Hip-hop genre and dance are thought to have originated from African Americans especially in the sense that it was their media of communication with the outside world (Rennie Harris Puremovement par 1). Rennie Harris rose to stardom through hip hop dance as he found a way of integrating hip hop routines with other forms of art. He is one of the oldest dancer and choreographer in the industry (Dr. Rennie Harris par 1). He accomplished the titles of a hip hop professor and artistic director with time. Rennie presents a good example of how one can use their talent as a profession. His journey from a mere dancer to a renowned choreographer shows that any skill can turn to an investment.
Born on 28th January 1964 as Lorenzo Harris, Rennie began his journey to hip hop choreography at the age of 15 (Dr. Rennie Harris par 3). He got his inspiration from the Don Campbell group, dance legends in during his time. His mother saw the interest he had in dancing and bought him a set of Knickers Bocker. They were the type of shoes Don Campbell group wore (Dr. Rennie Harris par 4). He formed his first dance group with his brother when he was 12 years old. They named the group Cobra III. It was the first time he won a competition, and this gave him the zeal to continue with the skill.
With time, Rennie made hip hop as part of his daily routine. He was either a founder or a captain of the dance groups formed in his teenage years. The groups are Step-Masters, Magnificent Force, and the Scanner Boys (Rennie Harris par 2). He got into the limelight through the Scanner Boys as they toured different concerts such as the 30th Street Station held at Philadelphia. Inspired by his childhood success story, Rennie Harris formed Rennie Harris Puremovement. The aim of the movement was to preserve and disseminate the culture of hip hop through classes, workshops and lecture demonstrations (Rennie Harris Puremovement par 2). The movement mentors upcoming choreographers and the people at large through public performances and programs. In its 15 years of existence, the movement grew to greater heights by winning many awards and having unforgettable concerts. Its greatest work is ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as it brought those three Bessie Awards, a Herb Alpert Award, and two Black Theater Alvin Ailey awards (Rennie Harris Puremovement par 4).
An interesting factor that arises from research is how the love of an item can become one’s career. Rennie loved dancing since he was a small boy and nurtured it to a career. He saw an opportunity to grow it from the small achievements he had during his teenage years to worldwide recognition. At the same time, he was marketing the hip hop dance to the world by through their individual dance routines. At first, they used hip-hop music in their routines but later switched to other routines. He broadens his boundaries by incorporating other artistic works to his routines such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. He took the street dance routine to the theatrical stage and made global appearances. Hip-hop dance became a successful theatrical performance that people associated themselves to it. In a bid to save the culture, Rennie began a movement that continues to nurture young and old people in the arts.
In a financial perspective, hip hop is a product that Rennie, the producer, tries to sell to the world. He introduces people to his product, makes it more interesting to them, sells it and ensures continuity. The journey shows that anything can be a product that will interest people, but it depends on how one sells it. In conclusion, Rennie proves to other artists that their skill can be their income All one needs to do is nurture the talent, be creative and pass it down to others to ensure continuity of what they started.
Works Cited
Biography: Rennie Harris. 2015. Web. 20 Jul. 2015. < http://artsalive.ca/en/dan/meet/bios/artistDetail.asp?artistID=151>
Dr. Rennie Harris. n.d. Web. 20 Jul. 2015. < http://www.rhpm.org/rennie.php>
Rennie Harris. n.d. Web. 20 Jul. 2015. <http://www.danceconsortium.com/features/choreographer/rennie-harris/>
Rennie Harris Puremovement. n.d. Web. 20 Jul. 2015. < http://www.rhpm.org/about.php>
