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Flamenco
and tap, two dance forms, one with ancient roots that go back to
Spain and the Moorish invasion, the other distinctly modern and
New World, come together in Savion Glover's marvelous new show, Solo
In Time. The idea of time linking two apparently
disparate dance traditions is fascinating - old flamenco moves merge
with a quintessentially American dance style - the idea of
emphatic, audible footwork and lightning-quick passages linking
the two across continents and ages. Glover is one of the
most talented dancers and choreographers of his generation and an
exponent of the Hoofers style of tap where emphasis is
placed on foot movements and the creation of a louder tap or
sound. While classic Hollywood presentations of tap by Fred
Astaire and Gene Kelly highlighted balletic grace and technique,
Glover emphasizes tap as sound, sound as dance. The
performer is both dancer and instrument, and sound becomes
integral.
Flamenco
represents one of the cultural legacies of the La Convivencia
(Spanish for co-existence), and is itself a glorious threading
together of Gypsy, Moorish, Jewish and native Andalusian
influences. Glover's melding of the two forms contrasts mood
and temperament - the light-hearted and upbeat nature of tap with
the stormy and passionate flamenco. New York - that most
cosmopolitan of cities where traditions from all over the world
interact on a daily basis - is the perfect stage for such an
undertaking.
Glover,
who choreographed the Academy Award-winning animated film Happy
Feet and the hugely successful theatrical presentation Bring
in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk will be accompanied by his tap
band, Bare Soundz.
See:
Solo in Time, at the Joyce Theatre, through March 22.
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