pioneering style is now widely recognized as ballet crossover.

International Acclaim

From 1971 to 1988, Tharp traveled the world with her company, performing to international acclaim. In 1988, the troupe became resident at American Ballet Theatre, where Tharp created over a dozen works as part of the collaborative ensemble. In 1991, she assembled a new team and toured with Mikhail Baryshnikov, performing in 28 major cities over two and a half months.

Awards and Collaborations

Tharp received the Billy Joel Award for the dance musical "Broadway Bound" in 2002. The musical also earned her Tony and Esther Awards in 2003. She has collaborated with film directors Milos Forman in "Hair" (1978), "Ragtime" (1980), and "Amadeus" (1984), and James Brooks in "I'll Do Anything" (1994). Her television credits include the dance film "Sue's Leg" and the documentary "Baryshnikov by Tharp," which won two Emmys for Outstanding Directing.

Literary Contributions and Recognition

Tharp has authored two books, one a memoir and the other a guide to dance technique. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Personal Life

Tharp resides in New York City with her adult son, Jess, who has performed in many of her productions and musicals.