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Current Season, Dance, Live Performance

Rennie Harris Puremovement

"Nuttin' But a Word"


November 8, 2025 • 7 PM

Westbrook Performing Arts Center


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"The Basquiat of the US. Contemporary dance scene, Rennie Harris has literally embodied the history of hip-hop dance."

Celebrated choreographer and the pioneer of bringing hip-hop dance from the street to the stage, Rennie Harris lays down his three laws of hip-hop: individuality, creativity, innovation. With a mixtape of moves from b-boying to Campbell locking to house — set to an unexpected soundscore — the indefatigable company showcases the power of hip-hop in all its flips, headspins and lightning-fast footwork glory. Leave what you think you know about hip-hop at the door: This evening of pure movement challenges popular perceptions of street dance where every step tells a story in sync with the rhythm, honoring hip-hop’s roots while taking it to new heights.  

You can try to shout ’em down, but you ain’t said Nuttin’ but a Word. 

ABOUT NUTTIN’ BUT A WORD

“This suite of works challenges the structural integrity of Campbell locking, house, hip-hop, and B-boying. Now that we are a global hip-hop nation, we seem to have become hip-hop/street dance zealots. This purist attitude has stagnated the natural progression of street dance. Simply put, we have become elitist about Hip-hop culture. This elitism is due to this generation’s obsession with “keeping it real.” The truth of the matter is this generation will never relive my generation’s era of original dance. My generation defined the three laws of Hip-hop culture: innovation, individuality, and creativity. At best, they can appreciate it, pay homage to it, and acknowledge it as the foundational era of hip-hop/street dance it was; in doing that, they will tap into their individuality, creativity, and innovation, which in turn ensures progress. The work’s title, Nuttin’ But A Word, was taken from a cultural phrase used amongst Blacks in the United States. The complete phrase is, “You ain’t said nothing but a word”; loosely translated, it means, “Your words mean nothing — pay close attention because what I do next will trump anything you have to say.” Hip-hop/street dance is progressive by design. There is nothing about the three Laws of Hip-Hop that suggests stagnation. Nothing about these laws indicates that we as practitioners of Hip-hop should only adhere to its foundation; it is quite the opposite. Nuttin’ But A Word challenges the Hip-hop puritans at every turn and reminds us that we will not evolve as a form without individuality, creativity, and innovation.” ~Rennie Harris~

ABOUT RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT

Rennie Harris Puremovement’s mission is to re-educate the masses about hip-hop culture and street dance through its artistic work. Harris’s work embodies the diverse and rich African-diasporic traditions of the past, simultaneously evolving a new voice through dance. Harris is committed to showing  audiences a sincere view of the essence and spirit of street dance rather than the commercially exploited stereotype portrayed by the media. 

SHOW TIMES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025 – 7 PM

WESTBROOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

RUNTIME: Coming soon

PORTTIX BOX OFFICE

TICKETS: $45 • $55
SENIOR (65+) & YOUTH DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

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Wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening Devices available. Ear protection available upon request. Click here to learn more about accessibility at Westbrook Performing Arts Center.

This performance contains flashing lights, periodic darkness and loud noise.

ASL available upon request.

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