Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp is an American dancer, choreographer and author who is best known for her work in ballet and modern dance. Born on July 1, 1941, in Portland, Indiana, Tharp began studying piano, violin, and percussion from a young age. Her mother was a concert pianist and insisted that Twyla study artistic disciplines as a child. Twyla showed a love of dance from an early age and began studying at the Vera Lynn School of Dance under Beatrice Collenette. Tharp went on to choreograph for the American Ballet Theatre, the Joffery Ballet, the Royal Ballet, the New York City ballet, and for Mikhail Baryshnikov. She is known for mixing ballet with other styles of dance and movement and is known for pushing the boundaries of modern dance. Tharp was married to painter Robert Huot until their divorce in 1972. She has a son, Jesse, and a grandson. Tharp continues to choreograph new works to this day.

Key Dates & Events

• 1963 - Tharp joins the Paul Taylor Dance Company
• 1988 - Tharp joins the American Ballet Theatre as an artistic associate
• 2008 - Tharp is awarded the Jerome Robbins Prize