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 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 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...

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 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 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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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

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

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 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...

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...

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

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

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 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.

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...

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...