Chicago Human Rhythm Project

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents, preserves, and promotes the American art of tap dance and contemporary rhythmic expression (i.e., hip hop, flamenco) through concerts, educational forums, classes and community outreach programs. This grant provides project support for a collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Chicago Humanities Festival (both MacArthur grantees) to present MacArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance, Nicholas Young, and Dorrance Dance at the MCA’s Edlis Neeson Theater in four performances of ETM Double Down, a critically-acclaimed synthesis of percussive dance, musical performance, and new technology. These performances are part of a series of activities related to the 35th anniversary of the MacArthur Fellows program.

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents, preserves, and promotes the American art of tap dance and contemporary rhythmic expression (i.e., hip hop, flamenco) through concerts, educational forums, classes and community outreach programs. The Chicago Human Rhythm Project is the lead organization in a collaborative called the American Rhythm Center that also includes four additional tap organizations/artists, four Indian arts organizations, two social dance groups, a Spanish dance company, and one theatre arts organization. The groups share three education/rehearsal spaces, two changing rooms, and administrative offices. This grant provides general operating support as Chicago Human Rhythm Project refines its financial model for the American Rhythm Center.

In support of a dance exchange with artists in Brazil and Argentina. Each community will learn new dance techniques and form new collaborations.

In support of the Collaborative Space for Sustainable Development (over four years).

To support curriculum development and a performance tour in China.