For this year?s 36th annual Kwanzaa festival at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, renowned tap master, actor and choreographer Savion Glover makes his museum debut when he performs his own piece entitled, ?Savion Glover?s Funky Kwanzaa Celebration,? twice, on Saturday, December 27, at 12 noon and at 3 p.m.
?Since I arrived in 2011, I have had the dream of bringing Savion?s artistry here and I really wanted to find the right moment. And this is it. He is extraordinary and he has created a special piece for this year?s Kwanzaa celebration,? Adina Williams, senior manager of public programs, ?department of education, American Museum of Natural History, told TNJ.com.?
Williams says the museum?s Kwanzaa festival is its largest and, over the years, has attracted approximately 9,000 visitors.??
Notes Williams, ?It would be incredible to surpass last year?s numbers. Savion attracts an international audience as well as our dedicated Kwanzaa visitors, so I think both will enjoy his brilliant artistry in a unique setting at the museum?s Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. We are thrilled to have him with us.”
Glover made his Broadway debut in 1985 in The Tap Dance Kid, but is perhaps best known for his starring role in George C. Wolfe?s, ?Bring in ?da Noise, Bring in ?da Funk,? in 1996 for which he won the Tony award for Best Choreography. He also won an award for choreography from Dance Magazine when he was just 19 years old. Since then, Glover has been in a ton of television and awards specials, films and Broadway shows.??
A few years ago, the 41-year old Newark, New Jersey native opened HOOFERZCLUB School for Tap in his hometown.
?Savion really understands the principles of Kwanzaa. He will have a number of dancers and live musicians – a really rich ensemble of some of the best dancers around. This performance marks his debut at the museum and he has graciously agreed to do two performances and a Q & A session after each 30-minute set. The Kwanzaa festival is one of our brightest lights at the museum and I could not think of a brighter light to carry it forth than Savion,? Williams gushes.
(The American Museum of Natural History is located in Manhattan on 79th Street and Central Park West.)?
