Rennie Harris

Rennie Harris
Born
Lorenzo Harris

(1964-01-28)January 28, 1964
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation(s)Dancer, Choreographer, Director
Years active1976 - Present

Lorenzo Harris (born January 28, 1964) is a dancer, choreographer, artistic director and professor of hip-hop dance. Harris formed the first and longest running hip-hop dance touring company, Rennie Harris Puremovement in 1992.[1] In 2007, he conceived another touring company, RHAW or Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works.[2]

Harris has received numerous awards for his theatrical hip-hop dance performances or what he refers to as, "Hip-Hop concert dance". He is known for such works as Rome and Jewels, Facing Mekka, 100 NAKED LOCKS, Heaven, and a host of innovative repertory works, which have broken many stereotypes and expectations of hip-hop dance. After receiving an honorary doctorate from Bates College and an honorary doctorate from Columbia College, Harris' company was chosen as 1 of 4 US companies to serve as cultural ambassadors for President Obama's "Dance Motion USA." In 2012, it toured the Middle East, performing and giving hip hop workshops to Egyptians, Israelis and Palestinians.[3]

  1. ^ Harris, Rennie (2011). "RHPM Home". RHPM. Retrieved 2011-11-26. Founded in 1992 by North Philadelphia native Rennie Harris, Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM) was conceived
  2. ^ Harris, Rennie (2011). "RHAW Misson". RHAW. Retrieved 2011-11-15. Conceived in 2007, Founder Rennie Harris originally founded Rennie Harris Awe-inspiring Works as a youth organization driven by community outreach, education i.e. lectures and classes, as well as mentorship.
  3. ^ "Rennie Harris Puremovement". DanceMotion USA. Retrieved 24 October 2012.