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Twyla Tharp and the Reinvention of Modern Dance

Colby Cox

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Published in Howling Near Heaven: Twyla Tharp And The Reinvention Of Modern Dance

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Early Life and Training

Twyla Tharp was born in Portland, Indiana, in 1941. She began studying dance at the age of three, and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing with the San Francisco Ballet. In 1963, she moved to New York City to study with Martha Graham, one of the pioneers of modern dance.

Howling Near Heaven: Twyla Tharp and the Reinvention of Modern Dance

by Marcia B. Siegel

4 out of 5

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Tharp's early training in ballet and modern dance gave her a strong technical foundation. However, she was also drawn to other forms of movement, such as jazz and folk dance. This eclectic background would later influence her own unique choreographic style.

Early Career

In the early 1960s, Tharp began choreographing her own works. Her early pieces were often experimental and avant-garde, and they challenged the traditional boundaries of modern dance. In 1965, she founded her own company, Twyla Tharp Dance, and began touring her work around the world.

Tharp's early successes brought her to the attention of Broadway producers. In 1968, she choreographed the Broadway musical "Hair." The show was a huge hit, and it helped to establish Tharp as a major force in the world of dance.

Mature Career

In the 1970s and 1980s, Tharp continued to create innovative and groundbreaking work. She choreographed for a wide range of venues, including Broadway, film, and television. Some of her most famous works from this period include "Push Comes to Shove" (1976),"The Catherine Wheel" (1981),and "In the Upper Room" (1986).

Tharp's work is characterized by its athleticism, humor, and musicality. She is known for her use of complex rhythms and syncopations, and her dances often have a playful and energetic quality.

Later Career

In the 1990s and 2000s, Tharp continued to choreograph new works, and she also began to write books and teach master classes. In 2002, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

Tharp is now considered one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. Her work has been praised for its originality, athleticism, and humor. She has inspired a generation of dancers and choreographers, and her work continues to be performed around the world.

Legacy

Twyla Tharp is a true pioneer of modern dance. Her work has helped to redefine the boundaries of the art form, and she has inspired generations of dancers and choreographers. She is a true icon of the dance world, and her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.