How Rennie Harris danced his way into the spotlight
As a child, Rennie Harris saw unspeakable violence on the streets of Philadelphia. A talented dancer, he found the healing power of hip-hop and is now a pioneering choreographer.
As a child, Rennie Harris saw unspeakable violence on the streets of Philadelphia and often thought about becoming a priest. Instead, he discovered the healing power of hip-hop. Rennie was a teenager in the 1980s, at the same time that hip-hop was emerging into the mainstream. A talented dancer, he got the gig of a lifetime – dancing on tour with some of hip-hop's biggest names including Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J. But amongst the success there was also resistance – towards Rennie and his work. Undeterred, he founded a pioneering street dance company that pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance. Over 30 years later, he continues to create work that confounds expectations.
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Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: May Cameron
(Photo: Rennie Harris. Credit: Iris Schneider/Getty)
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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary
Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected