Donald Hutera
Grab an Italian masterpiece for less


He's not yet 35 years old and already Savion Glover's phenomenal talent has marked him as a legend. And the American tap superstar carries the burden of such a label effortlessly. Flanked by fellow dancers Marshall Davis Jr and Maurice Chestnut, Glover's return concert at Sadler's Wells is a triumph of stamina, flair and classy, unpretentious showmanship.
Bare Soundz unleashes a concentrated cavalcade of varied percussive footwork. The setting - three heavily miked, island-like wooden platforms - is admirably unadorned and free of any trace of showbiz glitz. This suits Glover's aesthetic. Bearded, dreadlocked and casually dressed, he has developed a contemporary, funked-up and post-bebop street style that pays discreet homage to past masters while pushing his chosen form of expression into the future.
The show is certainly quick off the mark. The dancers are in place and raring to go as soon as the curtains part. Their opening set is a rush of rattling, rippling riffs, with Glover's gut-busting moves neatly counterpointed by Chestnut and Davis (each, like him, a former child prodigy). Whether they are passing around layers of complicatedly broken beats or suddenly flipping in and out of unison, the explosions of sophisticated polyphonic rhythm detonated during this two-part evening can make your heart race and muscles twitch with pleasure.
The sheer amount and intensity of the dancing can seem overwhelming, even exhausting, but it is also deeply impressive. There are a few long but riveting solos. Glover is particularly exciting to watch, his thin, jangling frame expanding and contracting with a loose yet precision-hit joy. His presence is sunnier, more open, than in his debut performances in London last year. Still, the effects he produces can be as strong and changeable as the weather.
Glover is a rhythm junkie, laying down a hailstorm of taps. Crossing ankles and dangling a wrist, he briefly becomes a cool jazz cat. Moments later he shoots on to the toes of his shoes. Running or skipping in place, he brims with infectious high spirits. Is it any wonder that the people who made the hit animation Happy Feet drew directly on him for inspiration?
Box office: 0844 4124300. To tomorrow. www.sadlerswells.com
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports
We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?
Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge
With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
1998
£47,955
12 months for the price of 11 and a 5% discount.
Offer ends 31/11/09
Check your free Experian credit report before applying
Car Insurance
to £60K + bonus (OTE £90k)
Lord Search & Selection
Location Flexible
PwC’s Consulting practice helps businesses of all shapes
and sizes work smarter and grow faster.
£85k
CPA
Highly Competitve
Specsavers
Whiteley, near Southampton
Moments from Battersea Park.
For sale with Winkworth
Find out about shared ownership.
See your free Experian credit report beforehand
Book now & save over £100pp.
11 cool resorts, lowest prices... Early Booking offers 15 Nov.
20% off selected Azores holidays taken in October with Sunvil Discovery
Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com
World Class Golf, Spa and preferential Beach Club. Private estate overlooking West Coast
Villas from £275 per night inclusive of Golf
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.