World renowned hip-hop dancer and choreographer, Rennie Harris, to collaborate with UNT dance students

Friday, September 7, 2018 - 13:45
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DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The University of North Texas Department of Dance & Theater will host renowned hip-hop dancer and choreographer, Rennie Harris and his assistant Millie Heckler, a Rennie Harris dancer, from September 7 – 16.

Since the age of 15, Harris has been teaching workshops and classes at various venues and universities around the country and is a powerful spokesperson for the significance of “street” origins in any dance style. In 1992 he founded Rennie Harris Puremovement, the first and longest running hip-hop dance touring company, dedicated to preserving and disseminating hip-hop culture. Harris is also known for his choreography on the FOX television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” His work encompasses the diverse and rich African-American traditions of the past, while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation through its ever-evolving interpretations of dance.

 Harris is choreographing a work for UNT dance students to be presented at the Department of Dance & Theater Faculty Dance Concert, “A Different Focus,” Feb. 7 – 9, 2019 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 10, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the University Theatre. UNT students will also perform the piece at the American College Dance Association South-Central Regional Conference at Texas A&M in March 2019.

Heckler, an original member and principal dancer of the street dance theater company, Rennie Harris Grass Roots Project, tours with Harris nationwide. She will teach three different classes for UNT dance majors and minors. UNT non-dance majors and minors are invited to participate in Heckler’s hip-hop warm-up prior to rehearsals on Sept. 10 (Monday), Sept. 12 (Wednesday) and Sept. 14 (Thursday) from 6 - 6:45 p.m. Heckler will also offer a free, limited enrollment, adult community hip-hop class on Sept. 11 (Tuesday) from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Dancers 18 years and older interested in registering for the free class should email Teresa Cooper at tcooper@unt.edu to reserve their space. All classes will be held at the Dance & Theater building at 300 Bernard Street in Denton.

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