Founded in 1992 by North Philadelphia native Rennie Harris, Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM) was conceived with the vision for sharing an appreciation for diversity and is dedicated to preserving and disseminating hip-hop culture through workshops, classes, lecture-demonstrations, dance residencies, mentoring programs and public performances.
About Us

Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM) continues to flourish beyond our 15th Anniversary Season as we have emerged as the international hip-hop dance ambassador and surviving senior member in the world of organized hip-hop dance theater.

Our goal is to provide audiences with a sincere view of the essence and spirit of hip-hop, rather than the commercially exploited stereotypes most often presented by the media.

Harris, a North Philadelphia native, founded RHPM based on the belief that hip-hop is the most important original expression of a new generation, with the unique ability to express universal themes that extend beyond racial, religious, and economic boundaries.

In 2007, RHPM and Harris garnered a number of coveted opportunities. Harris was named Artist of the Year by Pennsylvania’s First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell and received one of 50 prestigious United States Artists Fellowships. RHPM was honored to receive one of Philadelphia’s ten “Rocky Awards” for our “absolutely heroic” efforts of producing (3) back-to-back opening nights at the Kimmel Center for our 15th Anniversary retrospective in June.

In a society where hip-hop is often portrayed as a violent, undisciplined counterculture, RHPM deconstructs popular perception of this medium, expanding and challenging the boundaries and definitions of hip-hop in general. As hip-hop continues to be chosen as the modern generation’s medium of expression, RHPM works to honor its history, explore its ideas, and further its contributions to the surrounding community.


What's New
PERFORMANCES

The company tours (3) evening length productions: "Rome & Jewels", Harris' critically acclaimed, Bessie Award winning Hip-Hop Opera, was originally inspired by the "Westside Story" and Baz Luhrmann's film "Romeo & Juliet" and re-conceives Shakespeare original vision, placing it brilliantly on a hip-hop platform. “Facing Mekka” weaves a lan...... more...
ILLADELPH

lladelph remains the longest running hip-hop festival dedicated to the evolution of hip-hop music and dance, featuring the most electrifying innovators and pioneers of hip-hop movement. Celebrating over 10 consecutive years, the 2008 International Illadelph Legends Festival (Illadelph) will take place July 20 - August 2 in the state-of-the-art...... more...
NEW WORKS PROJECT

Celebrating over 15 years, contribute to 15 more! Make a donation today! Click Here more...
10th Anniversary of the Illadelph Legends Festival
(July 20th - August 2nd, 2008).

Copyright © 2008 Rennie Harris Puremovement. All rights reserved.
Photographers include: Robert Day, Bob Emmott, William Hebert
Designed by www.made2design.com