Jumaane Taylor

Jumaane Taylor is an award-winning tap dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic director from Chicago. He began tap dancing at age 7 and trained with respected artists including Idella Reed Davis, Bril Barrett, Martin Dumas III, and Jimmy Payne Jr.

Taylor has performed nationally and internationally in productions such as Imagine Tap!, Tap Into Peace, and Tap Stars. He is also known for collaborating with jazz musicians and ensembles, blending improvisational tap dance with live music. In 2015, he created Supreme Love, a tap dance production inspired by John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, which was later presented at Jacob’s Pillow. He subsequently founded Heel and Toe Productions and developed acclaimed works, including Ugly Flavors and Cheap Suites & Hotels.

Taylor has received numerous honors, including the 2024 Black Excellence Outstanding Choreographer Award, the 3Arts Award, and the Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist Award. Since 2021, he has served as Artistic Director of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, overseeing Rhythm World and advancing tap dance education and performance. He also teaches throughout Chicago and at Roosevelt University.