Chicago Human Rhythm Project curates Kennedy Center's first full-length tap concert

Jason Janas

One prominent executive director recently told me that Chicago doesn’t nearly get the credit it deserves as a dance destination; most consider it a so-called “fly-by city.” A big push in the last few years, namely the debuts of companies like Paris Opéra Ballet, plus contributions from our high-profile “dancing Mayor,” has added mightily to Chicago prominence. In keeping with that theme, Chicago Human Rhythm Project is taking our city’s great flare to the East Coast. CHRP artistic director Lane Alexander curates a tap program for Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—the first full-length tap concert since the Kennedy Center opened in 1971, featuring a number of Chicago-based tap artists.

“JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance” takes place December 7. The bill includes BAM! (CHRP’s resident ensemble), MADD Rhythms with the Greg Spero Trio and Jump Rhythm Jazz Project. Rounding things out are D.C.’s Step Afrika!, an excerpt from Rasta Thomas’s new show “Tap Stars” (with CHRP member Jason Janas), members of six American youth tap ensembles, and alumni from the 80th Anniversary Jacob's Pillow Tap Program.

Onward and upward, Chicago.

Visit kennedy-center.org for more info and tickets, should you be in the D.C. area. If not, stay tuned to Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s 2013 concert lineup. We’ll post details as they come, or you can go browse chicagotap.org.