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'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 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...

The rewards of dancing are very different from choreographing.

The rewards of dancing are very different from choreographing.

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...

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 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 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.

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 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...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...