Founded in 2004, CHFP’s resident performing and teaching company, BAM! has received critical accolades for its vibrant, eclectic, and always exciting choreography. The company presents classic, contemporary, and experimental work throughout the Chicago area, as well as on tour. CHRP’s yearly two-week festival “Rhythm World” features some of the most cherished stars of tap along with up-and-coming artists presenting new work and fresh ideas.
The Chicago Human Rhythm Project began as a summer festival in 1990, hosted by the Gus Giordano Dance Center in Evanston, IL ,with only one performance given at Northwestern University. Since then, CHRP has become the most respected tap organization in the world, presenting concerts, conferences, educational programs, and outreach all year long.
CHRP’s mission is to bring the art of tap dance to young and old, nurturing its history; supporting its past, present and future masters; and developing new talent. By giving an annual $15,000 in scholarships, presenting lecture demonstrations such as “We All Got Rhythm” to local youth, and by investing monetarily in established Chicago-based tap dancers and tap companies, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project is a powerful force for maintaining the integrity of the ever-advancing art form. The organization received an Emmy nomination in 2001 for its brilliant documentary about tap dance at the end of the 20th century, “JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance.” A co-production with PBS and Chicago’s WTTW, the program has helped to educate the public about tap dance’s prolific and on-going history, thus increasing audience attendance and support.
Chicago Human Rhythm Project Information
- Public Transportation: Varies by venue, but generally good
- Handicapped Accessibility: Depends on venue
- Performances/Programs: 4 major performance programs are presented each year: Winter Tap JAMboree (Winter); Windy City Rhythms (Spring); Rhythm World (Summer); Jubalee Gala (Fall). In addition, special events and performances by BAM!, Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s resident performing ensemble, are presented each season
- Ticket Prices: Range widely from $5–$15 for the Winter Tap JAMboree to $150–$500 for the Jubalee Gala.
