Rennie Harris

Rennie Harris
Name	Rennie Harris
Birth name	Lorenzo Harris
Birth date	28 January 1964
Birth place	North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Dancer, choreographer, artistic director
Years active	1980s–present
Known for	Pioneering hip hop dance theater
Notable works	Rome & Jewels, Lazarus, Facing Mekka
Awards	Guggenheim Fellowship, Bessie Award, United States Artists Fellowship

Rennie Harris. Lorenzo "Rennie" Harris is an American dancer, choreographer, and artistic director widely recognized as a seminal figure in elevating hip hop dance to a respected concert theater form. As the founder of Rennie Harris Puremovement, he has dedicated his career to preserving and innovating upon the diverse street dance traditions of African American culture. His groundbreaking work has been performed on prestigious stages worldwide, including The Kennedy Center and The Joyce Theater, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards for his profound cultural contributions.

Early life and education

Born and raised in the North Philadelphia neighborhood, Harris was immersed in the burgeoning hip hop scene of the late 1970s. He began his dance training in the local street styles of locking, popping, and breaking, which were foundational to the culture emerging from New York City and Los Angeles. His formal education included studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, but his most significant education came from the community itself, learning from pioneers and participating in dance battles that shaped the aesthetic and competitive spirit of the form.

Career

Harris founded his first company, The Scanner Boys, in the 1980s, which later evolved into his flagship ensemble, Rennie Harris Puremovement, established in 1992. His professional breakthrough came with the international tour of his work Rome & Jewels, which cemented his reputation. He has since served as a professor of dance at institutions like the University of Colorado Boulder and Temple University. Throughout his career, Harris has been a prolific choreographer for major companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Philadanco, and has created works for festivals such as the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.

Artistic style and influence

Harris's artistic style is characterized by a deep reverence for the history and vocabulary of street dance, which he frames within sophisticated narrative and theatrical structures. His work often draws upon themes from African American history, spirituality, and social issues, blending funk and house music with complex choreography. He is heavily influenced by the philosophies of hip hop culture and the work of earlier Black dance pioneers like Katherine Dunham. His approach has influenced a generation of theater-makers and has been instrumental in the academic study of hip hop dance.

Major works and productions

His most celebrated production is Rome & Jewels (2000), a hip-hop adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in urban Philadelphia. Other significant works include Facing Mekka (2003), an exploration of faith and identity, and Lazarus (2019), a collaboration with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater addressing trauma and resurrection. Notable productions also encompass Legends of Hip Hop, a revue celebrating pioneers, and 100 Naked Locks, a piece focused on the locking dance style.

Awards and recognition

Harris has received some of the most distinguished honors in the arts. These include a Guggenheim Fellowship, a United States Artists Fellowship, and multiple Bessie Awards for outstanding creative achievement. He has also been awarded the Heritage Award from the International Association of Blacks in Dance and an honorary doctorate from Bates College. His company's work has been supported by major institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Legacy and impact

Rennie Harris's legacy lies in his successful institutionalization of hip hop dance as a vital and enduring American art form within the canon of concert dance. He is credited with preserving the oral history and techniques of foundational styles for future generations. His pedagogical work at universities has established hip hop as a serious academic discipline. Through companies like Rennie Harris Puremovement and RHAW (Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works), he continues to mentor artists and shape the global dialogue on the cultural significance of hip hop theater.

Category:American choreographers Category:Hip hop dancers Category:1964 births Category:Living people