Before there was hip-hop, there was funk!
This past weekend, I took the kids to see “Rennie Harris: Funkedified” at the New Victory Theater here in New York City.
The 60-minute performance celebrates the origins of street dance including popping, locking and breakdancing.
Set in the ‘70s, the show features mesmerizing flips, unbelievable footwork and crazy acrobatics accompanied by an incredible live band. “Funkedified” fuses two separate eras of funk—old school and contemporary—while pushing the genre’s boundaries.
Long before hip-hop dominated pop culture, the sounds of George Clinton, James Brown and other kings and queens of funk music were a mainstay on the airwaves in the ‘70s. The jazzy beats and soulful rhythms inspired a culture of social party dances within African-American communities throughout the country, primarily on the east coast. This spellbinding performance pays homage to the dance genre that paved the way for hip-hop and cemented it as a force within modern culture.
Photo by Brian Mengini
It’s a funky trip back in time that entertains children while educating them on a dance and music genre that sometimes gets forgotten. It’s good for little ones to learn about the origins of some of their favorite dances and music that they hear today. In fact, my son loves to breakdance. We’re not sure where he picked it up, but when asked to dance, he hits the floor and moves! So, exposing him to his favorite dance on a professional level in a big stage was a cool experience.
My son MJ with funk master Phil Cuttino from “Rennie Harris: Funkedified” at New Victory Theater in New York City.
Both of my kids enjoyed the show from start to finish. From the flips to the breakdancing, it was a fun afternoon for all. The hard part was staying in our seats!
“Funkedified” runs through Sunday, June 10th at New Victory Theater located, 209 W. 42nd Street in New York City. For more information, please visit New Victory Theater.
*Full disclosure: I was comped a couple tickets to the show for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
What’s your favorite music and/or dance genre?
That looks fun for the whole family. I hope I can fit it in my schedule.