Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with a certain degree of cynicism.

Quote by Twyla Tharp

Topics: Twyla Tharp Quotes

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 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...

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

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

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 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...

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 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...

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.

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 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...

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...

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

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

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...

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 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 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'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 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...