Sylvia Glasser

Sylvia Glasser (1940-) Choreographer.

Biography

When Glasser retired she moved to Australia.

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.

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.