Rhythm World 29
July 22-28, 2019

Rhythm World is Chicago’s annual festival of tap and percussive dance, celebrating its 29th year! Each summer, many of the world’s finest tap dance teachers and performers educate, entertain and enlighten students and audiences from around the globe through classes, performances and more.

Rhythm World offers a sophisticated and comprehensive variety of education and performance programs that allow students and audience members to design their own experiences. Students can take a single class or immerse themselves in up to fifty hours during the week. Audience members can enjoy a single performance or nightly performances at venues around Chicago!

Classes are held at the American Rhythm Center in Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan Ave. See below for complete information about Rhythm World 29!  If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you.  You can reach us at registration@chicagotap.org or 312-542-2477.

Faculty
Programs
Register
Video Auditions
FAQs
Performances
Accommodations

2019 Faculty

Don’t miss your chance to learn from these amazing artists…

Click here for more information about all of the 2019 faculty, or click on the names below to go directly to each artist’s bio.

Dianne Walker

Sam Weber

Linda Sohl-Ellison

Monti Ellison

Lane Alexander

Bril Barrett

Dani Borak

Marty Bronson

Tristan Bruns

Ja’Bowen Dixon

Star Dixon

Tre Dumas

Donnetta Jackson

Jason Janas

Sean Kaminski

Aleksandr Ostanin

Demi Remick

Charles Renato

Nico Rubio

Cartier Williams

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2019 Programs

Design your own curriculum and study with the faculty of your choice. For an easy overview of the entire week, click here. Learn more about each individual program by clicking through the buttons below.

Courses: July 22-25

Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25

Spend four consecutive days with the teachers of your choice. Each course runs six hours total.

Fees
$110 per course if you register by March 10
$120 after March 10

To register for Next Step courses, you must submit a Video Audition.  Click here to learn more about Video Auditions.

TimeNext StepAdvancedIntermediate
9:30am-10:50amJason JanasLane AlexanderStar Dixon
11:00am-12:20pmStar DixonDemi RemickLinda Sohl-Ellison
1:30pm-2:50pmDonnetta JacksonTre Dumas
3:00pm-4:20pmNico RubioCartier WilliamsTre Dumas
4:30pm-5:50pmCharles RenatoDonnetta JacksonDianne Walker

Courses for Adults: July 22-25

Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25

Designed specifically for intermediate and fast beginner adults, at a convenient time near the end of the work day. Courses meet four consecutive days for a total of 6 hours.

Fees
$110 per course if you register by March 10
$120 after March 10

TimeIntermediateFast Beginner
4:30pm-5:50pmDemi RemickCartier Williams

YTEC: July 22-25

Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25

CHRP’s annual Youth Tap Ensemble Conference (YTEC), now in its 19th year, is a training and repertory development program for pre-professional tap repertory COMPANIES. YTEC students study technique and improvisation, alternative movement practice, theater-related seminars, history, music theory and choreography.

This year’s program has been completely reimagined by CHRP Artist in Residence, Dani Borak. Dani and the co-director of Switzerland’s 9 Point Ink, Kilian Deissler, will lead the entire program with the exception of improvisation (led by a different instructor each day). Together, Dani and Kilian will lead participants on a four day journey of music making with their feet, hands, voices, boomwhackers (really) and  . . . most importantly . . . musical instruments. Students do not have to play a musical instrument to be in this year’s program, but for those who do play one or more instruments, their musical talents will be incorporated into a unique soundscape and conversation between dance making, rhythm making and music making.

In order to participate in this program, youth ensembles must enroll at least THREE members of their company.The registration fee includes the full four days of classes plus a festival T-shirt.

Fees
$500 if you register by March 10
$525 after March 10

To register for the YTEC Program, ensemble directors must submit a video of a complete work from a recent performance.

TimeClass
9:30am-10:30amTap Choreography  
11:00am-12:30pmBody Percussion Piece 
1:30pm-2:45pmBoomwhackers Composition
3:00pm-4:30pmComposed Tap & Live Instrument Piece 
4:30pm-5:30pmImprovisation  – Marty Bronson/Star Dixon/Tristan Bruns/Ja’Bowen Dixon

Teacher Certification: July 22-25

Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25

The Teacher Certification continues to evolve thanks to the feedback we’ve received from participants from the first two years. This year’s program will emphasize not only WHAT to teach, but HOW to teach . . . whether tap history, repertory, improvisation, technique and music theory. This year’s program will will be led by Linda Sohl Ellison, Dianne Walker, Bril Barrett and Jason Janas to provide multiple perspectives and approaches.

This year’s repertory will include works by Foster Johnson, Eddie Brown, Leon Collins and Steve Condos rudiments as well as exercises inspired by Steve Condos. Participants will also deepen their understanding of approaches to improvisation and how to develop a culture of improvisation.

The Teachers Certification program, now in its 3rd year, is an annual program.  Teachers may attend a a single year to receive a Certificate of Completion or four consecutive years to receive a special Master Teacher Certification upon successful completion of the program.

