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Bare Soundz, Pure Genius

Dominic Riley |
April 6, 2010 | 10:22 p.m. PDT

Columnist

Creative Commons Licensed

Peculiar, distinctive, strong, superior, creative, transcendent, extraordinary. This is a list of words that define the word "genius." However, only two words are needed to embody it: Savion Glover.

Glover personified genius in his tap dance performance of "Bare Soundz" in front of a sold-out crowd at USC's Bovard Auditorium. Using only his feet as well-tuned instruments, Glover created hair-raising music by stomping forcefully into wooden platforms on the stage. Each tap had its own unique sound and range, with tap after tap creating pecuiliar, yet familiar beats with hints of jazz, reggae, bebop and hip-hop.

Glover has been wowing people with his talents since his first Broadway appearance in "Tap Dance Kid" at age 12. He then went on to star alongside legendary hoofers, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Gregory Hines, in the film "Taps" and won a Tony Award for his choreography in the Broadway show "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk." In the latter, Glover introduced the world to his distinctive funk style of tap, a style that showcases the raw roots and rhythm of the dance.

Tapping alongside fellow dance prodigies, Marshall Davis, Jr. and Maurice Chestnut, Glover exposed his superior technique. Each dancer soloed, but judging by the crowd's reactions, Glover struck a stronger chord with those in attendance. The audience's brief spurts of applause, orgasmic shouts, high-pitched whistles, and mumbles of elation and disbelief added to the bare sounds coming from the stage.

In the number "Trading Places" each dancer took turns on the same wooden platform carrying on the beat of the former through improvisation. Each freestyled, showing their creativity and musicality while maintaining a cohesive beat and rhythm throughout.

But it was in "GIGANTIC Steps," a number inspired by saxophonist John Coltrane's "Giant Steps," that Glover's personality emerged in all its passionate glory. With a playful smile, Glover flailed his arms and struck the wooden platform with conviction. His signature dreadlocks moved in opposition to his feet, and he bobbed his head to feel the true essence of the sound emanating from below. At the conclusion of the number, Glover wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel, proving that performing a piece of genius was no easy task.

Any performer can be labeled genius for excelling at his or her work. But only true geniuses can transcend their craft and leave a unique imprint in the minds of those fortunate enough to witness such brilliance.

Savion Glover is among the elite few.



 

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