Twyla Tharp Dance celebrates 60 years with Hancher return

Daisy Jacobson is working out in preparation of her forthcoming Twyla Tharp Dance tour, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of Tharp’s iconic company. The show, which features “Diabelli” and “Slacktide,” is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at the Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City.

“Performing such a double bill is super physical,” Jacobson said while calling from New York City’s Ailey Studios. “It’s going to be a very bright show, a very funny show, a very technically demanding show and a very Twyla show.”

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Tharp, 83, is a legendary dancer, choreographer and author, who formed her company in 1965. Tharp is an inventive maverick, who has stretched the boundaries of dance.

“I’ve never worked with anyone like Twyla,” Jacobson said. “I’ve learned so much and it’s just so great being around someone like her since she has a unique perspective. Twyla talks about her frustration with dance not having as much money as other arts since dance is at the bottom of the totem pole. We’re the lowest regarded art form. But Twyla values her dancers and we give it all at her shows. We’re proud to be part of all of this and can’t wait to go on tour.”

“Diabelli” is choreographed to Beethoven’s “Diabelli Variations” and in 1999 took place on the stage of the original Hancher Auditorium. The range of dance styles includes ballet, jazz, modern, social and street.

“It’s all across the spectrum,” Jacobson said. “It’s challenging but it’s also so much fun to be part of.”

A new work, dubbed “Slacktide,” features Philip Glass’ “Aguas Da Amazonia,” which was arranged and will be performed by Third Coast Percussion on a collection of custom-designed instruments.

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“Third Coast Percussion are so unique and dynamic,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson, 29, has been dancing with Tharp since 2022. “This is my fourth project with Twyla,” Jacobson said. “Twyla has really high expectations for herself and her dancers. She’s pushing all of us to be the best she can be in the studio and onstage. I think it’s super rare to work with someone so present and tuned into every detail. Her work ethic impacts all of us in this production in the most positive way. We all want to give our best since she always gives her best.”

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The most daunting part of the experience for Jacobson is the chill of the dead of winter, which the charismatic entertainer fears when she makes her Iowa City debut.

“I’m so afraid of the really, really cold,” Jacobson said while chuckling. “I guess I’ll pack wool socks and long underwear. I’ve never been to Iowa City but I’m looking forward to it since a girl I knew well at Juilliard is from there. I’m going to ask her for some recommendations.”

It’s been a rough period for Jacobson since her mother lives in the Pacific Palisades, one of the Los Angeles neighborhoods that has been devastated by wildfires.

“This last week was really hard,” Jacobson said. “My mother’s neighborhood is gone. She still has her house since it’s made of cement. I don’t know if it’s better to be the only person on the block with a house. I just can’t believe how bad it is. I have so many friends impacted by the fire. It’s so difficult thinking about it.”

However, work pulls Jacobson’s mind from the natural disaster. “One of the good things about work is about how all encompassing this is,” Jacobson said. “Fortunately I love what I do and I look forward to performing around the country with this incredible show. Hopefully, it won’t be too cold in Iowa City but I’ll try to be as prepared as I can be.”