The Philadelphia-based company, founded in 1992, has propelled raw street movement to a concert stage dance event. The company is dedicated to preserving and disseminating hip-hop culture through public performances, workshops, classes, hip-hop history lecture-demonstrations, long-term residencies, and mentoring programs. Their work encompasses the rich, diverse African-American traditions of the past, while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation through its ever-evolving interpretations of dance. Puremovement is committed to providing audiences with a sincere view of the essence and spirit of hip-hop rather than the commercially exploited stereotypes portrayed by the media.
Rennie Harris is a pioneer in performing, choreographing and teaching hip-hop dance. He toured internationally with the first organized hip-hop tour in America, the "Fresh Festival," starring Run DMC, Fatboys, Kurtis Blow and Whodini. He has also worked with Kool Moe Dee, West Street Mob, and Salt 'n' Pepa. Since the age of 15, he has taught workshops and classes at many schools and universities including University of the Arts, UCLA, Columbia College and Bates College. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Pew Fellowship in the Arts for Choreography, the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts and awards from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Members of Puremovement have worked with many of today's top recording artists, doing sound design/production on live shows and recordings, and also dancing in live shows and in video and film projects.
Hip-hop dance master classes, sponsored by the Performing Artist Series and Harrisburg Dance Conservatory, will be presented Thursday, November 20 from 6:30 to 8pm for ages 12 and up. There are two classes scheduled, one for trained dancers and a second for non-trained dancers. Both classes will be held simultaneously in Harrisburg Dance Conservatory studios, 4400 Lewis Road, Harrisburg. Fee is $15 for trained participants and $10 for non-trained participants (no formal dance training necessary). Space is limited. Pre-register for classes at 780-2545.
Members of Rennie Harris Puremovement will present a free lecture/demonstration on the history of hip-hop dance on Friday, November 21 at 11am in the Rose Lehrman Arts Center auditorium. Rennie Harris Puremovement will perform that same night at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center at 8pm. Tickets are $29/adults and $22/senior citizens/students. Early reservations are recommended. Box Office (717) 231-ROSE (7673). RLAC Performing Artist Series is online. Click on the Website link below.