Savion Glover

Definition

Savion Glover is a renowned American tap dancer, choreographer, and actor known for his innovative approach to tap dance that emphasizes rhythm and improvisation. He gained fame for his unique style, which blends traditional tap with hip-hop influences, making significant contributions to the art form both on stage and in film. Glover is celebrated for his ability to transform tap into a dynamic expression of storytelling and musicality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Savion Glover made his Broadway debut at just 11 years old in 'The Tap Dance Kid,' showcasing his talent early on.
2. He won a Tony Award for Best Choreography in 1996 for his work on 'Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk,' which solidified his status as a leading figure in modern tap.
3. Glover is known for creating a more freestyle and improvisational approach to tap, which has influenced many contemporary dancers.
4. He has collaborated with various artists across genres, including jazz musicians, further expanding the reach of tap dance in music.
5. Glover's performances often involve intricate footwork combined with complex rhythms, making him a master at blending dance with musical expression.

Review Questions

• How did Savion Glover's unique style influence the perception of tap dance in contemporary performance?
  • Savion Glover's unique style has transformed the perception of tap dance from a strictly choreographed form to one that emphasizes improvisation and personal expression. His performances often showcase intricate footwork paired with rhythms that draw from hip-hop, challenging traditional boundaries and attracting a diverse audience. By incorporating elements of jazz and other genres into his work, Glover has made tap dance relevant and exciting for modern viewers.
• Analyze the impact of 'Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk' on Savion Glover's career and the broader world of tap dance.
  • 'Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk' significantly elevated Savion Glover's career, earning him critical acclaim and recognition as a top-tier choreographer. The musical not only showcased his exceptional talents but also integrated social themes such as African American history and culture into its narrative. This blend of artistic expression with meaningful storytelling helped redefine tap dance as an art form capable of addressing important societal issues while still being entertaining.
• Evaluate how Savion Glover’s contributions have shaped the future of tap dance and its integration into other performance arts.
  • Savion Glover's contributions have paved the way for a new generation of tap dancers who prioritize rhythm and improvisation over strict choreography. By fusing tap with other styles like hip-hop and jazz, he has created opportunities for cross-genre collaborations that keep the art form alive and evolving. His innovative approach encourages dancers to experiment with their own unique styles, ensuring that tap remains a vibrant part of contemporary performance arts while inspiring future generations to explore its potential.

Related terms

Tap Dance: A dance style characterized by the use of tap shoes that have metal plates on the soles, allowing dancers to create rhythmic sounds and patterns by striking the floor.

Rhythm Tap: A style of tap dancing that prioritizes musicality and rhythm over choreography, emphasizing the sounds created by the feet rather than visual patterns.

Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk: A critically acclaimed Broadway musical that showcased Savion Glover's talents and helped redefine tap dance for contemporary audiences, integrating social themes and innovative choreography.