Difference between revisions of "Sylvia Glasser"
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== Biography == | == Biography == | ||
| + | The daughter of a European refugee, Glasser was born in Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) in 1940. | ||
| − | When Glasser retired she moved to Australia. | + | When Glasser retired she moved to Australia circa 2015. |
==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance== | ==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance== | ||
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She founded the dance company [[Moving into Dance]] in 1978 from the garage at her home in Victory Park – long before it was fashionable or even legal to host black and white dancers on the same stage – Glasser unequivocally changed the nature of dance in South Africa. | She founded the dance company [[Moving into Dance]] in 1978 from the garage at her home in Victory Park – long before it was fashionable or even legal to host black and white dancers on the same stage – Glasser unequivocally changed the nature of dance in South Africa. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Among other approaches to dance, she developed Edudance, which teaches the school curriculum using physical movement to explain theoretical principles. | ||
Productions as choreographer include ''[[Call Me Woman]]'' ([[Market Theatre]], 1979), ''[[Passage of Rites]]'' ([[Moving into Dance]]). | Productions as choreographer include ''[[Call Me Woman]]'' ([[Market Theatre]], 1979), ''[[Passage of Rites]]'' ([[Moving into Dance]]). | ||
Revision as of 11:44, 11 September 2026
Sylvia Glasser (1940-) Choreographer.
Contents
Biography
The daughter of a European refugee, Glasser was born in Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) in 1940.
When Glasser retired she moved to Australia circa 2015.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
At the forefront of South African modern dance from the late 1970s onwards, Glasser’s explorations of South African rituals, music and dance together with her training in Western modern dance led her to develop a distinct style she calls Afrofusion, which reflects her philosophy of integrity and respectful cultural sensitivity and that blends elements from South African culture with various choreographic structures underpinning Western modern dance.
She founded the dance company Moving into Dance in 1978 from the garage at her home in Victory Park – long before it was fashionable or even legal to host black and white dancers on the same stage – Glasser unequivocally changed the nature of dance in South Africa.
Among other approaches to dance, she developed Edudance, which teaches the school curriculum using physical movement to explain theoretical principles.
Productions as choreographer include Call Me Woman (Market Theatre, 1979), Passage of Rites (Moving into Dance).
Awards
Glasser received the 1996 FNB Vita Special Achievement Award for her development of a unique, dynamic South African contemporary choreographic practice and dance style and for her company’s ongoing dance education and outreach programs in the communities. She was honored as South African “National Living Human Treasure and Foremost Pioneer” in 2000; garnered the Tunkie Arts and Culture Trust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005; and earned the National Tribute to Women in the Arts and Culture Sector in 2010 for her contributions to South African modern dance and to society’s fabric.
Sources
https://www.rem.routledge.com/articles/glasser-sylvia-1940
https://mg.co.za/friday/2015-12-10-sylvia-glasser-dances-to-her-own-drum/
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