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American Masters

Tharp and Baryshnikov's "totally unexpected" collaboration

The collaboration was "lightening in a bottle," according to Tharp.

Aired 03/26/2021

American Masters

Tharp and Baryshnikov's "totally unexpected" collaboration

Clip: 3/26/2021 | 4m 32sVideo has Closed Captions

The collaboration was "lightening in a bottle," according to Tharp.

In the 1970's, choreographer Twyla Tharp and Mikhail Baryshnikov collaborated, resulting in a dance that was "totally unexpected" for the classically trained ballet star from Russia. Archival footage shows Baryshnikov in "Push," which starts in a modern "slouch" style and continues with "all he's got." "It can only have happened between the two of us at that moment in time," Tharp recalls.

Aired 03/26/2021

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

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Explore the life of legendary dancer, director and choreographer Twyla Tharp. (2m 36s)

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"Eight Jelly Rolls" was one of Twyla Tharp's first music-inspired choreographed dances. (55s)

Twyla Tharp's very valuable college decision

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How Tharp directed her own education at Barnard College. (1m 17s)

What's it like choreographing a dance for Zoom?

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Tharp discovers a technical challenge that makes choreographing virtually even harder. (2m 3s)

Twyla Tharp: Inside Look

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Twyla Tharp provide an inside look at the way she approaches her work. (2m)

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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

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