America’s oldest and most comprehensive festival of tap celebrates its 33rd year with two weeks of rhythm bending, in-person education and performance programs by a combination of veteran and next generation artists. Attendees may take one class or a combination of masterclasses, courses, choreographic residencies or teacher training.
Classes will take place at Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan Avenue with concerts at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, the legendary Jazz Showcase, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
Rhythm World 2023 Features 4 Unique Performances at 4 Iconic Chicago Venues . . .
Black Legislators' Auditorium at The DuSable Black History Museum
and Education Center
Sunday, July 16, at 4:00 PM FREE
Rhythm World 33 concert 1 starts here! The Chicago Human Rhythm Project welcomes you back to the DuSable Museum ’s Black Legislators Theater, to premier two new tap dance works. Stone Soups Rhythms work ‘Cheap Suites & Hotels’ will showcase choreography by CHRP artistic director Jumaane Taylor. Closing is the remarkable ‘Free Spirts Suite’ by Christina Carminucci, Rhythm World 33 faculty from New Jersey.
Jubalee Gala Honoring Philip and Marsha Dowd at the Jazz Showcase
Tuesday, July 18, at 6:30 PM
The Chicago Human Rhythm Project welcomes you to our annual Jazz Showcase concert. An improvisational tap show led by our artistic director, Rhythm World 33 faculty, invited tap dancers and the Eric Hochberg Trio. Returning to Rhythm World, master practitioner Jason Janas, legendary tap dancer Sam Weber and special guests.
Navy Pier's Polk Bros Park Lake Stage
Wednesday, July 19, at 7:00 PM FREE
Hoofing at the Pier! Join the Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s final festival week! We bring you a taste of our annual tap dance festival concerts from Rhythm World 33 all to the Navy Pier stage! Stone Soup Rhythms and special guest! Premiering Stone Soup Rhythms ‘Cheap Suites & Hotels’ choreography and improvisation by Jumaane Taylor, with the Eric Hochberg Trio.
Millennium Park Residency
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Sunday, July 23, at 6:00 PM FREE
CHRP is one of four Chicago nonprofit organizations who have been granted funding and resources to present free public programming as part of Millennium Park’s robust summer season. This residency opportunity will open Pritzker Pavilion and other park cultural amenities for all to witness innovative performances, beautiful collaborations, and diverse public programs.
Rhythm World Brochure
Flip the pages to see the complete schedule of masterclasses, courses, teacher training and choreographic residencies.
Classes held at Chicago's historic Fine Arts Building
410 S. Michigan Ave, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
2023 Education Programs
All classes are held in Studio 300 at the Fine Arts Building
410 S. Michigan Ave, 3rd FloorChicago, IL 60605
Masterclasses
Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced
July 14, 15, 21, & 22
All up to the “master” in the room. The masterclass is an audition style setting. Meaning, you pick up whatever they put down. This week's faculty will grant you with daily tap inspirations. Sharing their masterful ideas for that level. It could be a warmup, an across the floor, a combination, or all of the above but particularly structured for the students in the room. Beware of what artistry these tap masters share with you, it will take you a step closer to understanding this art form.
Masterclass Faculty July 14 & 15: Christina Carminucci, Melissa Almaguer, Orlando Hernãndez, & Byron Tittle.
Masterclass Faculty July 21 & 22: Idella Davis, Linda Sohl-Ellison, Sam Weber, Jumaane Taylor, Jason Janas, Victoria Jones, & Reggio McLaughlin.
All Masterclasses are 80 minutes.
Fees: $30 per master class
Courses
Learn something that will stay with on your tap journey. The classic festival ‘course’ track where you are guaranteed to take something home. Maybe it’s just a couple of steps that catch your ear, though hopefully it’s a few bars of continuous tap variations that will become helpful for your eternal rhythmic experience. Building off of those artists’ ideas, rather than just routines, would be the focus here.
Courses Faculty: Victoria Jones, Linda Sohl-Ellison, Sam Weber, Jumaane Taylor, Jason Janas, & Reggio McLaughlin.
