The atmosphere at the Dakota Club will pulse with the infectious rhythms and dynamic expressions of legendary tap dancer Savion Glover as he presents his latest show, PROjECt 9, on Oct. 10-11. Renowned for his innovative tap style and unparalleled dance talent, Glover has become the standard of artistry in dance, recognized for his technical prowess and ability to convey deep emotional narratives through movement.
This latest performance promises to enchant audiences, further solidifying Glover’s legacy as one of the brilliant facets of the modern dance landscape.
Glover’s journey through the world of dance began at a young age when his prodigious talent quickly shone through. His career took off in the late 1980s after starring in Broadway productions like “Tap Dance Kid (1989)” and the revolutionary “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk.”
During those formative years, he caught the attention of the late Gregory Hines, a titan in the world of tap dance, who famously anointed Glover as one of the greatest talents in the genre. Their mentorship bridged generations, and Glover’s work elegantly intertwines the rich history of tap with modern influences—a testament to Hines’s lasting impact on Glover and artistic dance tap.
PROjECt.9 is described as a transformative performance that draws on the essence of Glover’s signature style: a blend of technical precision, improvisation, and an addictively infectious rhythm. Glover’s approach transcends traditional tap dance; it becomes poetry in motion.
In his own words, Glover says: “I see this existence changing. I know there are no art forms or anything like that; these are movements of communication. The difference between what I do and what tap dance is is that tap dance will go out of style, and tap dance has been out of style. As far as my approach to dance as a form of communication and language, this will never go out of style. Those who know the language and have an appreciation for the sound will always recognize the sound of the dance as a form of communication.
“The PROjECt.9 show with other musicians will basically be an opportunity for me to introduce myself as a percussionist, as the lead drummer—and our sound is connected to the ancestral codes embedded in our music,” Glover says. “It’s our responsibility to carry on the language of the sound. This sound now has me articulating and trusting myself on the percussion with the drums, as I’ve been playing them my entire life.”
The Dakota Club, known for its intimate setting and passionate celebration of the arts, is the perfect venue for an artist of Glover’s caliber. The club’s ambiance will allow audiences to engage with his performance viscerally. Every shuffle, stomp and slide will echo through the space, inviting viewers to feel the rhythm up close and personal.
Glover’s performances are always electrifying and encourage audiences to experience the powerful emotions evoked by each tap through fluid and musically synchronized motions.
What makes PROjECt.9 particularly unique is Glover’s emphasis on the collaboration of sound and improvisation. Throughout his career, Glover has championed the idea that dance is about dialogue—a conversation between the dancer and the music and a connection with the audience. He invites guest artists and musicians to join him on stage, creating an atmosphere of spontaneity that is present not only in his moves but also in the melodic sounds that unfold throughout the performance. This collaborative outing promises to be a hallmark of Glover’s work, setting a precedent for how dance can evolve while remaining true to its roots.
Underpinning Glover’s physical virtuosity is an acute awareness of dance’s cultural and historical implications. He has always held a deep respect for the legacies of those who came before him, such as Jimmy Slyde and Gregory Hines, integrating their influences into his artistry.
With PROjECt.9, Glover pays homage to the tap legends of yesteryear while pushing the boundaries of what dance can express in contemporary society. His performances evoke themes of identity, community and resilience, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of Afrocentric culture—a narrative that resonates widely in today’s social climate.
As an audience member watching Glover dance, one cannot help but marvel at the spontaneity and fluidity of his movement. His feet tell stories. Feelings of joy, sorrow, struggle and hope spring forth from every tap, creating a colorful and inspiring performance. The power of his artistry transcends entertainment, inviting us into a more profound experience of rhythm and emotion that is often overlooked in our fast-paced world.
Glover’s philosophy of artistry is evident in his passionate reflections on dance. “The dance is a total aspect of my life; the sound is the most honorable existence,” he says. When I get to the stage, it’s just an expression of my living.”
This deep connection between Glover and dance enriches his performances, drawing audiences into an experience that feels profoundly personal yet universally relatable. In another reflective insight, he remarks, “As I often say, the dance will never go away. The dance is a form of communication. For me, it will change and evolve as I change and evolve.
Al Brown welcomes reader responses to alvinb303@gmail.com.
Savion’s tap dancing was amazing! However, he spent most of the show behind the drumset doing an aimless jam with a few saxophones. (Just so you know what you’re getting into)
“ His feet tell stories.” Beautifully said Al!
Thank you, Laura.