WEST PALM BEACH – Under the direction of Savion Glover, STePz is an exuberant celebration of tap dance to sound and sound to dance. Glover’s capability will be on display, along with his ensemble of dancers 8 p.m., Nov. 7, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach.
The crew will explore all the complexities of jazz phrasing, bass line and melody, wild improvisations, structures and deconstruction. STePz will display the infinite versatility and virtuosity of Glover’s genius as a tap dancer.
Born in 1973, the tapping marvel has graced the stage since childhood. He set a record as the youngest person ever to receive a scholarship in the Newark Community School of the Arts. Before he was a teenager, Glover made his mark starring in the leading role in the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid.
Glover developed his own dancing style he dubbed “free style hard core.” The Tony Award winning dancer eventually worked with dancing greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. Among his credits are starring roles in major motion pictures like Jelly’s Last Jam, a role for which he made history as the youngest ever recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant.
As a choreographer, Glover’s work has helped maintain tap dancing as an art form in the modern dance world. His starring role in the musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, which he also choreographed, debuted on Broadway in 1996. The musical chronicles events in African-American history and brought Glover a Tony for best choreographer.
Glover was made known to the younger generation with recurring appearances on Sesame Street. He also holds the credit as the live captured dancing motion behind Mumble the penguin in the Disney film Happy Feet. Glover also served as co-choreographer for the film.
Glover’s quick steps and amazing rhythms continue to influence the lives of young people. His production company tours schools across the country, spreading enthusiasm for tap dancing.
There will be a free pre-performance discussion by Steven Caras at 6:45 p.m., on the day of the show.
Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Ticket prices start at $15. To purchase, visit kravis.org
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