The legendary choreographer tells us how even the most seemingly non-dancelike things from her past — typing, baton-twirling, and working at a drive-in among them — have informed both her past and present.

Rachel Syme interviews Twyla Tharp about her dogged work ethic, not falling in love with Baryshnikov, and what’s lost and gained by making art as you age.

The legendary Tharp.

The revered choreographer on looking to runners and figure skaters for inspiration – and why dance belongs to us all

Twyla Tharp started taking dance lessons at a young age in San Bernardino, California. Once she was done with high school, during the summers she would continue studying dance with Wilson Morelli and John Butler. Then, once Tharp transferred to Barnard College, she studied with Igor Schwezoff at the American Ballet Theater, along with Richard Thomas and Barbara Fallis. During this same time she also worked under Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Eugene “Luigi” Lewis. The very first…

Do you ever think about life as an older woman? (Note: I didn't say "old lady"!) As my mom ages, and continues to look great and be fit, I've been thinking about how definitions of age are really changing, and how I want to be just as fit at 73 as I am at 33. And, I'd love to look like this...

America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures list displayed the richness of America’s dance heritage and helped preserve it for future generations.