Roots of a Tap Dance Legend - Savion Glover

On this episode of EPIPHANY, superstar tap dancer Savion Glover shares why he loves the art of tap dance... and why it's an important art form!
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EPIPHANY is a series that invites impassioned thought leaders across all disciplines to reveal the innovative, the improbable, and the unexpected of their worlds.
The views expressed in this video only represent those of the participants. They do not necessarily represent the views or endorsement of @radical.media LLC or any other party involved in the production and distribution of THNKR.

[@ronndaniels3972]

This man is a genius and a true artist. Hats off to his gifts for all of us.

[@Zykinn2]

I'm watching "Tap" now, he was incredible as a little kid. Bunch of legends in here too. Had to be an honor being that young working with those legends and NOW he's one!

[@douglascoleman418]

I was thinking the same thing. What an honor to be brought under their wing

[@ellienorris2513]

Just so people know: Sammy Davis Jr and Gregory Hines both consider Savion to be AMAZING.

[@arvstephenson1107]

A living Legend.

[@Tel934]

Indeed

[@TraciMann]

Love you Savion!!!! Wishing you and your loved ones health, happiness and prosperity!!!

[@KidsCanDanceAlumni1]

I Love Savion Glover! I studied with Lane Alexander in Chicago and I remember when Savion first came to perform in the Human Rhythm Project!! xoxo

[@deborahcepeda4219]

Mr Glover: First things first-Thank You so much for the elevation of what you do to so much more than what "some" people used to think of tap dancing. I remember when I was a young girl (I'm almost 61 now) and had just finished reading "Yes I Can" by Sammy Davis Jr. which was about the early part of his life-when he was growing up on the road (not attending school regularly) not always eating properly, his time in the army up to when he had become world famous and I asked my Dad what he thought of SDJ when I finished it because I was very impressed by his story, and he said that he thought he was one of the MOST talented entertainers he had ever seen in his life. Since my Dad was a very intelligent, and well educated man whom I respected (and still do to this day) very much this made a profound impression on me and I was probably about 13 at the time. I was brought up in an extremely (compared to most other young people I knew) liberal thinking home where the color of a person's skin was not thought of as anything but pigment-not a human difference. (Obviously, I am white) To me tap dancing has always been a true art form and always will be. There have been so many masters there are too many to even try to count, but I do have favorites--chiefly the incomparable Sammy and also Gregory Hines. When I watch old film of them I am always brought to tears and the only thing I really have left to say is that the 2 of them must be smiling all the time wherever they are because of the importance of the good and IMPORTANT work you are doing now to keep this jewel of an art form alive and well. Thank You so Much!

[@deborahcepeda4219]

Thanks for all the "likes" to the folks who have been gracious enough to give them! I would def have to include so much more than Gregory Hines+++ (my heart almost broke when he passed) and the Nicholas brothers as well at this point in my life (going on 65 at this time). I feel extremely fortunate to have had all these great artists perform for me in my lifespan, thus far!

[@indrataylor370]

😭😢💖✊🏿👞🎩🎶🎬📽🎵👍🏿✊🏿😭💖

[@jonnarobinson7541]

I am a public high school teacher of dance and I idolize Savion Glover. I think it is so important that students learn the history and artistry of any genre of dance. I know it is tough in a dance studio class setting, so I try to give my kids a broad educational background of dance. For example in our tap unit (yes, I did fund raise to buy tap shoes), we discuss tap among slaves, Irish dancing, the great black tappers, Gene Kelly, and Fred Astaire and they watch video clips of the different tap styles. It is really too bad that many studio kids have no idea of what they are learning besides the steps.

[@maryvaughn7886]

Bless your heart! Come from family full of teachers & musicians. So many sacrifices you make. These kids are so blessed to have you. 😍

[@kidkanYeBLAH]

Savion Glover is probably my my 3rd favorite tap dancer. (1 being Gregory Hines & 2 being Sammy Davis Jr.). Savion has done A LOT for the Tap Dance world. He was sort of the golden child in the movie "TAP". If you haven't seen that movie I suggest you look it up. It has Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr., Sandman, & Savion himself. I hope I someday can go to his school & & learn from him.

[@Perfect25person]

This man is a legend fir our young black society...we can do better.despite our worries.. I applaude him as an man with talent.taught.from talent

[@Javedskyknight]

This man is a legend period. You shouldn't turn an art form that has nothing do with color into a symbol of that cause. This man is one of the main reason tap has come back on the map.

[@zookeeper91326]

He is a treasure to American Tap dance...no color reference needed.

