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Twyla Tharp | |
|---|---|
 Tharp in 2004 | |
| Born | July 1, 1941 Portland, Indiana, U.S.[1] |
| Alma mater | Pomona College Barnard College |
| Occupation(s) | Choreographer, dancer |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Awards | Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography, 2003 Movin' Out Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography 1985 Baryshnikov by Tharp with American Ballet Theatre Tony Award for Best Choreography, 2003 Movin' Out |
| Website | www |
Twyla Tharp (/ˈtwaɪlə ˈθɑːrp/; born July 1, 1941) is an American dancer, choreographer, and author who lives and works in New York City. In 1965 she formed the company Twyla Tharp Dance, which merged with American Ballet Theatre in 1988. She regrouped the company in 1991.[2] Her work often uses classical music, jazz, and contemporary pop music.
From 1971 to 1988, Twyla Tharp Dance toured extensively around the world, performing original works. In 1973 Tharp choreographed Deuce Coupe to the music of The Beach Boys for the Joffrey Ballet. Deuce Coupe is considered the first "crossover ballet", a mix of ballet and modern dance. Later she choreographed Push Comes to Shove (1976), which featured Mikhail Baryshnikov and is now thought to be the best example of crossover ballet.
On May 24, 2018, Tharp was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree by Harvard University.[3]
- ^ "Twyla Tharp". Encyclopædia Britannica. December 31, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
- ^ "Twyla Tharp". macfound.org. MacArthurFoundation. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Harvard awards seven honorary degrees". May 24, 2018.