Creativity is not a gift from the gods, says Twyla Tharp, bestowed by some divine and mystical spark. It is the product of preparation and effort, ...
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Apr 20, 2009
Pat
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I find it inspiring to read about Twyla Tharp's daily rituals and creative habits. I suppose it belongs to the self improvement genre but it is written by a brilliant choreographer and dancer. I guess I like reading about the weird things people do to trick themselves into working fearlessly.
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Oct 10, 2008
Indigo Editing/Ink-Filled Page
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Being both an editor and a writer, one of the most difficult things for me is actually getting my day going. I confess that I am a notorious procrastinator, both in my creative and professional life. Part of this is habit, but the other part is not always having an anchor in my day that tells my brain it is time to get to work already, no more excuses, no more fear.
Luckily, I have found a way to make my time count. World-renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp, in her book, The Creative H More...
Luckily, I have found a way to make my time count. World-renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp, in her book, The Creative H More...
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Jul 07, 2008
Keleigh
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I wasn't an avid fan of Twyla Tharp the choreographer, but her suggestions for creative discipline were inventive and inspiring. She draws from her personal inventory of art knowledge, offering anecdotes and metaphors from literature, classical music, painting, film and dance. I was impressed with her interdisciplinary approach. One of the most valuable tidbits I got was the understanding of what actually makes a habit a habit: for instance, she says she goes to the gym every single morning and
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May 06, 2008
I started this book some time ago after I received it as a gift. I didn't get very far as other books elbowed their way to the front of the line. I, finally, decided to get serious and really started reading it. One of the best things about it so far is that Twyla Tharp describes creativity as a habit. While that sounds much more boring that creativity being a flash of light from God, it is much more comforting for me. I can develop a habit; I can't really wait around for a flash from God.
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Feb 10, 2009
Samie Kira
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One of the best books I've ever read. If you're struggling creatively, or even just with life, this book gives you all the tools and tips you'll need to get back on track. Things I've been doing that I felt were spontaneous actually have a name (at least in this book) and now I can actually track the tools used with my success and failures. It's one of those you can't put down, highlight and underline, and go back to again and again.
Dec 27, 2008
Tom
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Wonderful overview on Thyla's take on creativity. Probablu not worth purchasing, but worth a quick read in the bookstore cafe.
Reads easily with good style and structure. The post-chapter exercises reinforce and summarize.
Probably better suited to artists than professionals, but still unteresting.
Reads easily with good style and structure. The post-chapter exercises reinforce and summarize.
Probably better suited to artists than professionals, but still unteresting.
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Feb 01, 2009
Patrick
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Sort of a "Getting Things Done" for artists. A lot of the thoughts here can be applied to non-artistic endeavors, however. In that light, there's a lot of 'common sense' stuff, but it is always nice to see it written down. The book is punctuated with anecdotes from Tharp's career, which was interesting to me, since I knew nothing about her, other than that she was a dancer.
A summary of the book is available here: http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2... More...
A summary of the book is available here: http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2... More...
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Dec 05, 2011
Kathy
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If there is one book on Creativity that you should read, regardless of whether you’re a filmmaker, a writer, a calligrapher, a dancer, or simply a creative coin collector, it’s Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit.
While there may be elements of inspiration in art, Tharp argues that what’s more important is the habit of creativity. The habitual work makes it possible to recognize artistic inspiration, and be prepared with the skills to do something with it. Further, you end up finding an More...
While there may be elements of inspiration in art, Tharp argues that what’s more important is the habit of creativity. The habitual work makes it possible to recognize artistic inspiration, and be prepared with the skills to do something with it. Further, you end up finding an More...
Dec 29, 2010
Carolyn
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This book was recommended to me by several colleagues when I bemoaned my lack of creativity. I found it so helpful and stimulating that I wish to pass the word to everyone else!
Tharp frankly and clearly defines creativity and breaks it down into manageable chunks in terms of how to recognize it, use it, cultivate it, suppress it, revive it -- regardless of your walk in life. She frames the book with her own life as a dancer and choreographer, but the concepts are universal; and for eac More...
Tharp frankly and clearly defines creativity and breaks it down into manageable chunks in terms of how to recognize it, use it, cultivate it, suppress it, revive it -- regardless of your walk in life. She frames the book with her own life as a dancer and choreographer, but the concepts are universal; and for eac More...
May 01, 2010
Marcy
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Twyla Tharp holds the secrets to success... hard work is the main ingredient. Twyla talks mostly about the hard work she has put into her craft. She also relates information about other famous lives who she admires and were successful due to the amount of work they put into their craft. Twyla writes about Mozart, who everyone thought was born with pure genius. Twyla does not dispel that Mozart was born with talent, but he was worked very hard by his talented father from an extremely early
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Sep 04, 2009
Leigh
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This has been a rough few weeks in terms of staying focused and optimistic. Not sure why--perhaps it's the abrupt end of a short, rainy summer, and being unsure of what the fall will bring.
