Artist's Statement

Biography

Harrison has captivated audiences across the nation through his inspirational and unique works of passion and beauty. He is constantly cultivating his rare style and vision of the craft, which is sought after by other artists, directors, choreographers, dance companies and educational institutions. Harrison Guy a native of La Marque, TX began his dance training at Ruth Elgin Studios in La Marque, TX and continued his studies at Prairie View A&M University under the artistic direction of Kennteh Epting and Paula Williams. He received full scholarships to study at Energy Source Dance in Murfreesboro, TN and Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. He then studied dance at Sam Houston State University. He has had the privilege of working with a host of teachers and choreographers; among them are Troy Powell, Kirby Reed, Melanie Pearson, Milton Myers, Earl Mosely, Tracy Inman, Toni Pierce, Chuck Davis, Kevin-Iega Jeff, Bill Evans, Matthew Rushing, Nathan Trice, Gary Abbot, and Cornelius Carter. Harrison has performed with Classic Dance Ensemble in a variety of lead roles at Prairie View A & M University. He has also worked with Dallas Black Dance Company (Dallas), ODC Dance Company (San Francisco) Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (Chicago) Mr. Guy has also served at Prairie View as a Artist in Residence and an Adjunct Professor. He has also performed with Dorrell Martin's Dance Fusion, The Ailey School's Summer Sizzler, and is a founding member of Exclamation Dance Company where he danced for five years. In 2004 he debuted Urban Souls Dance Company at the city wide dance festival. Since the inaugural performance he has lead Urban Souls to win the dance Houston award, and best artistic achievement honors in both 2005 and 2006. In 2008 Dance Houston presented USDC with two awards; Best Choreography and The Audience Pick Award. Urban Souls was also awarded best choreography at the Houston Black Dance Festival in 2008. Constantly striving for new inspirations for his work some of his noted creations include the powerful and gripping piece “The “N” Word”, the sensuous and relevant “Scarlet Situation, and the thought-provoking “Our Deepest Fears”. Harrison’s students and peers have noted him as a memorable influence. He has a way of touching people’s lives with passion, emotional expression and a unique style of dance. His teaching credits include Houston ISD, North Forest ISD, Galveston ISD, Prairie View A & M University, Houston Academy of Dance, and was recently commissioned to teach “How to teach boys the art of dance” at The Texas Dance Teachers Association. Two of his favorite quotes are: Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion……Martha Graham I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and that color is not important. What is important is the quality of our work…. Alvin Ailey