Human Rhythm Project

Last night, Jane and I drove into the city to witness the closing night of a special  Company, The Chicago Human Rhythym Project, founded by Lane Alexander at The MCA. If you like “tap” ( dancing, not drinking beer, although you could like both), you would be greatly impressed by the organization. I was just introduced to this company and I am so glad they exist and that thanks to a listener of my radio show, I found them! They are terrific.

The company started in 1988 as Alexander-Michaels/Future Movement, a tap and modern dance company.

They began doing performances at unique locations in 1990 and in 1993 began to offer classes in an abonded dance studio on Wabash Avenue.

In 1994 they launched “national Tap Day” concerts and used the Harold Washington Library Auditorium for its week-long festival.

In 1995 Kelly Michaels passed away and the Human Rhythm Project becomes the sole activity of this company. In honor of Kelly, new scholarships and programs were commissioned.

In 1996, they added the name Chicago to HRP and the company continued to expand. They began using the Athenaeum Theatre in 1997 and even brought in a company from Israel.

In 1998 they were asked to do a documentary with WTTW and “Juba”, filmed at Summerfest and corporate sponsors became the norm.

In 2000, “Juba” is aired nationally on PBS and receives an EMMY nomination. They also continued to  do National Tap Day concerts and activities as well as opening an actual office.

In 2001 they added a Winter Tap jamboree and began collaborations with Columbia College, Northwestern University and of course The MCA.

From 2002- 2007, they built multi -venue , year round programs at the Harris Theater, did outreach with Gallery 37, the Chicago Park District and Urban Gateways, and took a cast of 80 dancers to China.

As you can see, the progress of this company has been outstanding. Most people do not realize just how amazing TAP is. Yes, we know that there are many show-

stopping tap dances in Broadway musicals, but most do not think of TAP as interpretive dance or with jazz- Let me tell you! what these folks did last night was amazing, capturing the soul of music that we know and love, but never before imagined would fit into TAP.

As a part of last night’s celebration , it was announced that they have recently purchased the Mayfair Arts Center ( MAC) in Calumet Heights, allowing them to have their own facility on Chicago’s South Side. The MAC will serve more independent artists, more small to medium dance companies and of course, of great importance more children, teens, adults and even elders through classes, performance and business development services.

The resident “partners” Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Black Girls Dance, The South Shore Drill Team, CYSO’s Jazz Ensemble and of course CHRP’s own dance and percussive services will all call this “home”!

I can tell you from this experience, if you love TAP, you will be amazed. The leaders and the students are all exciting to watch.

For information on this amazing company, visit https://chicagotap.org

Or call 312-542-2477.