You know you’re on to something when you can stand up in front of an audience and hold its rapt attention for two hours. When Savion Glover performs, it is all about him. And we wouldn’t want it any other way. He is the undisputed king of tap dancing. Glover makes his way north of the border once or twice a year, and it is always an occasion.
We caught up with Glover in advance of his latest Toronto show, which is taking place tomorrow at Koerner Hall.
Tell me about your new show, SoLe Sanctuary.
SoLe Sanctuary is a production with myself and Marshall Davis Jr. It is a production that basically acknowledges our gratitude by recognizing the men and women who have taught us and the pioneers of the dance, the tap style, or approach that we do. The show is dedicated to those men and women who have paved the way.
It seems to have a very spiritual side to it.
There is a spirituality associated with everything that I do. In reference to the dance, there is a higher power, a spirituality, something else connected and working through us.
Do you feel as though you are contemplating the spiritual side of things more at this point?
I’ve always had a connection, a spiritual connection, and try to make that through the dance. Now it is more evident because I’ve matured since my young and aggressive days. My approach to the dance now is much different.
What are you hoping people take from the show?
I’m not suggesting anything. I’m just hoping they enjoy the evening, enjoy the sounds. I mean, everyone walks away with different impressions, interpretations of what they heard or saw that night. It’s not my job to predict what one would take away. I’m just there to do my part, which is to allow them to hear the musicality through the dance.
You are onstage from start to finish and have to hold the audience’s attention — how do you prepare for that pressure?
There is no pressure at all, just at a point, been at this point for a while. My performance is what I am. No difference: me in studio or performing, basically all the same. Can work out forever and try to come up with different tones or different ways to approaching the dance. Performance mode, no difference for me.
What keeps you motivated to continue to expand the reach of tap?
Every time I wake up in the morning and I’m still breathing, that’s enough motivation to do anything. So that’s basically it. If I’m alive and able, this is what I’ll do.
SoLe Sanctuary, Koerner Hall, April 20