I turned to a book I've had on my shelf, that I discovered I'd bought at the Boulder Bookstore in Boulder, Co a few years ago (so the bookmark inside indicated) and never read, but now seemed so timely. Twyla Tharp, is, of course, one of the greatest dance choreographers of all time, one of the e More...
I turned to a book I've had on my shelf, that I discovered I'd bought at the Boulder Bookstore in Boulder, Co a few years ago (so the bookmark inside indicated) and never read, but now seemed so timely. Twyla Tharp, is, of course, one of the greatest dance choreographers of all time, one of the e More...
Jun 02, 2010
Delaney
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With clear-cut justification and a sharp argument, Twyla Tharp explains how her experience in the dance and theater industry has provided her with the tools needed implement creativity into her everyday life. Tharp uses the example of Mozart to illustrate her main point: Creativity is a habit. She further explains that creativity is a product of preparation and effort and is not just a god-given gift that only some of us have. She uses Mozart to illustrate that being creative, implementin More...
Aug 20, 2010
Allison
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The status updates kind of speak for themselves: I hate the fact that I love this book. I hate that I love it, actually, much like I hate it when a professor whose snotty tone I despise has good things to say. It's abhorrent, really, admitting that the condescending tone has an actual point.
But, it does. Okay, I admit that Tharp has good reason to be holier-than-thou, given the fact that she's directed one of the great dancing geniuses around the stage and has a MacArthur Fellowship More...
But, it does. Okay, I admit that Tharp has good reason to be holier-than-thou, given the fact that she's directed one of the great dancing geniuses around the stage and has a MacArthur Fellowship More...
Dec 26, 2008
I just started but I love the pragmatic approach Ms. Tharp has to creativity. She demystifies her process and attempts to make creativity and innovation accessible.
I actually stopped reading the book because the style was very expository. Since I did not have the time to treat this like a workbook with exercises I gave up on it. It got dull. She really made her creative process mundane.
I actually stopped reading the book because the style was very expository. Since I did not have the time to treat this like a workbook with exercises I gave up on it. It got dull. She really made her creative process mundane.
May 05, 2010
Matt
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The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life (2003), Twyla Tharp
One of America's greatest choreographers, Twyla Tharp, shares her insight into the creative process in her sophomore venture into authorship. The best part of The Creative Habit is at the end of each chapter where exercises are prescribed to the content of the corresponding chapter. In between you will find stories primarily from Twyla's experience with musicals and other artistic ventures.
I tend to prefe More...
One of America's greatest choreographers, Twyla Tharp, shares her insight into the creative process in her sophomore venture into authorship. The best part of The Creative Habit is at the end of each chapter where exercises are prescribed to the content of the corresponding chapter. In between you will find stories primarily from Twyla's experience with musicals and other artistic ventures.
I tend to prefe More...
Jan 31, 2009
Ron
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Best book I've ever read on what being creative actually means - not a book about "lateral thinking" or how to have ideas or some crap like that, but a book by someone who needs to be creative regularly to pay the bills, has done so in her career over decades, and shows you that creativity is about work and discipline, not magic or mysticism. Read this book.
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Jun 18, 2010
Kaseka
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This was a fun, inspirational read. It didn't make me rush to the blank page to write, but it did have some interesting ideas for artists of all kinds on how to be less fearful of starting, and more productive and consistent in practicing their art(s) of choice. Though her tone is conversational and pleasant to read, Tharp by no means coddles the reader. Her view of the artist's life is practical, grounded in good habits and the judicious use of play.
What interested me most about the More...
What interested me most about the More...
Feb 11, 2012
Shelly
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I have read this book several times. Perhaps it came at the perfect time to me in my life, but I have read lots of books on creativity and the reason I value this one is because she actually does live a life of creativity. She authentically produces creative works continuously over a long life. Other creative books seem to be steeped in theory but have no real practicality. Twyla does this (for a living) -- not write books on creativity, but actually live creativity, so big difference there.
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Aug 18, 2011
Nelly
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Great book with lots of tips. I am only halfway done but the way she describes the creative process is easily understood. I really have enjoyed the way the book is organized and designed out. It grabs my attention to certain details and allows me to remember quotes and phrases clearly. One can clearly see that the way she put together the book, she was doing it with the creative process. One thing that sticks in my mind about this book is her organization strategy, which is a box. This is someth
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Jan 29, 2011
Laura
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Twyla Tharp is one of the great artists of our time and I take her advice very seriously. Over the years she has come up with what she feels are some basic rules for success that she follows. She has studied other great artists and observed that they follow these rules as well.
She offers excercises and ideas to get your creative juices flowing which I did not do. My interest in this second reading was how she constructs each aspect of her very busy life into a creative "Bubble" More...
