Dance Legend Earns IU’s Highest Honor

Tharp founded Twyla Tharp Dance in 1965.

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Nationally-recognized dancer Twyla Tharp has earned Indiana University’s highest honor. President Michael McRobbie presented the President’s Medal for Excellence this week at the Indiana Memorial Union.

Tharp founded Twyla Tharp Dance in 1965. She has choreographed more than 160 works in addition to Broadway shows, movies and television specials. The company has performed at IU Bloomington in 1978, 1982 and 2003. It will perform again tonight.

The company’s tour, which celebrates its 50th anniversary, began last month. At last week’s ceremony, McRobbie told Tharp that her "distinguished career is a model for so many aspiring performing artists at Indiana University."

The medal is a reproduction of the jewel of office worn by Indiana University’s president at ceremonies.