Twyla Tharp And The Reinvention Of Modern Dance

"The only way to do it is to do it," said Twyla Tharp, one of the most influential dancers and choreographers of the 20th century. With a fierce passion for pushing boundaries, Tharp transcended the traditional norms of dance and reshaped the landscape of modern dance as we know it.

The Early Years

Born on July 1, 1941, in Portland, Indiana, Tharp was destined for greatness. She began her dance training at a young age, studying ballet and modern dance techniques. However, it was during her time at Barnard College in New York City that she truly found her calling.

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

by Marcia B. Siegel (2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8488 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	368 pages

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Immersed in the vibrant artistic scene of the city, Twyla Tharp started questioning the traditional structures of dance. She believed that dance should be more than just beautiful movements – it should be a medium of expression, a way to tell stories and evoke emotions.

The Reinvention of Modern Dance

Tharp's groundbreaking choreographic style combined elements from ballet, jazz, and modern dance, along with everyday movements. She believed in breaking the rules and finding inspiration in unconventional places.

One of Tharp's most famous works, "The Fugue," showcased her unique approach to movement and storytelling. It integrated classical music by Johann Sebastian Bach with dynamic and unexpected choreography. Tharp's ability to bridge the gap between classical music and modern dance opened up new possibilities for both art forms.

Another key aspect of Tharp's reinvention of modern dance was her collaborative nature. She frequently worked with artists from various disciplines, including musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers. This interdisciplinary approach allowed her to explore new realms of creativity and challenge the boundaries of traditional dance even further.

Tharp's willingness to take risks and experiment with unconventional ideas was met with both admiration and criticism. Some embraced her bold vision, while others dismissed her work as too avant-garde. Nevertheless, Twyla Tharp remained committed to her artistic vision, undeterred by the opinions of others.

Legacy and Impact

Twyla Tharp's impact on modern dance cannot be overstated. She paved the way for future generations of dancers and choreographers, encouraging them to think outside the box and question the status quo.

Throughout her career, Tharp received numerous accolades and honors, including a Tony Award for Best Choreography for the hit Broadway musical "Movin' Out." She also collaborated with renowned artists such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Billy Joel, among others.

Today, Tharp continues to inspire and reinvent herself. At the age of 80, she remains dedicated to creating new works and pushing the boundaries of dance even further.

The Takeaway

Twyla Tharp's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and reinvention. Her relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries and challenging artistic norms has left an indelible mark on the world of modern dance.

As aspiring dancers and artists, we can learn from Twyla Tharp to embrace our unique perspectives, collaborate with others, and fearlessly pursue our artistic visions. Just as she once said, "Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."

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

by Marcia B. Siegel (2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8488 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

FREE

For more than five decades, Twyla Tharp has been a phenomenon in American dance, a choreographer who not only broke the rules but refused to repeat her own successes. Tharp has made movies, television specials, and nearly one hundred riveting dance works. Her dance show Movin’ Out ran on Broadway for three years and won Tharp a Tony award for Best Choreography.

Howling Near Heaven is the only in-depth study of Twyla Tharp’s unique, restless creativity. This second edition features a new forward that brings the account of Tharp’s work up to date and discusses how dance and dance-making in the United States have changed in recent years. This is the story of a choreographer who refused to be pigeonholed and the dancers who accompanied her as she sped across the frontiers of dance.