Each class is 80 minutes/day for 3 consecutive days.
Fees: $100 per course
Intermediate & Advanced
Tuesday, July 18 - Thursday, July 20
Teacher Training
Tuesday, July 18 - Thursday, July 20
What should teachers teach? There are technical standards that most tap dance teachers agree on, but a variety of ways to approach traditional and new technical standards. The ‘Teacher Training" program will provide four unique perspectives on technique, current rhythms and traditional standards contextualized by historical footage and references. This is a perfect program for teachers with various levels of experience that will help to remind, reframe revitalize the art of teaching American tap.
Teacher Training Faculty: Jumaane Taylor, Linda Sohl-Ellison, Sam Weber, & Jason Janas.
Each teacher training class is 80 minutes. There are 4 classes/day for 3 consecutive days.
Fees: $350
Choreographic Residency
Intermediate & Advanced
Tuesday, July 18 - Saturday, July 22
Introducing the Dianne Walker Foundation in association with the Leon Collins Institute, preserving the work of Leon Collins that’s rooted in the art of tap dance and includes his core of acclaimed teachings. The rhythms of these four-chorus routines are beautifully and seamlessly joined musically. All can be danced to jazz standards, and they become the foundation of a dancer’s “tap alphabet” to propel professional tap dancers as well as start the journey of those who just put on tap shoes. This incredible work will further develop dancers’ technical prowess, expand their choreographic lens, and move dancers to a deeper understanding of working with musicians. Taught by Dianne Walker.
Each residency class is 80 minutes/day.
Fees: $225
2023 Artists
Hotel Accommodations
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How do I determine what level is appropriate for me or my child?The best way to determine the appropriate level for you or your child/teen/dancer is to ask their instructor, who is most familiar with their abilities. If their teacher is unfamiliar with our program and/or instructors, we can better determine an appropriate level if you provide a video link which shows you or your child/teen/student dancing in which the feet can be CLEARLY heard. You can send video links to registration@chicagotap.org.
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What are the age restrictions for the programs?While there are no strict age restrictions for most programs, some things to consider are whether you or your child/teen is at the appropriate skill and maturity level for the chosen classes. Maturity and skill level are not always determined by age, but students must be able to function in a highly focused learning environment. We can help to place students in the appropriate program/level by viewing clear videos in which the feet can be clearly heard. More specific questions and video links can be sent to registration@chicagotap.org
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I have no experience with tap dancing. Can I take beginner-level classes?Unfortunately, there are no classes offered at Rhythm World for absolute beginners. There are a few advanced beginner classes for those with some tap experience. Beginner level classes are offered year-round at the American Rhythm Center.
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Can I register for classes at the festival? Or should I register in advance?You may register at the festival for any classes that still have openings. However, CHRP does not guarantee that you will be able to get a spot in your preferred classes if you register at the festival. We highly recommend you register in advance.
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Can I video the class?No, videos are not allowed. You must ask permission of the instructor if you wish to make a video AFTER class. Videos are NOT permitted under any circumstance DURING classes.
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Are there any discounts?There is a 10% discount for groups of 10 - 14 dancers; 15% for groups of 15 - 19 dancers; and, 20% for groups of 20+ dancers. Please contact Kierra Wooden, Asst. Programs Manager, for more information about how to register a group and receive a discount.
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What is the cancellation policy?Students may cancel their registration by June 14 to receive a refund minus a $75.00 cancellation fee + the $35.00 registration fee. Unfortunately, refunds will not be issued after this date for any reason.
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What if the class I want is full?If classes are full, you can be placed on a wait list for the classes you wish to take. CHRP will notify you if a spot opens up in your desired class.
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What if my class is cancelled?CHRP reserves the right to cancel any class before the start of the festival, due to low enrollment. If your class is cancelled, we will notify you right away and you will have an option of moving to a different class, a tuition credit to be used at another program or a full refund.
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How can I help/volunteer at Rhythm World?Please call the CHRP office at 312-542-2477 to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Rhythm World.