Twyla Tharp is a choreographer who had a deep appreciation for choreographic innovators such as Merce Cunningham. Throughout her career, Tharp utilized and diverted from the ideas of choreographic precedents which ultimately led to Tharp becoming an innovator herself. She used their inspiration to create works that were entirely original while breaking the barriers and classifications of dancing all together. Twyla Tharp questioned and challenged the labels given to choreography that were based on genres, dancers, and music. Tharp was able to use the body to create movement in a way that appealed to both concert dance and mainstream audiences, prompting society as a whole to view dance as an art form independent of other artistic mediums.
Twyla
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Her choreography continues to stay relevant in the contemporary dance scene and performed on stages across the country. “In 2004, 5 companies performed Ms. Tharp’s works, but the number has grown; 15 dances were licensed in 2005, and more than 20 so far this year (2006)...” (Kourlas 2006) Since 2006, Tharp’s works continue to be an essential part of many ballet company repertoires. While continuing to choreograph, Twyla Tharp wrote two books, including an autobiography entitled Push Comes to Shove in 1992 and The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life in 2003. (Achievement 2016) The Creative Habit shares Twyla Tharp’s beliefs about developing one’s creative practices. In addition to her choreography, Tharp’s writing has allowed her to share her creative beliefs and leave a lasting impact on society for years to come.
Twyla Tharp helped redefine what dance was following the postmodern era. Instead of conforming to the boundaries that had been given to and respected by choreographers before her, Tharp created new possibilities through her exploration and creativity. This was in line with the societal idea of “playing” and finding ways to experiment with norms or popular beliefs. To prevent conforming to the pre-established rules of dance, Tharp tested the limitations and experimented with a range of new possibilities such as combining genres and creating pieces with diverse sets of