Twyla Tharp is a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and author known for her innovative work in both the classical ballet and modern dance arenas. She was born on July 1, 1941, in Portland, Indiana, and raised in California. Tharp has created groundbreaking dance works for companies such as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and her own company, Twyla Tharp Dance. Beyond dance, she's an accomplished author, having written books like "The Creative Habit" and "The Collaborative Habit," where she shares insights on creativity and collaboration. Her contributions have earned her numerous awards, including a Tony and two Emmy Awards.