The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) spotlights the discipline of dance during its 2015 program season and its 27th year presenting world-class performances for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Hosting performances, workshop demonstrations and educational programs throughout the summer that focus a historical and critical lens on dance from the 18th to the 21st centuries, the season opens with a spectacular performance of “SoLe Sanctuary” by celebrated tap master and trailblazer Savion Glover. Glover will also offer a rare master class on July 18 during NBAF’s symposium “Dance Across the Diaspora: A Historical Lens on a Black Cultural Movement.”
In “SoLe Sanctuary,” Glover offers an astounding celebration and recognition of his mentors, among them Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr., Jimmy Slyde, Lon Chaney, Buster Brown, Dianne Walker and Honey Coles. “SoLe Sanctuary” marks a pinnacle in Glover’s illustrious career as a tap dancer, choreographer and educator. In it he memorializes and honors those who have carried the art form forward as well as its history and development with a rhythmic and expressive production described by the New York Times as a “deeper exploration of the idea of a dancer as an instrument.”
Glover is known for his signature dance style in which he gradually deconstructs traditional tap dancing moves and incorporates more innovative steps. He has choreographed and appeared in films such as “Tap” starring Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr., and “Bamboozled,” directed by Spike Lee, and the Academy Award-winning films “Happy Feet” and “Happy Feet 2.” In 1995, he choreographed the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk,” which explored the history of blacks in America through the art of tap.”
Tickets: $30 and up ($20 students)
Location: Rialto Center for the Arts, Georgia State University, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta
Master class with Savion Glover
Saturday, July 18, 12 p.m.
A trailblazer who sparked a modern revival and brought tap to the forefront of popular culture, Glover demonstrates his mastery through a special master class that appeals to young aspiring dancers, pre-professionals and lovers of tap of all ages, backgrounds and level of dance proficiency.
Glover’s master class takes place as part of the symposium “Dance Across the Diaspora: A Historical Lens on a Black Cultural Movement.”
Tickets: $20 (Free for registered symposium participants)
Location: High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta
