Savion the Last Dance

By Rosie Scavuzzo

What makes any performer a brilliant one: Is it technique? Sure. Is it grace? Yes. Is it passion? Definitely. The Staller Center for the Arts welcomed to its stage a performer who tops all three of these.

Savion Glover in his on-tour production of Classical Savion brought his incredible grace, passion and technique to Stony Brook University to share with the audience how to use one’s body as an instrument. Known by many as the world’s best tap dancer in existence today, Glover’s performance combined classical favorites by Bach, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, and Vivaldi with beats inspired by everything from swing to jazz to hip hop.

The stage was simple, but the music coming from that stage was surely not. As the 10-piece orchestra flew across the strings of their instruments, Glover’s feet flew across the wooden stage - his arms going any which way and his dreadlocks doing the same. Though seemingly effortless in his performance, his exertion was evident by his three costume changes from sweat-drenched shirts and pants in addition to his sweat-dripping dreads and beard.

His interaction with his fellow performers was rousing. Glover spent a good portion of the evening with his back to the audience, interacting closely with the other musicians who formed a semi-circle around the stage. This was his way of making a physical connection between himself and his orchestra; of explaining to the audience that he was one with them and not simply the famous star with backup.  The musical arrangements developed through Glover’s choreography created stunning renditions of already brilliant music. Together, the ensemble weaved their musical mastery together into an incredibly powerful statement of grace, passion and technique.

Glover’s wide smile was “infectious,” according to the buzz of enthralled audience members attempting to desperately find a way to meet the performer after the show. It was not only his smile, but his entire performance that had audience members tapping their way happily out of the theatre.

The 90-minute, no-intermission show was no doubt an incredible addition to the already stellar Staller season. Alan Inkles, director of the Staller Center for the Arts, hopes that shows like Classical Savion will continue to attract more and more students to take part in experiencing and celebrating the arts for an affordable price. Students can get great $7 tickets (less than the price of a movie) with their student ID’s one half hour to curtain at the Staller Center box office.