[@LaurieGouxiDance]

I studied under Mr. Jimmy Payne Sr. in Chicago. Savion performed at our theater for The EbonyOnIce show in Blue Island, IL.

[@georgemiser]

i remember Savion from sesame street. Great to see him still doing what he does.

[@TXejas19]

georgemiser i literally just said the same thing! ☺

[@ellienorris2513]

Good perception on your part! Part of the skill of tapping is to make the most sounds possible, with the smallest, or subtlest movements of the feet. But not looking like a spaz while you're doing that. If you can make 5-6 sounds with your feet, doing a movement that most people could only get maybe 2 sounds from, and look graceful, or at least NOT look like you're a total spaz while doing it.... that takes some serious skill, or natural talent, or genius. Pick your name.

[@Morkie19]

Amazing,passionate, expressive, and deep. A person who is very committed to what they love and are. We need that in the world.

[@369DivineOne]

From 5:10... I love you!!! Dance is the life of the soul! ♥

[@maryvaughn7886]

I had a son who lived 48 yrs with brain cancer. As a result he had many disabilities & limitations. He loved tap! I think the audio of it was major part of that. He was totally blind in R eye legally in L eye. He watched a lot of tv & discovered Savion. Hollered @me Mom come see him, he's 👍 great. It's Thanksgiving wknd & I've been watching things we shared like tap videos with Savion & being thankful for the times we shared. So I'll always love Savion more than I might have otherwise. Not only talented but a fine young man. that almost feels like family now.

[@nikkitobin8356]

Bless you .... Beautiful story thanks for sharing 🤗

[@maryvaughn7886]

@@nikkitobin8356 in these days of abounding number of trolls-thank you for seeing that. My life is rather gray w/o him, he was my life. But so many great memories for me & his dog who keeps me going now. Blessings to you and yours!

[@shannonsullivan6901]

my tap teacher got tought by Savion Glover

[@sarapayne2959]

I love that concept of express yourself! Beautiful footwork! I tap as well along with my brother and just now am starting to grasp that concept. My brother always tells me this.. Thank you for sharing and being a great inspiration!!

[@plmccarty51]

I saw his STePz last night and he is fabulous.

[@kathyellis2350]

I am late on arrival, but thank you, Savion, for your grace and vision. Tap, as any art, is a stream of consciousness, skill, ability, and pure bravery.

[@PropheSAY]

I love this so much.

[@joyceshellhammer8865]

You came into my world of knowledge when you performed on Sesame Street. I would watch the episodes along with my kids, and your personality and talent caught my attention. I would check on line occasionally to see where your career had taken you, and was thrilled when I got to see you live in Pittsburgh PA. My mom went with me for that show, and though she didn't know who you were, she enjoyed the presentation. May you continue to entertain and educate all of us who hear a tempo in everything around us. God bless.

[@user-ul2cp2ny2m]

Я восхищаюсь и рада всегда смотреть на талант этого человека!!!!!

[@LBellatrix]

I remember watching Savion when he was a little kid. God, I'm old. :o)

[@elaenamusitano]

Savion Glover Your Truly AMazing!!!!!! Let alone are you a spirited brilliant tap dancer, you are also giving back, setting up that school is truly Magnificent of you. We need people to make more musicals. Tap is akin to being a dancer and a musician, one of the hardest artforms to be good at and you are up there with the greats. So happy your still grooving out xXx

[@youwave5958]

From Tap movie and all grown up

[@brianshermansr.1711]

Ok

[@ellienorris2513]

It's kind of cute that he says he had no "influences" early on. Um...Frank Hatchett? That's a bretty amazing influence!!!! But I guess he knew him from age 7, so he just take that for granted. :) You're awesome, Savion!

[@SilkYSmooTh212]

Met this guy today at a family cookout it was crazy

[@kendal4452]

I always wondered what happened to Savion Glover. He looks great! Still wearing the dreds.

[@graphicbrew]

Seeing this guy in NYC tonight at Joyce Theatre. Should be a good one :)

[@miketython1493]

How was it

[@nichelle8742]

I Saw Him 2 Years Ago At Symphony Hall And Took A Picture With Him. He Was So Kind And I Just Fell In Love With Him lol

[@floatNthru12]

Greetings! I'm from Dumont/New Milford and Savion Glover's face and mannerisms just scream Home...where is this Dance Place located?

[@felix_christopher]

Please. Let any kind of dance expression never. Ever. Be the butt-end of a joke. It's dancing.

[@Javedskyknight]

Thanks to your work in Happy feet, on the Oscars, Movies like tap.... tap is no longer a minstrel thing. Thank God

[@dreamingcode]

Dancing Nova Gamer Thats exactly what he looked like dancing for Clintons and a room full of white folk.

