I WiLL FLY: A New Hip-Hop Experience

Presented by the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts with FLY Dance Company

FLY Dance seamlessly blends its symphonic heritage with the vibrant energy of hip-hop culture, demonstrating that our commonalities far outweigh our differences. Through dance, FLY showcase how love and unity can transcend all boundaries—uniting races, creeds, and nations.

This dance concert will feature new works from acclaimed choreographer Lorenzo Rennie Harris, renowned for elevating “social” dances to the “concert” stage. Founder Kathy Wood presents her inspiring piece, “Do You Believe,” along with selections from her pioneering collaborations with orchestras. Additionally, Jorge Casco introduces his piece, “Deeply Rooted,” a compelling fusion of raw hip-hop, subtle symphonic elements, and a touch Houston street culture, influenced by both Rennie and Kathy. Special guest Olympian and FLY alum Jeffrey Louis “BBoy Jeffro” hits the stage with his piece “PRIMYE”, symbolizes championing oneself. Infused with vibes of explosive energy and inspired by Haitian and HipHop roots, this performance celebrates the journey of a champion who honors both heritage and relentless spirit.

During the performance, Houston’s own street-artist GONZO247 will create a brand-new mural live on stage.

This renowned world-class Broadway venue, is now also a vibrant home for Hip-Hop, embracing this genre’s powerful presence and future.

The Hobby Center, where Hip-Hop belongs.

FLY Dance appears as part of the Hobby Center’s new annual residency initiative that celebrates and supports local artists who broaden our city’s cultural fabric and embody the iconic idea that Houston is Inspired. Building on the Hobby Center’s mission to serve as a connector, convenor, and incubator, this program brings audiences and artists together through experiences that center connection and community.

About FLY Dance Company

FLY Dance Company’s origins trace back to founder and Artistic Director Kathy Wood, a dance educator with over 40 years of experience. In 1993, Kathy discovered a group of street dancers at the Westheimer Street Festival in Houston, TX, who were in need of a rehearsal space. She invited them to her home studio, where she began collaborating with them, combining their hip-hop style with classical music and tuxedo coats for local performances.

FLY Dance Company has made a significant impact, performing at prestigious venues such as Washington’s Kennedy Center, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center, and Bob Hope Theater. In 2005, they stood out as the only hip-hop dance company invited to the Vail International Ballet Festival, further cementing their unique place in the dance world. The company is renowned for being one of the few hip-hop groups performing with symphonies across the U.S. They have partnered with prestigious orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Florida Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, and Victoria Symphony, among others.

In addition to their symphonic performances, FLY has served as educational ambassadors for the U.S. State Department, bringing their programs and performances to over 20 countries. Notably, they completed a 25-city tour across Germany and Hungary in 2019.

With a rebranded identity as “The Gentlemen of Hip Hop,” FLY Dance Company has revitalized its image and repertoire, earning standing ovations and paving the way for a future filled with innovative and exciting performances.

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