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.

Quote by Twyla Tharp

Topics: Twyla Tharp Quotes

I think people want very much to simplify their lives enough so that they can...

I think people want very much to simplify their lives enough so that they can...

In terms of individuals who actually inspired me, very few of the academic people that...

In terms of individuals who actually inspired me, very few of the academic people that...

The rewards of dancing are very different from choreographing.

The rewards of dancing are very different from choreographing.

I don't think politicians should be allowed into power who are not familiar with their...

I don't think politicians should be allowed into power who are not familiar with their...

I think that anyone who's pushed to do the very best that they can is...

I think that anyone who's pushed to do the very best that they can is...

The necessity to constantly turn in an excellent performance, to be absolutely wedded to this...

The necessity to constantly turn in an excellent performance, to be absolutely wedded to this...

Dance has never been a particularly easy life, and everybody knows that.

Dance has never been a particularly easy life, and everybody knows that.

It was not until I had graduated from college that I made a professional commitment...

It was not until I had graduated from college that I made a professional commitment...

Any comic is a tragic soul. Comedy is one of the things that allows one...

Any comic is a tragic soul. Comedy is one of the things that allows one...

A lot of people insisted on a wall between modern dance and ballet. I'm beginning...

A lot of people insisted on a wall between modern dance and ballet. I'm beginning...

I was privileged to be able to study a year with Martha Graham, the last...

I was privileged to be able to study a year with Martha Graham, the last...

I don't mean this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I don't really think...

I don't mean this, but I'm going to say it anyway. I don't really think...

With each piece I've completed I have worked to make it intact, and each of...

With each piece I've completed I have worked to make it intact, and each of...

I often say that in making dances I can make a world where I think...

I often say that in making dances I can make a world where I think...

It is extremely arrogant and very foolish to think that you can ever outwit your...

It is extremely arrogant and very foolish to think that you can ever outwit your...

The only thing I fear more than change is no change. The business of being...

The only thing I fear more than change is no change. The business of being...

I'm not one who divides music, dance or art into various categories. Either something works,...

I'm not one who divides music, dance or art into various categories. Either something works,...

I would have to challenge the term, modern dance. I don't really use that term...

I would have to challenge the term, modern dance. I don't really use that term...

I thought I had to make an impact on history. I had to become the...

I thought I had to make an impact on history. I had to become the...

I have not wanted to intimidate audiences. I have not wanted my dancing to be...

I have not wanted to intimidate audiences. I have not wanted my dancing to be...