Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp, born in 1941 in Portland, Indiana, began her dance training at age eight and studied art history at Barnard College before launching her professional career.
In 1966, she founded Twyla Tharp Dance, creating groundbreaking works like 'Deuce Coupe' (1973) with the Joffrey Ballet and 'Push Comes to Shove' (1976), the first roller-skate ballet by American Ballet Theatre.
Her Broadway triumphs include Tony Awards for 'When We Were Very Young' (1981) and the enduring 'Movin' Out' (2002) with Billy Joel's music.
Tharp has choreographed for films like 'Hair' and 'Amadeus', directed operas, and received the National Medal of Arts (2008) and Kennedy Center Honors (2011).
Her books, including 'The Creative Habit' (2003), offer profound insights into the artistic process.