History
Founded in 2010 by Chicago artist Monternez Rezell, Movement Revolution Dance Crew (MRDC) has performed in over 20+ venues in and around the greater Chicago area. With the support of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and residency at Mayfair Arts Center, MRDC has been able to keep up a consistent performance schedule for both its professional and pre-professional companies since its founding, and currently the companies perform about 10 times a year.
In order to pursue its mission of spreading the authentic lineage and history of Hip Hop culture, MRDC offers multiple different programs that feature the five elements of Hip Hop in a variety of ways. Since 2015, MRDC has staged a yearly public performance at the Old Town School of Folk Music titled "Jammin' with the Boombox" to showcase each of the five elements throughout the show. MRDC also offers summer camps and school-based workshops featuring their original curriculum called “Healthy Hip Hop”.
MRDC’s recent performances include venues such as Switch-On Summer at Buckingham Fountain, Night Out in the Parks, Navy Pier, Chicago Live!, World of Dance, THAW, Benfest, Chicago SummerDance Celebration, Dance Chicago, Chicago Humanities Festival, Bucktown Arts Fest, Carnival Choreographers Festival, Prelude, HYPE!, Chicago Urban Dance United, and more
Mission
Movement Revolution Dance Crew (MRDC) is a non-profit performing arts organization serving youth and adults in Chicago through a wide range of classes, workshops, and performances which feature the multiple artistic disciplines within the five elements of Hip Hop culture. By utilizing all five of these elements in its programs, MRDC seeks to inspire “Peace, Love, Unity and Having Fun” while also providing quality, accessible public arts programming that is authentic to the history and culture of Hip Hop. In performance, MRDC explores the movement genres of street dances, club dances and social dances from the hip hop culture keeping the original classic hip hop flavor and mixing it with contemporary styles. Movement Revolution is proud to host both a professional and pre-professional dance company full of diverse backgrounds and talent. Through pushing the boundaries of dance technique and blending street art with concert performances, MRDC counters stereotypes by spreading the positive, inclusive, and dynamic message of true Hip Hop culture.
Artistic Director
Monternez 'Monte' Rezell
Founder/Artistic Director
Monternez 'Monte' Rezell, a native of Chicago's South Side, is a hip hop practitioner, performing artist and street dancer. Monte founded Movement Revolution Dance Crew (MRDC) in 2010 and continues to lead the company as Artistic Director. A true hip hop head, Monte excels as an emcee, DJ, graffiti artist, and creator of music and clothing.
Monte's upbringing in Chicago's vibrant hip hop scene has fueled his passion for dance and performance from a young age. He has mastered various street dance styles, including breaking, locking, popping, and tumbling. His influence is global, having taught and performed in cities across the United States and internationally, including Jamaica, China, Germany, France, and Canada. Monte's choreography has left a lasting impact on numerous crews, companies, studios, and competition teams nationwide.
In addition to his dance accolades, Monte has appeared on America's Got Talent, was selected for the USA dance team, competed in the Dance Olympics, and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. His significant contributions to educational outreach programs highlight his dedication to teaching hip hop culture. Monte's multifaceted talents and achievements have established him as a formidable force in the world of dance and beyond.
Performance Ensemble
