FirstWorks to Welcome Savion Glover, 1/31

FirstWorks presents Broadway tap phenomenon Savion Glover in his newest exuberant celebration of dance - "STePz". Glover and his ensemble take tap dance to new heights with great versatility - fusing traditional music selections of the past with Glover's self-proclaimed tap style and energy of the future. FirstWorks brings tap master Savion Glover to The Vets in Providence, RI on January 31, 7:30pm. Tickets start at $28 at first-works.org or call 401-421-ARTS (2787).

Since Savion Glover first exploded onto the stage with his Broadway smash hit "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk", he has become one of the precious few artists to radically embody, redefine and expand their art form. "STePz" demonstrates Mr. Glover's incredible ability to perform the complexities of jazz phrasing-both bass line and melody, as well as wild improvisations, structure, and deconstruction-from departure to return.

"Savion Glover has danced for presidents and been hailed as the 'greatest tap dancer that ever lived', but his life's work goes far beyond his hummingbird fast technique. He has redefined tap to be urban, black and masculine. He is passionate about educating youth and honoring the masters that came before him. He reaches new heights with each creation-whether it's the spectacle of hip-hop tap or, as with 'STePz', the interplay between tap and jazz improvisation," said Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director, FirstWorks. "FirstWorks is thrilled to connect our audiences and the young people in our Arts Learning program with a living legend."

Glover is a Tony award-winning hoofer, choreographer and producer. His numerous credits include the Broadway shows "The Tap Dance Kid"; "Black and Blue"; "Jelly's Last Jam"; and the films "Tap" with Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr.; "Bamboozled" by Spike Lee; and "Happy Feet", an Academy Award winning feature film choreographed by Glover.

This performance is made possible with leading support from National Grid, Carter Family Charitable Trust and Providence Tourism Council.