Reppin RHPM
Rennie Harris
This course offers an immersive exploration of the works of Street Dance choreographer Rennie Harris.
This program is meticulously curated to provide students with the tools and techniques necessary to set, manipulate, and reconstruct Harris’s iconic works, allowing them to engage deeply with his unique artistic vision.
Participants will embark on a journey that goes beyond mere replication; they will engage with the organic processes and training methods that Harris employs in his choreographic practice.
Students will also gain an in-depth understanding of the foundational principles that underpin Harris’s work, including rhythm, movement vocabulary, and narrative structure.
Central to this course is the concept of the “Hip-hop Lens,” a vital framework that Rennie Harris describes as essential for approaching the creation and reconstruction of choreographic works. This lens encourages students to immerse themselves in the core values of Hip-hop culture, which emphasizes the importance of building upon preexisting ideas and cultural practices. The Hip-hop lens promotes a collaborative spirit that honors the contributions of those who have come before by reconstructing an idea or concept.
In Hip-hop culture, the act of “reconstruction” is celebrated as a vital form of artistic expression. This contrasts sharply with the more common modern and contemporary Western dance perspectives that often prioritize deconstruction.
By understanding the significance of honoring tradition while simultaneously innovating, students will be equipped to create works that resonate with authenticity and cultural relevance.
By the end of the “Reppin RHPM” course, students will leave with not only a fundamental knowledge of the Hip-hop lens but also practical skills that enable them to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing evolution of Street Dance dance. This experience promises to be both enlightening and transformative, as students learn to navigate the rich tapestry of Hip-hop culture through the lens of one of its most influential choreographers Rennie Harris.
