Mar 22, 2008
April 12:
Hip-hop coming to Rich Forum
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by CINDY FRANKEY
Stamford Center for the Arts
Rennie Harris Puremovement is a group dedicated to preserving and disseminating hip-hop culture throughout the world, and will perform at Stamford Center for the Arts’ Rich Forum (307 Atlantic Street) on April 12 at 8. Tickets are $35-$40-$45 and can purchased the SCA Web site, scalive.org or charged by phone with major credit cards by calling the SCA Box Office at 203-325-4466. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Palace Theatre box office in downtown Stamford, open Monday-Saturday from 10 to 6.
Rennie Harris Puremovement pushes hip-hop to its limits. The dancers burn up the stage with upside-down head spins, skidding on shoulder stands, and are skilled in all forms of hip-hop dance. Their work encompasses the rich and diverse African-American traditions of the past while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation.
Founded in 1992 by North Philadelphia native, Rennie Harris, Rennie Harris Puremovement challenges assumptions about what hip-hop dance is. The idea was conceived with the vision for sharing an appreciation of diversity and is dedicated to spreading the hip-hop culture though workshops, classes, lecture demonstrations, dance residences, mentoring programs, and public performances.
Artistic director and choreographer Rennie Harris is well versed in the vernacular of hip-hop, which includes various techniques of B-boy (misnomer “break dancing”), house dancing, stepping and other styles that emerged from the urban, inner cities of America. Harris got much of his inspiration from his personal experiences as an African-American male growing up in North Philadelphia. Harris has found a way to bring these “social” dances to the “concert” stage, creating a cohesive dance style that found a strong voice in theater.
The Philadelphia City Paper claimed, “If Rennie Harris Puremovement were any hotter it would incinerate before your eyes.”
Harris’s artistic philosophy reflects a deeper humanitarian vision that we as a universe of people can never overcome racial or ethnic barriers without knowing and respecting our own distinct culture. Harris truly believes that hip-hop is the purest form of movement in that it honors the individual. His life has been devoted to bringing hip-hop dance to people in the belief that hip-hop expresses universal themes that extend beyond racial, religious, and economic boundaries, and one that can help bridge these divisions.
Rennie Harris Puremovement has performed to sold-out audiences in the U.S. and abroad including Grad Halle de Parc de la Villette in Paris, Reichhold Center in St. Thomas, the Kennedy Center in D.C., MCA in Chicago, the Holland Dance Festival, Kiasma Museum in Helsinki, Spoleto Dance Festival, the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia, and the Nervi Festival in Italy, to name a few. The group continues to increase their audience attendance numbers each year by encouraging young dancers to share their enthusiasm for hip-hop dance theatre.
For additional information (directions, parking, area restaurants and shopping) visit the SCA Web site at scalive.org or call 203-325-4466.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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