Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp, born on July first, nineteen forty-one, is a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and author based in New York City. She established the Twyla Tharp Dance company in nineteen sixty-five, which later merged with the American Ballet Theatre in nineteen eighty-eight. After a brief hiatus, she reformed her company in nineteen ninety-one, continuing to innovate in the world of dance.

Tharp's choreography is celebrated for its unique blend of classical, jazz, and contemporary pop music. From nineteen seventy-one to nineteen eighty-eight, her company toured extensively across the globe, showcasing original works that captivated audiences. One of her most notable creations, Deuce Coupe, premiered in nineteen seventy-three for the Joffrey Ballet, set to the music of The Beach Boys. This piece is recognized as the first 'crossover ballet,' merging elements of ballet and modern dance.

In nineteen seventy-six, Tharp choreographed Push Comes to Shove, featuring the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, which is now regarded as a quintessential example of crossover ballet. Her innovative approach and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on the dance community.

On May twenty-fourth, two thousand eighteen, Tharp was honored with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Harvard University, a testament to her significant contributions to the arts.