Tap Dancing Star Savion Glover to Take Mercyhurst Stage Feb. 8

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture and the Erie Reader welcome the illustrious and entertaining tap dancer, actor and choreographer Savion Glover to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center stage on Friday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m.

In a January 2013 review, BroadwayWorld.com said, “His abilities are out of this world, and to see him dance is to see the physical embodiment of joy and rapture.” Glover’s Mercyhurst performance is a don’t-miss event that will heat up even the most frozen toes – and get them tapping, too.

Glover choreographed for the animated troupe of dancing penguins in the hit family feature “Happy Feet” in 2006. In fact, Glover himself donned a motion capture body suit covered with sensors that applied his dance steps to the film’s central character, Mumble. Glover’s other movie credits include “Driving Me Crazy” and “Bamboozled.”

Born and raised in New Jersey, Glover began taking tap lessons at age 7. He studied with esteemed teachers including the famous choreographer Gregory Hines who called Glover “possibly the best tap dancer that ever lived.”

At 19, Glover became the youngest-ever recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant. In 1995, he choreographed and starred in the musical “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” a hugely successful Broadway show that scored him a Tony for best choreographer.

Glover’s cadenced, intricate steps have led him to Broadway, Hollywood and even the White House – but no matter what stage he’s on, he commands it with extraordinary joy and explosive rhythmic power.

Glover has worked on numerous and varied projects throughout his career, including appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Colbert Report,” “Dancing with the Stars” and joining the cast of “Sesame Street.” Glover’s style honors the African roots of tap with his characteristic heavy footwork and powerful rhythm.

One hour prior to the event, the Erie Reader will be hosting a free pre-show party for ticket-holders at the university’s Cummings Gallery. The party will include complimentary refreshments and food.

Tickets are $45 for Gold Circle, $40 for adults and $37 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased by calling 814-824-3000 or by visiting miac.mercyhurst.edu.