Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) Celebrates 25 Years of Dancing and Social Outreach

What began a quarter century ago as a solitary performance at Northwestern University has developed into year-round performances and the largest organization in the world dedicated to conserving and advancing this uniquely American art form.

The mission of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), as described on their website, is to “build community through American tap and contemporary percussive arts in world class, innovative performance, education and outreach programs.

Below you’ll find highlights from their 25th season. Looking forward to the next 25, according to CHRP Founder and Director Lane Alexander, the organization will focus on growth that is not only measurable but continues to focus on excellence and distinction. They want to influence a wider audience through amazing performances as well as individual’s lives through education.  If you have never seen tap dancing live, you owe it to yourself to see what all the buzz is about.  You’ll leave feeling energized and wanting to move your feet in ways they never have moved before!

• October 7, 2014 – JUBALEE! Gala at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion honors Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner with the JUBA! Award for Lifetime Contributions to Culture and Community and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation with the JUBA! Award for Extraordinary Commitment to Community and Culture.
• November 27, 2014 – CHRP marches with hundreds of young tap dancers in the annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on State Street.
• December 10, 2014 – Holiday Rhythms performance takes place at the Jazz Showcase.
• February 12–15, 2015 – Winter Tap Jamboree of master classes, Tap Scholar auditions and more takes place at the American Rhythm Center (ARC) at the Fine Arts Building.
• March and April 2015 – The debut of the Chicago Rhythm Fest begins with a series of mini-performances, lecture demonstrations, panel discussions and free classes in several Chicago neighborhoods featuring a variety of Chicago artists and companies.
• May 6, 2015 – The culminating performance of the Chicago Rhythm Fest offers a showcase of Chicago artists as well as the return of Argentina’s Che Malambo at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
• July 6–August 2, 2015 – The 25th annual Rhythm World summer festival of tap and percussive dance takes place at the ARC, MCA Chicago, Jazz Showcase, Jones College Prep and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; the fifth year of a five-year international focus (Canada, Japan, Brazil, Europe) will spotlight Chicago and U.S. artists.

For more information about Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s 25th anniversary season, visit Chttp://www.chicagotap.org/.