Twyla Tharp knew what she was doing. An award-winning choreographer and a pioneer of crossover ballet – in which traditional dance moves are allied with popular music – she had a string of successful productions under her belt.
In 1973 Tharp choreographed Deuce Coupe, a ballet set to the music of The Beach Boys. 1980's Short Stories used material by Bruce Springsteen and Supertramp. The following year she collaborated with David Byrne on the critically-acclaimed The Catherine Wheel. In 2002 she put together Movin' Out, a jukebox musical based on the songs of Billy Joel. It ran for more than 1000 performances and earned nine Tony Award nominations.
