Rennie Harris
“The Basquiat of the US. Contemporary dance scene, Rennie Harris has literally embodied the history of Hip-hop dance.”
~London Times~
Harris formed the first and longest running Hip-hop dance touring company, Rennie Harris Puremovement in 1992. In 2007, he conceived another touring company, RHAW or Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works.
In addition to touring with his companies, he teaches the technique and history of hip-hop dance in its various forms. Versed in Popping, Campbellocking, House dance, GQ, B-boying and Hip-hop (proper), he continues teaching at universities in the US and internationally. Rennie Harris also organizes an annual Hip-hop Dance Festival entitled, Illadelph Legends of Hip-hop Festival, which brings together the original Hip-hop street dances and the pioneering legends to give lectures and mentor students from around the world.
Harris has received numerous awards for his theatrical Hip-hop dance performances or what he refers to as, “Hip-hop concert dance”. He is known for such works as Rome and Jewels, Facing Mekka, 100 NAKED LOCKS, Heaven, and a host of innovative repertory works, which have broken many stereotypes and expectation of Hip-hop dance. After receiving an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts in Hip-hop from Bates College, Harris’ company was chosen as 1 of 4 US companies to serve as cultural ambassadors for President Obama’s “Dance Motion USA”, including touring the middle east.