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RHYTHM WORLD #36
August 4 - 9, 2026

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

 

Chicago's International Festival of American Tap celebrates its 36th Anniversary with a week of rhythm bending concerts and classes by three generations of extraordinary artists. 

 

Classes take place at Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building on the 3rd floor in the Annex, Studio 300 at 410 S. Michigan Avenue with concerts at the celebrated Dance Center of Colombia College Chicago, 1306 S Michigan Ave.

For more information about concerts or assistance registering, email registration@chicagotap.org   

 

Registration and Concert tickets is now open.  

2026 - Tickets Coming Soon

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Festival Showcase at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

Wednesday, August 5, at 7:00 PM

Often an audience favorite! Enjoy young artists from around the world as they share their rhythms, passion and in many cases, blistering technical prowess. Previous performers included MacArthur “Genius” Michelle Dorrance, Jazz at Lincoln Center soloist, Jared Grimes and CHRP’s Artistic Director Jumaane Taylor. The Student Showcase is a window into the future of tap!

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FACULTY SHOWCASE @The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

Friday, August 7, at 7:00 PM    

“Hoofing” rules at Rhythm World . . . showcasing generations of virtuosos and fresh rhythms from every corner of the country. Explosive soloists, accompanied by the Eric Hochberg Trio will include Christina Carminucci, Cartier Williams, Brinae Ali Bradley, Jeremy Arnold, Jumaane Taylor, Sam Weber, Nicholas Young and Jason Janas. Witness these soloists represent the best in tap dance, exemplifying respect and progression in the art form’s traditions.

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Gala! JUBALEE at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

Thursday, August 6, at 7:00 PM

Join us for Rhythm World’s 36th Anniversary Gala! JUBALEE, featuring performances by Cartier Williams, Lane Alexander, Sam Weber, Demi Remick and more. This annual fundraiser will honor 2026  JUBA Award Winners for their Exceptional Contributions to their Community. The evening will also feature delectable pre- and post-performance receptions with proceeds supporting the Mayfair Arts Center and Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s acclaimed arts education program - We All Got Rhythm!

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Grand Finale - PLATFORM Premieres at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

Saturday, August 8, at 7:00 PM    

“Hoofing” takes the spotlight once again at the Rhythm World Grand Finale . . . bringing together 4 masterful tap artists and their platform students from across the nation. Backed by the Eric Hochberg Trio, featured Premieres will include Cartier Williams honoring Harlem Hoofing; Brinae Ali Bradley paying tribute to the legacy of Baby Laurence; Nicholas Young combining deep grooves, bodydrumming, and polyrhythms; and Demi Remick contemporizing the work of Eleanor Powell. Experience these remarkable performers as they honor the roots of tap while pushing its creative boundaries forward.

Performances
Artists

2026 Artists

Class Info
Festial Calendar

6 Days, 4 Performances, 14 Master Teachers, and NEW "Platform" Residency. All classes at Chicago's historic Fine Arts Building. 

TAP INTO LEARNING:

Rhythm World 36
Class Schedule

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Click the image to expand!

THE PLATFORM (August 4-7)

This year's Rhythm World introduces a new program for pre- and emerging professionals. The 5-day PLATFORM: Choreographic Residencies led by Cartier Williams honoring Harlem Hoofing; Brinae Ali Bradley paying tribute to the legacy of Baby Laurence; Nicholas Young combining deep grooves, bodydrumming, and polyrhythms; and Demi Remick contemporizing the work of Eleanor Powell. Platform students will learn and stage complete works Aug 4-7 with a performance at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago Aug 8. You can sign up for one Platform or two plus courses. It's all up to you to design your own experience!

 

COURSES (August 4-7)

Courses are cumulative over 4 days and are taught by boundary pushing artists from Chicago, the nation and the world including Jumaane Taylor, Sam Weber, Lisa LaTouche, Jason Janas, Jeremy Arnold, Christina Carminucci and more. You can take ONE course or FIVE courses or anywhere in between. It's completely up to you to design your own experience!

 

MASTERCLASSES (August 8-9)

Weekend Masterclasses are taught by the entire PLATFORM and COURSES faculty as well as our Founding Director, Lane Alexander. You can take ONE masterclass and be done or take FOUR on Saturday and FOUR on Sunday or anywhere in between!

Hotel Accommodations

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The Chicago Human Rhythm Project has partnered with the Acme Hotel to provide discounted rooms to students of Rhythm World 36! Use the button below to view rooms at a discounted rate.

 

NOTE: You must be 21+ to make a reservation, or otherwise need a chaperone

Hotel Accommodations
Student Showcase
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FESTIVAL SHOWCASE 

Chicago Human Rhythm Project invites you to share your work onstage during one of the most anticipated events of the festival—the Festival Showcase on Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00 PM. Whether you have a solo, small group, or full ensemble piece, this is your chance to perform for an enthusiastic audience as we celebrate the next generation of tap talent.

PLEASE NOTE: We want to include as many performers as possible in this showcase so there will be a VERY limited number of solos presented. Group works are encouraged when possible.

Submissions must be no longer than 3 minutes for solos/duos, 5 minutes for small groups (3 - 7) and 7 minutes for large groups (8+).

If selected, performers will be required to attend a scheduled technical rehearsal (details forthcoming). PLEASE NOTE: the performance is FREE, but tickets must be reserved in advance—CHRP cannot hold tickets for performers or guests. Ticket reservations cooming soon.

Email for assistance requests, questions, or concerns to  registration@chicagotap.org .

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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