Pillow Features Week of Rennie Harris Puremovement
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BECKET, Mass. – Innovator and seminal influence on the dance form of hip hop Rennie Harris presents a new show in a weeklong engagement in the Ted Shawn Theatre, Aug. 5 to 9. Founded in 1992 and based in Philadelphia, Rennie Harris Puremovement tours across the United States, bringing hip-hop dance to the concert stage as a way of celebrating and preserving this rich and vibrant art form of the later 20th century. Harris has been director of the Cultural Traditions Program at The School at Jacob’s Pillow: The Hip-Hop Continuum, and weekly performances of the dancers on the Pillow's outdoor stage, Inside/Out, drew thousands. As Gia Kourlas of The New York Times writes, "While deftly capable of entertaining the masses, Mr. Harris is also sly. In his skillful hands you see the roots of hip-hop and not just its commercial veneer."
As part of its mission to develop audiences for dance, Jacob's Pillow has instituted a $35 ticket price for individuals 35 and younger for all Rennie Harris Puremovement performances. A limited number of $35 tickets are available; call the box office at 413-243-0745 to reserve tickets.
"A performance by Rennie Harris Puremovement is an exciting experience, and those who are unfamiliar with the art form of hip hop or have preconceived notions about it should not miss these performances," said Ella Baff, executive director of Jacob's Pillow. "Rennie Harris has influenced contemporary dance. He has brought hip hop to the concert stage and expanded the public’s perception of what the form is about – its history, evolution, vitality, and its astonishing virtuosity, which speaks to all people."
The Rennie Harris Puremovement program opens with Harris’ newest work, "Something To Do with Love, Volume One." Conceived in 2006, the first in a three-part series explores the effect that relationships can have on spiritual growth. The piece, according to Harris, was inspired by a beautiful woman he once met at a restaurant and is based on "the idea that relationships are meant to teach us about who we are and why we are here." Set to a mixed score by Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone and singer Ayo, and others, the work, for three men and four women is described by Merilyn Jackson of The Philadelphia Inquirer as "a very funky valentine." [Because of some suggestive content, patrons should inquire at the box office if considering bringing children.]
The second half of the program features signature works from the company's repertory.
Harris was born and raised in North Philadelphia and has been teaching workshops and classes at universities around the country since the age of 15. Harris was voted one of the most influential people in the last 100 years of Philadelphia history and was awarded with the keys to the cities of Miami and Philadelphia in 2004. He has been featured in Rose Eichenbaum's "Masters of Movement—Portraits of America's Great Choreographers," alongside dance legends Carmen de Lavallade, Judith Jamison, Fayard Nicholas, and Gregory Hines. He was recently awarded a medal from the Kennedy Center as a master of African-American choreography.
