International Ambassador of Hip-Hop, Rennie Harris Puremovement
The preeminent hip-hop dance company in the world, Rennie Harris Puremovement brings pure, contagious stage magic to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, February 23-24, 2012.
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Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012, Puremovement is a celebration
of life, or as The Village Voice describes the show: “Hip-hop dance to a
higher power, in both the mathematical and the metaphysical senses.”
Under Harris’s artistic direction, Puremovement’s virtuosic dancers
stretch brilliant street moves to high art in works that beat with
meaning and delight.
Based in Philadelphia, this company is the international ambassador of
hip-hop dance, delivering the true essence and spirit of hip hop, rather
than commercially exploited stereotypes. The theater has eagerly
anticipated the return of this group since it wowed audiences during
performances at Diana Wortham Theatre in November 2005.
Highly acclaimed choreographer Dr. Lorenzo “Rennie” Harris founded
Rennie Harris Puremovement in 1992 on the belief that hip-hop is the
most important original expression of a new generation. With its roots
in the inner-city African American and Latino communities, hip-hop can
be characterized as a contemporary indigenous form, one that expresses
universal themes that extend beyond racial, religious, and economic
boundaries, and one that, because of its pan-racial and transnational
popularity, can help bridge these divisions and change the course for
young minds.
Harris’s work encompasses the diverse and rich African American
traditions of the past, while simultaneously presenting the voice of a
new generation through its ever-evolving interpretations of dance. He is
committed to providing audiences with a sincere view of the essence and
spirit of hip-hop.
No stranger to acclaim and recognitions, Rennie Harris received a
Master of African American Choreographer Medal from the Kennedy Center
and was voted one of the most influential people in the last one hundred
years of Philadelphia history.
Named Artist of the Year in 2007 by Pennsylvania Governor Judge
Marjorie O. Rendell, he received one of fifty prestigious United States
Artists Fellowships. In the same year, Puremovement was honored for its
“absolutely heroic” efforts in producing three back-to-back opening
nights for its 15th Anniversary Retrospective at the Kimmel Center.
Harris has been compared to twentieth-century dance legends Alvin Ailey
and Bob Fosse and was recently awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in
recognition of his work as a choreographer. In May of 2010, he received
an honorary doctorate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Dr.
Lorenzo “Rennie” Harris is now atop the hip-hop heap as its leading
ambassador.
Pre-Show Discussions
For insight and increased enjoyment of the performances, ticket holders
can attend free pre-performance discussions in The Forum at Pack Place
at 7 p.m. before both performances.
The Mainstage Dance Series
The 2011/2012 Mainstage Dance Series continues with Diavolo on March 13
& 14. With its gymnasts, dancers, actors and surrealistic props,
Diavolo creates a sense of daring and risk taking in this mind-blowing
cinematic experience. On March 30 & 31, Keigwin + Company present a
knockout fusion of pop culture and high art, blending contemporary dance
with the verve of New York Fashion Week and MTV.
For more information on Rennie Harris Puremovement’s performance at
Diana Wortham Theatre or to purchase tickets (Regular $40; Student $35;
Child $12), call (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. Student Rush
tickets ($10 for students with valid I.D.) are sold the day of the
show, based on availability.
