Rennie Harris “Funkedified” (L to R) Joshua Culbreath, Marcus Tucker, Andrew Ramsey / Photo by Brian Mangin
Bringing hip-hop from the streets of Philadelphia to international stages and academic towers, Rennie Harris brings “Rennie Harris Funkedified” to IGNITE@The FORD for one show only, this Saturday, July 20, at 8 p.m. The movers of Rennie Harris Puremovement, the seminal Hood Lockers and LA’s own Versa-Style Dance Company are joined by a live band playing the music of funk legends James Brown, George Clinton and Roger Troutman, among others.
Digging into the history of funk and street dance of the 1970s, “Rennie Harris Funkedified” reveals more than exciting music and the steps and contortions that came out of that time. An on-stage video montage suggests that politics and pain are part of the experience. Previous reviewers of the 2018 work describe the piece as a “sanctifying” look back at African-American culture of that time (Wendy Perron in Dance Magazine). They see connections between this and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk, Vogueing and Harris’ ongoing development of “the expressive potential of funk styles.”
The choreographer is the recipient of many awards and citations honoring his explorations, creations and mission to “carry on the legacy of freedom displayed in street dance.” Harris has taught at UCLA, toured the world with his company and is considered the foremost ambassador of this dynamic art form.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
Location: Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood 90068
Tickets: $25-$250 https://www.fordtheatres.org/calendar/rennie-harris