Saul Williams is a very influential New York based poet, rapper, musician, actor and writer, most commonly known for his appearance in the 1998 film Slam, his alternative hip-hop style poetry, and most notably his slam poetry. He was born in Newburgh, New York in 1972, where he attended Newburgh Free Academy. He graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in acting and philosophy. From there he went to New York University in New York City to earn a masters in acting. He started his career as a open mic poet, earning much respect as slam poet, and eventually joining the slam poetry team Nuyorican Poets. The documentary SlamNation follows him and the other members of the team as they compete in the National Poetry Slam held in Portland Oregon in 1996. In 1997-98 Williams serves as the lead actor in the film Slam, which he also helped write. This film won the Sundance Film Festival grand jury prize, and helped put Saul in the national spotlight. At this time he began concentrating on his music. Through his music and poetry he discusses many of the problems created by the government and American society. Much of his work focuses on the loss of identity of African Americans through slavery, and the unjust prison system of the United States. He is also a vocal critic of the war on terrorism in the Middle East. Through his work there is ample evidence that he does not seek fame, fortune, or mainstream media attention, but he aims to educate and spread awareness so that people can use their voices to make change.
-This is the link to his website, where you can watch music videos, listen to music, and learn about Saul Williams in general.
-Here is a link to a video of Saul performing one of his most popular and influential poems. It is a good example of the kinds of issues he is passionate about, and reflects much of what the movie Slam is about.
-This is a link to a summary and review of the film Slam, which Saul Williams helped write and served as lead actor in. I would highly suggest watching the first video on this page, which is from the film. The second link I posted is a link to the second video on this page.
Travis Michael Wall is an amazing dancer and choreographer that most recently came to fame after competing for America’s favorite dancer on “So You Think You Can Dance”, in which he was runner up. Many people do not know that Travis had a large dance career before the show, as well as continuing after the show and tour ended. Travis is only 23 years old, born September 16 1987. His passion for dance started at his mother’s dance studio in Virginia Beach, VA, Denise Wall’s Dance Energy. Before appearing on the dance show Travis had competed in many national dance competitions, some on television as well, been on Broadway performing in The Music Man, and participated in an artistic book of dancers movement photography called Moving Still: a live performance. More recently, Travis has come back to the dance show not as a dancer but an amazing choreographer. His pieces speak to the viewers; they tell a story with emotion, fierce dancing, and partner interactions that astonish the crowds. Each one of Travis’ pieces takes the audience out of their seats and brings them to the time and place of what the dance is describing. With brilliant use of props and very talented dancers, Travis is able to take dancing to a level not reached by many artists, while all along opening up the dance world to millions of new viewers. 
