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.

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...

Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with...

Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with...

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...

The formal education that I received made little sense to me.

The formal education that I received made little sense to me.

In those days, male dancers were a rarer breed than women. as they are still...

In those days, male dancers were a rarer breed than women. as they are still...

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

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...

I learned very early that an audience would relax and look at things differently if...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

I started formal piano training when I was 4. From there I had little violas,...

I started formal piano training when I was 4. From there I had little violas,...

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...

My mother was a dominant force in my life. She had a very specific idea...

My mother was a dominant force in my life. She had a very specific idea...

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

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

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

I never studied with Balanchine, but his work was very important to me.

I never studied with Balanchine, but his work was very important to me.

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...