By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
October 11, 2002
A few performers probably could boast a Tony Award, a best-selling book and a successful film career. But Savion Glover has a leg up on the competition. The renowned tap dancer also had a stint on “Sesame Street.”
“How can you not like the Muppets?” says Glover, 28. “To be a part of something like that was just so much fun. Every day was different. That kept me very happy.”
Glover, who won a Tony for his choreography in “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” returns to Chicago to star in the musical that for many fans epitomizes the best of Glover’s talents. The production utilizes the synchronized cadences of tap dancing to celebrate the history of the beat and songs.
“I always tell kids that tapping is nothing if you don’t know its history and the people who danced before you. It’s not just a dance movement. I guess in a way, we were trying to get that across with this production. I don’t want to be preachy and try to teach people, but it’s nice if entertainment can also have a little educational value.”
He talks about his background in Savion! My Life in Tap ($19.95, HarperCollins). His mother signed him up for lessons when he was 7 years old. The child took to it and wasn’t fussy about where he practiced–at home, on the sidewalk, at stores.
“I probably was every neighbor’s nightmare, tapping away everywhere. My feet were a lot smaller then so maybe I didn’t make so much noise. I think I’d cause more damage these days.”
HERE’S WHAT ELSE GLOVER HAD TO SAY:
Favorite food: I like finding restaurants to get some good soul food cooking. But I’m not particularly picky about what I eat. My diet consists of everything from soul food to filet o’ fish to pasta from the Olive Garden. I like it all.
His workout ethic: I’m never in a workout mode. I just stretch and that’s pretty much it. I wake up every morning and thank God for life.
Advice to kids who want to emulate him: Just love what you do and make sure you’re doing it for the right reason. Once you’ve got that figured out, stick with it and you can’t go wrong.
Thoughts about quitting show business: I love what I do. As long as I’m comfortable doing it, I’m set. Once I start feeling awkward or don’t look forward to going on stage anymore, it’ll be time to retire.
Tell us about your name: My mom liked it ’cause it sounds like savior.
Favorite venue to perform in: I haven’t played at one in Chicago that I haven’t liked. Chicago has some really cool theaters. The sound is good and the sight line is good, too.
Favorite thing to do in Chicago during your time off. here: It’s never just one thing. I do really like walking around and just soaking everything in.
Favorite Muppet [he was a tap teacher on “Sesame Street”]: Elmo, of course! He was always really curious, just like me! And just between you and me, Snuffle-upagus was pretty uncoordinated. He has four feet and they were all left.
Favorite activity when you’re not touring: I like to chill out, listen to music and hang out with friends.
Upcoming projects: I’m trying to put something out on vinyl, CD, tape–whatever the kids want. It’ll be about dance, literature and music, basically for the younger generation. It’s going to take awhile for me to do ’cause it’s an ongoing project and I want to be thorough. I’ll probably sell it at shows once it’s all put together.
Tap influences: I learn by watching all of them. Sammy Davis Jr. was great. So’s Gregory Hines and Jimmy Slyde.
Best thing about playing to Chicago audiences: They know dance.
The last word on Chicago: Beautiful. It’s just a gorgeous city. I have family and friends who live there, so I try to get there as often as I can
