From Oz Arts

(Coming in October) Rennie Harris and Puremovement in ‘Nuttin’ But a Word’

Joseph E. Morgan | September 16, 2021

OZ Arts Nashville Presents Award-Winning Choreographer Rennie Harris and His Company Puremovement in Nuttin’ But a Word

The life-giving mix of street dance, hip-hop and contemporary dance takes the stage October 14-16 with public lecture-demonstration presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music on October 13, 2021

Nashville, Tenn. – September 10, 2021 – Contemporary arts center OZ Arts Nashville opens its ninth season of contemporary performances with high velocity Hip-hop and contemporary dance by internationally-acclaimed choreographer Rennie Harris and his Philadelphia-based company Puremovement, October 14-16, 2021 in OZ Arts’ expansive warehouse. The company’s critically praised production Nuttin’ But a Word is a virtuosic and high energy mix of Hip-hop, Street and contemporary dance forms, demonstrating why The New York Times called Harris “the most profound choreographer of his idiom.” As part of the company’s Nashville residency, Rennie Harris Puremovement will host a free, interactive community lecture and performance demonstration on the history of Hip-hop dance at the National Museum of African American Music on October 13, 2021 at 7pm.

Hailed as “the Basquiat of the U.S. contemporary dance scene” by The Times (London), Harris founded Puremovement in 1992 as a street dance theatre company dedicated to preserving and disseminating street dance culture through workshops, classes, lectures, mentoring programs, and public performances. The group’s mission is to provide audiences with a sincere view of the essence and spirit of Hip-hop rather than the commercially exploited stereotypes portrayed by the media. In his prolific career, Harris has also been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Alvin Ailey Black Choreographers Award, the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Doris Duke Arts Award, and the Dance Magazine Legend Award.

Nuttin’ But a Word challenges the foundation of Hip-hop and serves as a reminder that without individuality, creativity and innovation, the dance form will not evolve. Harris is celebrated for creating work that is fresh and surprising yet rooted in deep knowledge and a scholarly background in the history and traditions of Hip-hop. This acclaimed new work features his signature mix of highly skilled Street dance with intricate contemporary forms, all underpinned with lively music.

“Renowned choreographer Rennie Harris and his company, Puremovement, will give our community a new perspective on the incredible history of Hip-hop and other contemporary dance forms,” said Mark Murphy, OZ Arts Executive and Artistic Director. “His ability to challenge stereotypes and give a voice to new generations through the ever-evolving interpretations of dance contribute to his phenomenal success as a choreographer and Hip-hop ambassador. Nashville will not soon forget the first time they saw Rennie Harris Puremovement.”

In addition to performances at OZ Arts, Harris will host a free lecture-demonstration at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) as part of their Fine Tuning: A Masterclass Series on October 13, 2021. Titled “The History of Street Dance,” the event includes a 45–60-minute interactive presentation and history of various street dance styles, including beginner Hip-hop, House, and Breaking. Reservations to attend the event in-person are required and can be made on the OZ Arts website. The event will also be live streamed via NMAAM’s Facebook channel at www.facebook.org/theNMAAM.

Tickets for Nuttin’ But a Word start at $25 and are available now at https://www.ozartsnashville.org/rennie-harris-puremovement-nuttin-but-a-word/. OZ Arts is invested in the health of its guests, artists, and the overall community. As such, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (taken within 48 prior to the event) is required to attend this event.

This performance is made possible with generous support from donors and grants, including funding from the Special Arts Access Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. To learn more about upcoming performances, please visit https://www.ozartsnashville.org/.