My mother was a dominant force in my life. She had a very specific idea about education, which was: you should know everything about everything. It was quite simple. There was no exclusivity, and there really was no judgment.

Quote by Twyla Tharp

Topics: Twyla Tharp Quotes

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

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

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 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 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...

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 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 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 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...

There's this expression called postmodernism, which is kind of silly, and destroys a perfectly good...

There's this expression called postmodernism, which is kind of silly, and destroys a perfectly good...

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 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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...