Twyla Moves

Twyla Moves from 2021 is a captivating documentary, reflecting on the life and work of the acclaimed choreographer, Twyla Tharp. The film focuses on Tharp's 50+ year career, her substantial contributions to the world of dance, and her continuous battle against the traditional roles of women in the field she has so passionately dedicated her life to.

One of the compelling elements of Twyla Moves is the use of archival footage, illustrated graphics, home videos, television appearances, and interviews that the director Steven Cantor uses to construct an engrossing chronicle of Tharp’s career. These elements reveal a vivid picture of Tharp's philosophies, her ingenious techniques, and her relentless drive to revolutionize American dance.

Tharp herself provides a rich commentary throughout the film, with insightful, reflective, and often humorous anecdotes about her journey. Her narrative not only guides us through her unique and innovative body of work but also offers an intimate look into her creative process and determination to push boundaries.

The film features notable appearances by several of her collaborators and admirers who bring their own perspectives to Tharp's life and career. Dancers like the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, who extensively worked with her in the 1970s, and Benjamin Buza, who has known to have a deep professional relationship with the choreographer, share their experiences and insights to add a multidimensional view of Tharp's unique oeuvre. Baryshnikov’s observations about his associations and sessions with Tharp are particularly enlightening.

David Byrne, the lead vocalist from the band Talking Heads, also features in the film, articulating the profound impact Tharp's choreography had on his work in the music industry. Tharp choreographed Byrne's 1981 hit song "Once in a Lifetime," thus proving her reach and influence far beyond just theatrical stages.

In Twyla Moves, Tharp’s journey starts in rural Indiana, where she was born in 1941, then reared in a Quaker community in California. The film chronicles her move to New York City, where she eventually formed Twyla Tharp Dance, her path-breaking dance troupe. The documentary reflects the era's socio-political landscape and how it influenced Tharp's work, especially the feminist movement, which is reflected in her empowering choreography that ultimately proved instrumental in challenging gender roles in dance.

We see how Tharp traversed through contemporary, classical ballet to Broadway, relentlessly challenging choreographic conventions along the way. Her cutting-edge work in TV and films is also minutely covered, emphasizing her cross-genre artistry.

The director, Steven Cantor, has done a stellar job in encapsulating Tharp's extraordinary career. Still, he has also delicately touched upon her struggles, be it her brief yet turbulent marriage with Peter Young, the painter or the silent battles she had to fight in an industry that was predominantly male-dominated.

Perhaps one of the most illuminating moments in the documentary is the focus on Tharp’s resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, Tharp is shown to still actively choreographing and teaching via social media platforms, proving that her passion for dance remains undiminished, and her relevance even in the toughest of times is undeniable.

To categorize Twyla Moves as just a dance documentary wouldn't do justice to the depth it offers. It serves as a profound, stirring study of an extraordinary woman's journey, making her space in an intensely competitive, male-dominated world by redefining the norms and blurring the lines between various forms of art. Through her story, we appreciate once again the transformative power of dance and its enduring capacity to express the human condition.

With its well-curated footage, reflective narration, and charming interviews, Twyla Moves goes beyond the footlights, capturing the spirit and ethos of an unstoppable artist that is, Twyla Tharp. It is an essential watch for both dance enthusiasts and those interested in stories of revolutionary artists who continue to impact and redefine their industries.