MOM SHOW BLOGGER: Savion Glover Makes Special Appearance at American Museum of Natural History by Robin Gorman Newman

 The American Museum of Natural History celebrated its 36th annual Kwanzaa celebration on Saturday, December 27, at Milstein Hall of Ocean life and Kaufmann Theater. The event celebrates the rich traditions of Kwanzaa and honors the holiday’s seven guiding principles.

Tony Award-winning tap virtuoso Savion Glover, of The Tap Dance Kid (Broadway show fame), made his Museum debut as he brought in ‘da noise and ‘da funk with an original composition choreographed for this stirring event.  I’ve long been a fan of his, and to witness his “feet feat” was quite a thrill.  He tells a story through tap, and gets so swept up in performance, that you can’t take your eyes off him or get enough.  What a unique talent!  I had the opportunity to ask him a question, during a talk back with the audience, about his intent to return to Broadway one day, and he said he’d love to….so here’s hoping!

Savion Glover’s Funky Kwanzaa Celebration, was performed by dynamic, talented dancers, accompanied by live musicians.  Also featured during the celebration was master drummer Sanga of the Valley, the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem, and a special screening of the film They Are We, introduced by H.E.A. Missouri Sherman-Peter, Permanent Observer of the Caribbean Community to the United Nations.  Storyteller Linda Humes hosted the dynamic program. The day included an international marketplace (a cool shopping opportunity) and a film screening of the acclaimed film They Are We, directed by Emma Christopher, introduced by H.E.A. Missouri Sherman-Peter, Permanent Observer of the Caribbean Community to the United Nations (CARICOM).

It was a special experience and one that I was very pleased I had the opportunity to see, especially in light of today’s climate in NYC and elsewhere regarding diversity, racial profiling, etc.  There was an undercurrent of sentiment about that, and it was expressed the need for people to support each other.  Kudos to the American Museum of Natural History for presenting such a culturally rich program to both enlighten and entertain the community.

Support for Celebrate Culture programs was provided, in part, by the Sidney, Milton and Leoma Simon Foundation, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt, and The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation.

KWANZAA 2014: OUR BRIGHTEST LIGHTS was co-presented by Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group.

The Kwanzaa marketplace is organized by the Harlem Arts Alliance.

KWANZAA 2014: OUR BRIGHTEST LIGHTS tasting experience was presented by Whole Foods Market.

Tags: Africa, Black Americans, cultural diversity, Harlem, kwanzaa, museum of natural history, savion glover, tap dance