She offers excercises and ideas to get your creative juices flowing which I did not do. My interest in this second reading was how she constructs each aspect of her very busy life into a creative "Bubble" More...
Feb 02, 2010
Beth
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You know in high school when you'd be running late in the morning, and your mom would say something like, "You'd better hurry up, you're going to be late," and you'd respond with "I KNOW!! YOU DON'T THINK I KNOW WHEN I'M LATE!" when really you DID need her to push you out the door, because well, YOU ARE LATE? That's what this book is. It seems like common sense advice, but really, it's what you need to hear. It's what I needed to hear. Be organized. Have a routine. Don't fall
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Sep 07, 2010
Jorge
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I tend to agree with some of the reviews in amazon.com giving this book 2 or 3 stars.
Twyla Tharp clearly states on the book introduction that this is not a book about dancing but creativity, using dacing only as a starting point to further discuss the subject. I have to disagree. This IS a book about dancing. Dancing and Twyla personal experiencie in this particular field are all around the book. Dancing is so prevalent along the book that the "creativity" subject is blurr More...
Twyla Tharp clearly states on the book introduction that this is not a book about dancing but creativity, using dacing only as a starting point to further discuss the subject. I have to disagree. This IS a book about dancing. Dancing and Twyla personal experiencie in this particular field are all around the book. Dancing is so prevalent along the book that the "creativity" subject is blurr More...
Mar 22, 2010
Jaycruz
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I've always been intrigued to read this book since Merlin Mann championed it over a year ago on 43folders. I'm glad I finally got to it because this book is truly a gem. Unless you skim it passively, there's no way you won't get something out of this book. Tharp insightfully demystifies the creative process, showing that it's mostly a matter of discipline and hard work. She writes about the importance of rituals and routines, or how to prepare to create. To me, this is the key thing in the book
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Nov 11, 2008
ShaRose
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Unique perspecitve into the creative self through exciting, unusual exercises to practice from a dancer's POV. Easy reading and fun to follow.
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Oct 01, 2009
Thedoifter
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I'm ambling through this one, not making a concerted effort to finish. It has a lot of good thoughts but her voice is a little obnoxious.
Dec 06, 2009
Chris
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While the book had a few useful ideas for bringing out creativity I didn't enjoy the book. It seemed more focused on her life and her issues and geared towards dance and theater than more of a general creativity guide. I did like some of it's inspiring stories of creativity and some of the ways she incorporates parts of her life into the book. I think creativity comes from the same areas within us, what we do with it, is where the outcome differs among us. The book made me more interested in cr
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Jul 05, 2009
Chris
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This is a brilliant book for anyone in the creative fields. Its starting premise is that creativity is a matter of habit, and like all habits, it can be adopted to work for you, and does not require some innate gift or divine flashes of inspiration. Twyla Tharp (who apparently is a ballet choreographer) tells in a loose and anecdotal style how this habit can be made part of everyone's life. It's a brilliant book. Merlin Mann has praised it no end, and he was entirely right to. It may not be ever
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Jul 09, 2009
Linda
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This book called to me from a bench in a bookstore where someone had left it. It was meant for me at a time when I sorely needed it. Tharp's anecdotal stories cleary illustrate her process, and she gives the reader exercises to put her suggestions into action.
I really liked the section on the "spine" of the work - getting to the core of what you want to say and making sure the work maintains its integrity. I was also amazed at how Twyla's breadth of literary and musica More...
I really liked the section on the "spine" of the work - getting to the core of what you want to say and making sure the work maintains its integrity. I was also amazed at how Twyla's breadth of literary and musica More...
Jan 31, 2010
Michael
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I assigned this for a graduate class I am teaching at University Colorado-Denver, "Design Communications." A student recommended it and I'm glad she did. Most of the book is about writing, the class's core subject, which also covers editing, graphics and printing. (Final assignment: deliver a camera-ready magazine to a printer.) CH is a delightful read. Slipped in is a autobiography of Tharp's creative life. The oversize format and slightly skewed use of type reinforces the theme, but
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May 04, 2009
Natasha
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Highly Recommended!!!
I'm not sure where I first heard about this book, but I ordered it from the library and dived right in. Tharp is a choreographer, but is writing for all artists: writers, painters, chefs, business leaders, textile artists, parents, teachers etc. Tharp teaches the reader how to get ideas (scratching), the importance of habit (go to that desk, canvas, kitchen, sewing machine...) daily. It is about persistence, not necessarily brilliance.
Tharp include g More...
I'm not sure where I first heard about this book, but I ordered it from the library and dived right in. Tharp is a choreographer, but is writing for all artists: writers, painters, chefs, business leaders, textile artists, parents, teachers etc. Tharp teaches the reader how to get ideas (scratching), the importance of habit (go to that desk, canvas, kitchen, sewing machine...) daily. It is about persistence, not necessarily brilliance.
Tharp include g More...
