The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) presents, promotes and fosters a greater understanding of American tap dance by producing world-class concerts, educational forums and community outreach programs. CHRP builds bridges between diverse communities of dancers and audience members by preserving traditional choreography, creating new work through local, national and international collaborations and by giving scholarships to deserving young dancers to study with elders. CHRP advocates for the acknowledgment of tap dance as a recognized American art form.

The quality and scope of our programming is unique within Chicago, Illinois, the US and the world. In 2007 and beyond, CHRP will continue to excel in serving Chicago, Illinois and the community at large by serving our four-fold artistic program goals:

1. To Present World-Class Dance Concerts

CHRP annually invests in our local tap and percussive dance community. In addition, we bring in the best artists from around the US and the world to enrich our local communities' experience in and appreciation of this unique American art form. And we enhance the national and international profiles of Chicago and Illinois artists by presenting them in concert with leading artists from New York and Los Angeles as well as international leaders.

2. To Sustain the Art Form Through Preservation, Innovation and Collaboration

CHRP invests in the community by creating jobs for community artists; presenting performances of repertory works; underwriting commissions for new works (15 so far); enhancing quality artistic experiences in community venues by building and maintaining world class, hardwood, portable stages ($30,000.00 for maple stages!).

3. To Maintain one of the World's Largest Forums for Tap and Percussive Dance

In addition to its unique curriculum, our outreach and scholarship programs make key investments in the next generation of Illinois dancers, as well as sharing the value of these investments with our local, national and international communities. Illinois underserved youth benefit particularly from these initiatives, which are designed to ignite their appreciation, imaginations and future ambitions. Each year we award 10-15 full tuition waiver scholarships, valued at over $10,000. We also foster the growth of Illinois artists by enabling them to experience crafts and skills of established artists of world prominence. And we develop Illinois audiences by giving them unique opportunities to experience the art form and the artists first-hand, thereby nurturing and deepening their appreciation of tap performances.

4. To Promote Appreciation and Respect Between Diverse Communities

CHRP strives to continually enhance its broad appeal. Our students, audiences and artists come from around the block and around the world to participate in performances, classes, workshops and residencies that enable them to share experiences, and learn from and about each other. We provide a uniquely accessible and visible public example of diversity and inclusion. The fusion of Irish and African cultural traditions is a perfect example of the positive potential inherent in the American experience.