Rennie Harris

Rennie Harris is a renowned American choreographer and dancer known for his work in hip-hop dance and contemporary dance. He has collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Savion Glover, Twyla Tharp, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Harris's work has been influenced by George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Katherine Dunham, and he has performed at esteemed venues such as Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. His contributions to the dance world have been recognized by organizations like Dance Magazine, National Endowment for the Arts, and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

● Early Life and Education

Rennie Harris was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began dancing at a young age, training in breakdancing and popping with Don Campbell and Richard Gonzales. He later studied ballet and modern dance at Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, where he was exposed to the works of Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, and Trisha Brown. Harris's early career was shaped by his involvement with Rock Steady Crew, New York City Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and he has cited Judith Jamison, Garth Fagan, and Lar Lubovitch as key influences.

● Career

Harris's professional career spans over three decades, during which he has worked with a wide range of companies, including Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Trisha Brown Dance Company, and Martha Graham Dance Company. He has also collaborated with musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Björk, and Philip Glass, and has created works for film and television, including Sesame Street and So You Think You Can Dance. Harris has been commissioned by Ballet Hispanico, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Philadanco, and has taught at institutions like Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts, and California Institute of the Arts.

● Choreographic Style

Rennie Harris's choreographic style is characterized by its blend of hip-hop and contemporary techniques, often incorporating elements of theater and spoken word. His work is heavily influenced by social justice and cultural identity, and he has created pieces that address issues like racism, inequality, and social activism. Harris has cited Anna Halprin, Meredith Monk, and Pina Bausch as inspirations, and his choreography has been praised by critics from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. His use of narrative and improvisation has been compared to the works of Toni Morrison, August Wilson, and Spike Lee.

● Notable Works

Some of Rennie Harris's most notable works include "Rome and Jewels", a hip-hop adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and "Facing Mekka", a piece that explores the experiences of African American men. He has also created "Endangered Species", a work that addresses issues of environmentalism and social justice, and "Lazarus", a piece that premiered at BAM Fisher and explores themes of identity and community. Harris's work has been performed by companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Paul Taylor Dance Company, and he has collaborated with artists like Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, and Wangechi Mutu.

● Awards and Recognition

Rennie Harris has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the dance world, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation award, and a National Medal of Arts nomination. He has been recognized by organizations like Dance/USA, National Dance Project, and New York Foundation for the Arts, and has received funding from National Endowment for the Arts, Ford Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Harris has also been named one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" and has received a Bessie Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of dance. His work continues to be celebrated by institutions like Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, and Museum of Modern Art. Category:American choreographers