Monday, July 26, 2010

Strong Women - Twyla Tharp


The flower reminded me of a ballerina's tutu.  Since I didn't have a picture of my Strong Woman, Twyla Tharp, I thought I would share my ballerina's tutu.


Quotes I enjoyed from Twyla Tharp:
I don't think politicians should be allowed into power who are not familiar with their bodies, because that's where our bottom line is. And I know that they would make totally different decisions if they felt responsible simply for their own bodies.

I have not wanted to intimidate audiences. I have not wanted my dancing to be an elitist form. That doesn't mean I haven't wanted it to be excellent.


I have the wherewithal to challenge myself for my entire life. That's a great gift.


I learned very early that an audience would relax and look at things differently if they felt they could laugh with you from time to time. There's an energy that comes through the release of tension that is laughter.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. 
Born in July, 1941, she is still creating today.
Twyla Tharp has choreographed more than one hundred thirty-five dances, five Hollywood movies, directed and choreographed four Broadway shows. She received one Tony Award, two Emmy Awards, nineteen honorary doctorates, the Vietnam Veterans of America President's Award, the 2004 National Medal of the Arts, the 2008 Jerome Robbins Prize, 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 and an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
In 1965 Ms. Tharp founded her dance company, Twyla Tharp Dance. In addition to choreographing for her own company, she has created dances for The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Paris Opera Ballet, The Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, The Boston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance, The Martha Graham Dance Company, Miami City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
In 1992 Ms. Tharp wrote her autobiography PUSH COMES TO SHOVE. In 2003 she wrote, THE CREATIVE HABIT: Learn it and Use it for Life. In 2009 she wrote, THE COLLABORATIVE HABIT: Life Lessons for Working Together both of which were published by Simon and Schuster.

4 comments:

Angela McRae said...

Great quotes (as usual!), and I'd also love to know what type of flower that is! It really does look like a tutu!

Steph said...

I feel very inspired by this post!

Mary Jane said...

I have had the opportunity to attend several performances of Twyla Tharp's works and have always come away inspired and entertained. Thanks for sharing this strong talented woman.

Kathy Walker said...

Enjoyed the quotations! Inspiring lady.