Harrison Guy, a dancer, teacher and celebrated choreographer, has introduced an exciting new concept to the Houston dance scene with the launch of The Urban Souls Dance Company.
Rolling out took some time to talk with this innovative artist about his recent accomplishments. –alex green
How has the African American community received Urban Souls Dance Company?
African Americans have slowly come to love Urban Souls. Unfortunately, we are a people that you have to prove yourself before we will buy into something. But once you got us … you got us! I would love to see our shows sold out. That’s my dream. Well, one of them, and I slowly see that happening.
Who are some of your all-time favorite black choreographers?
Ulysses Dove. He was known for making the body sing. His movement was so pure and earthy and dancers loved to work with him. Alvin Ailey. I am obsessed with this man. What he created in many ways had nothing to do with dance. It was bigger than that! Of course, his choreography is amazing, but to still find something to dance about during the civil rights era is unbelievable to me.
You received the “Audience Pick Award” from Dance Houston. What did it mean to you as a dance instructor?
This award is one of my favorites. We danced in a show that was filled with hip-hop and other dances that were more fun. We performed “Across the Waters” a piece about genocide. A tough tale about rape and war and the termination of a village. I knew it was a good story but I never guessed it would win as the Audience Pick against the other pieces that were lighter in content. The dancers made the audience fall in love with the story. They really gave a voice to the Rwandan people. I am so grateful.
What projects do you have in the works?
“A Mile in their Shoes” This piece plays homage to the freed slaves that founded Freedman’s Town/Fourth Ward and also the founding of The Gregory School that is located in that area.
The show is Feb. 12, 2011, at 8 p.m. at the Cullen Performance Hall on the campus of The University of Houston.
