In her statement, Twyla Tharp highlights a fundamental aspect of different art forms by pointing out that writers leave behind texts, musicians have musical scores, and visual artists produce tangible works like paintings and sculptures. However, she notes that dancers face a unique challenge because dance performances are fleeting; once they occur, they cannot be preserved in the same concrete way as other artistic expressions.
The quote delves deeper into the nature of dance as an art form by emphasizing its transient quality. This ephemeral characteristic can make it seem less permanent or valuable compared to more tangible forms of art, but Tharp suggests that this impermanence is part of what makes dance so special and memorable. Each performance, though fleeting, captures a moment in time, making every dance a unique experience rather than something static and unchanging like a painting or sculpture. This understanding elevates the importance of live performances and highlights the skill required to capture and convey emotions through movement.
Twyla Tharp is an American dancer and choreographer known for her innovative approach to ballet and modern dance. Her work often bridges traditional and contemporary styles, creating unique pieces that challenge conventional boundaries in dance. Born in 1941, she has had a long-standing career filled with numerous accolades, including multiple Tony Awards and inductions into the American Theater Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame for her contributions to choreography.
