Keeping It Pure

Rennie Harris Puremovement is often called the "original hip-hop dance troupe." And that's an apt description. But the term is limiting, because Puremovement -- now in its 20th year -- is so much more. Anyone who still thinks that dance on the stage is a somewhat acquired taste for elites...

By Anne Tschida

November 29, 2012

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Rennie Harris Puremovement is often called the "original hip-hop dance troupe." And that's an apt description. But the term is limiting, because Puremovement -- now in its 20th year -- is so much more. Anyone who still thinks that dance on the stage is a somewhat acquired taste for elites needs to get to the Colony Theatre (1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach) Friday or Saturday night. Part of this year's MDC Live Arts series, this is pure entertainment in a high art form, and the Rennie Harris crowd has made it a habit to show up in Miami on an annual basis. Founded in Philadelphia, the group did indeed start out with a mission to weave street culture into the mainstream fabric of the performance world. Today, the hip-hop aesthetic has been incorporated -- some would say co-opted -- into that mainstream world, but Rennie Harris has avoided its clichés and remained true to its fundamental spirit, which is at the boundaries and at the energetic edge. Puremovement is about hip-hop -- as well as funk, jazz, world grooves, and some seriously sexy moves from some seriously stunning dancers. Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets cost $25. Visit mdclivearts.org.
Fri., Nov. 30, 8 p.m., 2012

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