Body Grooving
A Chicago dance project puts on one-of-a-kind shows. Mixing together choreographers from the world stage, innovative dance techniques and old-fashioned foot drumming, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project takes tap to a whole new level.
In the realm of journalism, some words are strictly banned; any reporter who wants to be perceived as good would never deign to use these terms. One of those so-called dirty words is “unique;” the Associated Press detests “unique” because how can one thing or one person claim to be a true original, the one and only of its kind? Well, out of Chicago comes a dance project that eludes classification; it fits the definition of unique. The Chicago Human Rhythm Project turns out American tap and contemporary percussive arts with a global skew. Their performances are imaginative originals that blend various forms of art and simultaneously, construct new ones.
Founded in 1990, CHRP began with a single tap and rhythmic dance performance at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. With a move from the suburbs to the city, its summer festival is now the one of the oldest and most comprehensive annual tap festivals in the world. The CHRP itself has grown to become a premiere dance collaborative, garnering acclaim for its innovative choreography.
This month, CHRP’s annual spring show Windy City Rhythms gets an injection of global funk as Brazil’s renowned Barbatuques body band joins the likes of tapmaster Jason Samuels Smith and the CHRP ensemble BAM, which practices experimental jazz forms and rhythmic expression. Samuels, a New York native, has earned both an Emmy and an Outstanding Choreography Award for his work. Fernando Barba has been developing the barbatuques technique since 1988, extracting musical noises from his own body. The percussive group, which he founded in 1996, has gained a followed through their eclectic live shows and YouTube clips.
BAM!, CHRP’s teaching and performing resident ensemble, is comprised of Chicago’s top tap personalities, artists who rank alongside Savion Glover and Diane Walker as best in their profession. Windy City Rhythms promises to distinguish itself from other tap experiences as it fuses Afro-Brazilian chants, stomping, and body drumming with traditional and contemporary jazz choreography.
During the summer, CHRP hosts Rhythm World, a week-long festival with events taking place in various venues throughout downtown Chicago. Featured performers include the woman who has been called the “Ella Fitzgerald of tap,” Dianne “Lady Di” Walker, Bessie Award Winner Sam Weber, and many more dancers from around the world.
With Global Rhythms, its fall show, CHRP casts a spotlight on artists from around the world. While each of their shows promotes global synergy, this show specifically focuses on furthering international contemporary dance forms. This year, Step Afrika!, out of D.C., will be making its Chicago debut. Step Afrika, the first professional stepping company in the U.S., has toured the globe with the mission to spread an understanding an appreciation of the tradition.
Windy City Rhythms will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art May 29, 30 and 31. Tickets are $35, $28 for MCA members.
Rhythm Week runs July 27th thru August 9. For a list of events scheduled, visit http://www.chicagotap.org. Global Rhythms is scheduled November 19 thru 21 and will be held at Harris Theatre.
Barbatuques Touring Group
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