Twyla Tharp Talks Rehearsing

August 28, 2015

For dancers, getting a sneak peek into the choreographic processes of new work is better than Christmas. It’s always inspiring and fascinating to see how great dance-makers go about doing their thing (Ballet 422, anyone?).

Twyla Tharp
—dancer, writer, choreographer and all-around genius—is giving readers a #nofilter account of her latest rehearsal process in NYC via a blog she’s keeping for The New York Times. On the first day of rehearsals, Tharp says, “This is a very important day and has some of the excitement of a first day of school, as all the dancers working on the tour will be together for the first time. [It] has been in the planning for two years and we want it to run with no surprises, please.”

Twyla Tharp’s studio space, ready to be filled with her amazing choreo (Photo Twyla Tharp, via NYTimes)

All dancers know the magic that happens onstage isn’t possible without the commitment in the studio, and Tharp’s educated and honest point of view is a great read, especially as so many of our favorite companies are prepping for their fall seasons!