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In restless anticipation we sat staring at the stage, waiting to see the dance performance acclaimed by so many. Yerba Buena Center for rhe Arts Theater was hosting the first of three performances by Rennie Harris PureMovement, a dance company renowned for astonishing its audiences with fluid music and motion. Urban dance guru Harris’s latest production is entitled "Facing Mekka." Considering the media attention Arab -- and more generally Muslim -- countries have been receiving these days, the title seems relevant to the current political and cultural climate. PureMovement’s style of hip-hop interpretative dance takes a curious form. The stage setting is illuminated by projections of the human experience. Images of religion, war and sorrow circulate on a large screen. The dancers inhabit the stage, urged and enticed by the rhythms of the musical ensemble. Motion, sound and image collapse into instances of illusionary perception. "Facing Mekka" is spectacular indeed.

Others more familiar with Rennie Harris PureMovement did not share my naive enthusiasm. The expectations of his more avid followers are much higher. In the wake of his prior performance, "Rome and Jewels," I am afraid that Harris has set an unattainable standard. Some of his ardent fans were disappointed with the placid subtlety that "Facing Mekka" provides. The success of "Rome and Jewels" has kept the audience wanting more of PureMovement’s incredible acrobatics. The current performance is not at all that kind of show. "Facing Mekka" accentuates musicianship as much as choreography. Rennie Harris has created a beautiful artwork that will please his audience, despite the minor apprehensions of a few skeptics. "Facing Mekka" is definitely a worthwhile event -- keep an eye out for it to come back to town.

SFist Kalia, contributing. Rennie Harris photo from the PureMovement website.

Ed. Note: This is the first post by new SFist Kalia, who will drop by on occasion to review gallery and performance art.