[@atifking8731]

@@dreamingcode I hear ya... But he does have a gift...

[@michaelhollingsworth6026]

I think what made Savion great/ legend was that listen and he had learn tap dance from other legends.

[@nicholebeck8177]

He’s amazing!

[@reevonbryan6320]

Good job

[@fieldwimberly6187]

savon glover and famousstarfield challeges tap dancers

[@Tel934]

...apparently, this brotha does NOT age...

[@jehnirobinson2955]

Anyone 2018?

[@elainamarialawrence2776]

Yes, when I was a kid I love to Tap. Educat yourself to what tap is and you would find GREAT Historical value in what it all about. 🎶🎵❗

[@ellienorris2513]

If you don't get what tap is, that's understandable. It's hard to appreciate how difficult it is if you've never tried it.

[@jessieroden7465]

that dude is a beast,best tap dancer n the.🌍

[@user-ye8fp7ye5v]

wow cool

[@thomasfrost7070]

you the man i would rather tap with my fingers then on the piano. happy that life has treated you well

[@GoddessEmeralds]

Legend! Jersey stand up! EO,WO, NWK, IRVINGTON. I can't help but to think of the scene.. black man performing in front of white folks. Juba Dance.

[@NoaJasmine]

my tap teacher taught him!

[@bethanybrazelton780]

My dance teacher knows him

[@Volosous]

petition to Savion Glover's barber, exist to sign

[@dominicpattberg3537]

you got ti...so impress us dude

[@emko333]

i don't get what tap dance is

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

AMAZING TAP DANCE THANKS YOU GOODNESS 🌟❤️🖤💚🤎 FAMILY DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜 AWESOME BEAUTIFUL ✨,

[@slowjamz4life]

MANRAY!!! (^__^)

[@tiffanyhall4978]

Omg’sh he just gave a whole dance lesson in one sentence.... “he said shuffle, hop, roll, ball change” lol sounds like he just recited the time step... I think?!

[@MrCrowebobby]

No. Not a time step.

[@russianfunnycat5750]

Этот тот мужик из клипа Kenny G - Havana

[@viverlysumlin7433]

I would love to be trained by him

[@rason6428]

👍

[@auhosj877]

He makes me want to tap dance, and I DEFINITELY do not want to tap dance.

[@techknologist]

i crushed him so bad as a kid

[@MissCurlyCC]

me too!

[@somaliagullette3230]

You're not the only girl who did.

[@alexchris32]

i had no idea tap dancing was a thing

[@slimfatty7742]

👋

[@gizellemoroles8518]

i went to jump with him and i printed out a picture of me and him love you Savion Glover

[@AustenJenius23]

Seems more about the sound of the tapping than actually dancing.

[@jonnarobinson7541]

Actually, you are correct about rhythm tap which is usually a black style. They stay in a small confined area, they don't use their upper body very much, and the action is all in the feet.

[@summersevening]

It’s actually super hard - lots of steps, coordination, balance and you have to be really precise in how you do your steps to get the sounds clear and distinct - plus super fast.

[@janegoldberg006]

yo Savey

[@THEIA19]

Hi cousin it’s me Judy’s grandson I hope to meet you some day

[@mosesblack5025]

Me and him have the same name lol

[@dreamingcode]

Still hard to watch

[@meronmichael]

If Redman never did any kind of drugs or alcohol

[@MrCrowebobby]

Don't deny his talent, but hate the fact he's taken all the "dancing" out of tap dancing. Just a matter of taste, of course; he is definitely one of the best in the world.

[@hazelchief-rabbit5903]

Why do you say that? I'm not a tap dancer but I love watching tap dancing. I would love to learn it one day but I'm afraid I'm a little too old to learn it plus I have two left feet, haha.

[@MrCrowebobby]

@@hazelchief-rabbit5903 He does the hunched-over, no arm movement style now. Just a matter of taste.

[@hazelchief-rabbit5903]

@@MrCrowebobby oh right. I'll have to check out a more recent video of him to see what you mean.

[@MKPiatkowski]

So he's moved to Hoofin' rather than dancing. But most people don't know the distinction so it all falls under tap dance. Since Hoofin' is the original style, I like that he's moved in that direction. Everyone has their own tastes.

[@RetroSnoop]

I tap something but it's not my shoes.

[@Butterflyxcx]

wtf

[@tristanrogers1868]

Hi my name is savion glover and I'm stoned af

[@nicholastaitt4504]

I know him from sesame street