Tap dance wizard comes to SO

Savion Glover

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Hailed by The New York Times as “the greatest tap dancer who has ever lived,” Savion Glover brings his high energy and fancy footwork to the South Orange Performing Arts Center stage on Saturday, May 19, at 8 p.m. The OUT’KNiGHTz will be his percussion collaborators as he displays the singular talents that have brought him acclaim since childhood. This Tony Award-winning tap dancer, choreographer and producer is celebrating his 33rd year as a performing artist.

Glover made his Broadway debut at age 11 in “The Tap Dance Kid” before earning his first Tony nomination at age 15 for “Black and Blue.” He worked with George Wolfe on “Jelly’s Last Jam” and “Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk,” earning him a Tony Award for Best Choreography. Another Tony Award nomination followed in 2016 for “Shuffle Along.”

He conquered Hollywood when he appeared with Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. in “Tap,” Spike Lee’s “Bamboozled” and the acclaimed Academy Award-winning 2006 Warner Brothers release of “Happy Feet” and “Happy Feet 2,” both choreographed by Glover.

Glover has also enjoyed dancing on concert stages throughout the world with legendary jazz musicians such as Jack DeJohnette, Roy Haynes and McCoy Tyner. In his hometown of Newark, Glover holds the honor of being on the board of directors at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where he also serves as its Dance Ambassador.

“We are proud to present such a stellar artist at SOPAC,” Executive Director Mark Packer said. “Savion holds a special place in the world of Broadway and film — not only as a superb dancer, but as an award-winning choreographer and producer. Simply put, there is nobody like him!”

Tickets go on sale to the public March 9 at noon. They can be purchased online at http://www.sopacnow.org/savion-glover or by calling the box office at 973-313-2787.