Twyla Tharp in rehearsal with dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet, fall 2013

It’s college commencement season, when young learners leave the classroom and enter the real world. Most graduates will treasure their higher education experiences for the rest of their lives. Many maintain ties with their alma maters, supporting the institutions through donations or by returning to share their talents and knowledge. Legendary dance icons are no exception.

Twyla Tharp, a 1963 graduate of Barnard College, has arranged a residency at the women’s liberal arts college in New York City. During the 2014–15 academic year, the choreographer will participate in lectures, master classes, interdisciplinary projects and workshops. Some of her projects as the institution’s distinguished guest artist will even be presented to the public. The notoriously demanding dancemaker is eager for her homecoming. “The experiences I had and lessons I learned here have been invaluable,” said Tharp in a statement. “I am pleased to return to campus, and I look forward to a year of exploration and collaboration with Barnard’s bright and talented students and faculty.”

Photo by Lindsay Thomas, courtesy of Pacific Northwest Ballet