Twyla Tharp

Since graduating from Barnard College in 1963, Twyla Tharp has choreographed more than 160 works: 129 dances, 12 television specials, six Hollywood movies, four full-length ballets, four Broadway shows, and two figure skating routines. She has received one Tony Award, two Emmy Awards, 19 honorary doctorates, the Vietnam Veterans of America President's Award, the 2004 National Medal of the Arts, the 2008 Jerome Robbins Prize, and a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor. Her many grants include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. 

In 1965, Tharp formed Twyla Tharp Dance. She has also choreographed for American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet, The Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance, and Martha Graham Dance Company. Tharp’s Broadway credits include When We Were Very Young, The Catherine Wheel, Singin’ In The Rain, and Movin’ Out. She collaborated in film on Hair, Ragtime, Amadeus, White Nights, and I’ll Do Anything. Tharp is the author of the books Push Comes to Shove: An Autobiography and The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life.