Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) Announces 2024-25 Season Performances, Education, and Innovations
The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) recently announced its upcoming 2024-25 season, which looks to be a dramatic exploration of tap and percussive dance through a blistering array of events and initiatives including the “ArtWing” Pilot Program, “Holiday Rhythms,” and “Rhythm World’s” 35th anniversary.
Under the direction of Artistic Director, Jumaane Taylor and Founding Director, Lane Alexander, CHRP will explore the edges of rhythmic expression in performance, the architecture of arts education, and the economic impact of collaborative programming. The season will celebrate the city of Chicago, national and international performances, as well as teach artists across performance stages and local classrooms throughout the area.
“We are excited to embark on this new season, which not only honors the rich tradition of rhythm but also embraces its evolving future,” said Jumaane Taylor, “Our goal is to inspire, educate, and engage audiences through exceptional performances and meaningful community connections.”
This season’s lineup promises to thrill, with standout moments including the “ArtWing” Program Pilot Launch between September and December 2024. The pilot program aims to establish a new model of arts education that will diversify educational opportunities and improve outcomes for students, while also enabling students from neighborhood schools to engage in sequential dance and music programs taught by world-class faculty.
CHRP will also offer classes for youth, high school, and adult students at the Mayfair Arts Center (MAC) this fall. Dancers and musicians of all ages will enjoy offerings of rhythm and cultural expression through tap dance, hip hop, break dancing, piano, Djembe, violin, cello, and more. The MAC’s growing list of Core Resident Partners allows for a vast array of affordable student programs by Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Black Girls Dance, Najwa Dance Corps, Ayodele Drum and Dance, Russell Talbert Ballet, EmmaMae’s SunRays, and the Juliani Ensemble.
To wrap up the 2024 holiday season, CHRP will host “Holiday Rhythms” on December 9 & 16, 2024. These performances will feature Dee Alexander, Jumaane Taylor, Lane Alexander, Keyana Latimer, and the Eric Hochberg Trio alongside very special guests; alto saxophonist Brent Griffin Jr, trumpeter Sam Thousand, master bodhran percussionist Mike Austin, and the Trinity Irish Dance Company. In addition, the performances promise some surprise cameo appearances as well as an overflowing dessert bar.
Finally, in July, 2025 (July 11-20,2025), CHRP will host the 35th anniversary of “Rhythm World,” Chicago’s premier international festival of American tap dance. Directed by Jumaane Taylor, this year’s celebration spotlights tap dance royalty featuring Dianne Walker (known as the Ella Fitzgerald of tap), Sam Weber (compared to Glenn Gould), masters like Derick Grant (tap dance’s Miles Davis) and CHRP Founder, Lane Alexander; and pioneers like Demi Remick (the Taylor Swift of Tap), Sarah Savelli, Cartier Williams and Christina Carminucci. The event will also offer an unparalleled tap dance educational experience, featuring 12 days of workshops and masterclasses at the Fine Arts Building, alongside show-stopping performances at multiple venues including the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the iconic Jazz Showcase, and the refurbished Studebaker Theater. Registration for classes and ticket sales to performances will open December 10, 2024.
Tickets for all events are available on our website www.chicagotap.org. For group rates, special accommodations, or additional information, please contact Derek Layne at [email protected].
