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For additional information contact:

Faith Morris, APR
(773) 667-9158-office
(312) 203-1459-cell
faith@fgmorris.com
www.danceafricachicago.com
Heidi Pearson
(312) 344-8852
hpearson@colum.edu


Rennie Harris Puremovement Brings Their High Impact To DanceAfrica Chicago 2005

CHICAGO (August 21, 2005)- Chicago audiences will witness an electrifying form of body language from Philadelphia's hip-hop sensation dance troupe, Rennie Harris Puremovement during Columbia College Chicago's annual presentation of DanceAfrica Chicago 2005. This year's 15th anniversary production of SANKOFA, showcases three days of magnificent main stage performances Friday-Sunday, October 21, 22 and 23, at The Chicago Theatre, located 175 N. State Street. Ticket prices are: $54, $44, $34 and $26.

Rennie Harris Puremovement is a brilliant and critically-acclaimed hip hop dance company that blends poetry, rap music and movement with traditional African dance. Founded in 1992 by North Philadelphia native Rennie Harris, an exceptional dancer and choreographer, as the artistic director of RHPM, Harris is a hip-hop pioneer, bridging the usually disparate worlds of street and theater, self-empowerment and artistic inspiration. RHPM's work encompasses rich and diverse African-American traditions of the past while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation and share their enthusiasm for hip-hop dance.

Rennie Harris Puremovement makes a return appearance with six of some of the best dance companies and musicians that have appeared at DanceAfrica Chicago Festivals during its 15 year-history. This year's featured performers are chosen to bring life to the meaning of this year's theme. SANKOFA is a West African word that means looking back to move forward. Each group demonstrates the distinct ability to creatively articulate their individual messages through sound and movement.

Co-Founder of Dance Africa Chicago and Artist Director, Dr. "Baba" Chuck Davis is recognized as the foremost teacher and choreographer of traditional African dance in America. Through his instruction, inspiration and performance, thousands of Americans have come to understand and appreciate the significance of African culture. Under Davis's artistic instructions Rennie Harris' Puremovement will set the stage on fire with 5 other noted ensembles:

PROPHETS OF DA CITY (Cape Town, South Africa) Undisputedly, South Africa's foremost Hip Hop/Rap/Break-dancing act, P.O.C. blends African sounds and rhythms, funky beats and authentic South African accents.

NDERE TROUPE (Kampala, Uganda) Africa's dancing encyclopedia. Ndere performs a repertoire of more than 40 authentic Ugandan dances and songs accompanied by various indigenous percussive, stringed and wind instruments.

AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE (Durham, NC) AADE celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics and values through their dramatic staging, exciting rhythms, masterful choreography and colorful costumes. This ensemble creates an artistic experience difficult to forget.

MUNTU DANCE THEATRE (Chicago, IL) In the Bantu language, "Muntu" means "the essence of humanity." It's what the Company seeks to express in their work and to touch in their audiences. Muntu creates an atmosphere of communal participation, encouraging and inspiring audiences to join in the celebration!

DEEPLY ROOTED DANCE THEATER(Chicago, IL) Deeply Rooted Dance Theater presents work that springs from an African-American tradition of dance and music to reveal inspiring and innovative expressions of contemporary life. The company's performances not only entertain but also ignite the emotions of audience of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

Tickets are available by phoning Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or in person at The Chicago Theatre box office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Center. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling the DanceAfrica Chicago office at (312) 344-7070. Special rates are available to all students with current student identification.

DanceAfrica Chicago is the largest festival of African and African-American arts and culture in North America. Created by Columbia College Chicago and now entering its 15th year, DanceAfrica Chicago continues to uphold its single mission: To use the language of music and dance to expand the understanding and influence of African heritage on world cultures through education and the performing arts.