Two Rosie’s Daughters Honored

Post #11 – Rosie’s Daughters: The “First Woman To” Generation Tells Its Story by Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett

We’ve done it again. The Rosie’s Daughters generation is still shining, still getting awards. The 2008 Kennedy Center honorees have just been announced — 6 outstanding individuals, 4 men and 2 women. Both of the women are Rosie’s Daughters — Barbra Streisand and Twyla Tharp. The Kennedy Center award is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the arts.

Barbra Streisand’s work is widely known. Perhaps you don’t know Twyla Tharp. Tharp is said to have reinvented modern dance blending jazz and ballet. Illustrating the diverse influences on the Rosie’s Daughters generation, she’s choreographed dances to Bob Dylan’s music and the Beach Boys.

“Twyla was challenging because she would never compromise on integrity,” said Michael Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “She taught me the difference between making a ballet and making art.”
When I was researching some of the famous FW2s for my book, I read Twyla Tharp’s memoir, The Creative Habit, a fascinating look at ways to bring creativity into your life and your passions. If you’re interested, I’ve included a link to her book.

CBS will broadcast the award ceremony on December 30.

Oh yes — here are the names of the men honored: Roger Daltry, Pete Townshend, Morgan Freeman, and George Jones.