Fees
$300 if you register by March 10
$325 after March 10

TimeClass
9:30am-10:50amLinda Sohl-Ellison
11:00am-12:20pmDianne Walker – Leon Collins (Mon & Tues) Bril Barrett – Jams/Improv (Wed & Thurs)
1:30pm-2:50pmJason Janas

Kids Program: July 22-25

Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25

Rhythm World’s Kids Program takes young tappers to the next level. For 9-12 year-old intermediate students. Program includes all classes, one ticket to Thursday night’s JUBA concert at the Dance Center of Columbia College, and a festival T-shirt.

This year’s curriculum includes instruction on rhythm and drumming with Monti Ellison, tap technique and stepology, and a dancing tour through the past, present, and future of tap with Demi Remick and Sean Kaminski.

Fees
$225 if you register by March 10
$250 after March 10

TimeClass
12:30pm-2:00pm Demi Remick 
2:00pm-3:00pmMonti Ellison
3:30pm-4:30pmSean Kaminski

Workshops: July 26

Friday, July 26

Rhythm World once again offers immersive workshops in which students spend 2.5 hours with a single teacher for a deeper dive. Each of six workshops has a specific focus.

Fees
$75 per workshop if you register by March 10
$90 after March 10

Time
10:00am-12:30pmLinda Sohl-Ellison
Int/Adv		Bril Barrett, Nina Simone
Adv/Pro		Jason Janas
Adv
2:00pm-4:30pmSam Weber
Int/Adv		Donnetta Jackson
Adv/Pro		Star Dixon, Nina Simone
Adv

Masterclasses: July 27 & 28

Saturday, July 27 & Sunday, July 28

Master Classes are 80-minute one-time classes with a single teacher.

Fees
$30 per master class if you register by March 10
$35 after March 10

To register for Next Step master classes, you must submit a Video Audition.  Click here to learn more about Video Auditions.

Saturday, July 27

TimeNext StepAdvInt/AdvInt or
Fast Beginner
10:00am-11:20amDani Borak Jason JanasCharles RenatoDonnetta Jackson
Intermediate
11:30am-12:50pmCartier WilliamsDani BorakSam WeberDianne Walker
Intermediate
2:00pm-3:20pmSam Weber Demi Remick Dianne WalkerAlexandr Ostanin
Fast Beginner
3:30pm-4:50pmCharles RenatoAlexandr OstaninCartier WilliamsDemi Remick
Fast Beginner

Sunday, July 28

TimeNext StepAdvInt/AdvInt or
Fast Beginner
10:00am-11:20amStar Dixon JaBowen DixonTre DumasLane Alexander
Intermediate
11:30am-12:50pmMarty BronsonLane AlexanderStar  DixonJa’Bowen Dixon
Intermediate
1:30pm-2:50pmTre DumasTristan BrunsSean KaminskiBril Barrett
Fast Beginner
3:00pm-4:20pmBril  Barrett Sean KaminskiTristan BrunsMarty Bronson
Fast Beginner
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Register

Register Online
Register with Printable Form

Registration for Rhythm World 29 is now open!

You have the option of registering online with a credit card, or downloading a hard-copy form that you can mail or scan and send to us at registration@chicagotap.org.

Bringing a group of 6 or more to Rhythm World? As group organizer, you can receive discounts off your own tuition, or you can pass those savings on to each group member. The choice is yours. Learn more by reviewing our group registration form here.

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2019 Video Auditions

If you plan to register for any of the following programs, you will need to submit a video audition before you will be able to register.

  • Next Step Courses – See “Courses” tab above
  • Next Step Master Classes – See “Master Classes” tab above

Please note: Everyone who wishes to register for one of the programs above is required to submit a video audition for 2019, even if you were approved, through a video audition, for these programs in previous years.

Your Digital Audition must include:

1.  A brief verbal self-introduction, 1 minute maximum
2.  Technique sampler, 3 minute max: Include drills/exercises of differing rhythms/styles.
3.  Performance sampler, 3 minutes maximum: Provide 1 combination, 1 improvisation, and/or repertory excerpts, shot in the studio, that demonstrate a range of dynamics, levels, tempos, and styles; and identify choreographers for works shown. DO NOT SEND COMPETITION VIDEOS IN WHICH THE FEET CANNOT BE HEARD CLEARLY.

The production quality of the video does not need to be advanced; we prefer simple videos shot with your cell phone, with clear sound in a quiet environment.  The video should be shot no earlier than 6 months before the day you send it to us.

To submit your video audition:

1.  Upload your video to a free hosting website (such as YouTube or Vimeo)
2.  Send your name and the video link via email to registration@chicagotap.org.  Also, please tell us for which classes you’re submitting your audition (among the 5 bullet point classes above).
3.  We will try our best to respond to you within a few days.  If you don’t hear back from us within one week of submitting your video, please feel free to follow up.

If you have any questions about the Video Audition process, you can call us at 312-542-2477 or email us at registration@chicagotap.org.

Here’s an example of a WONDERFUL audition video: CLICK HERE!

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2019 Performances – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Over the course of the week, you’ll have the chance to see the incredible faculty and students of Rhythm World perform on stage. Every single concert is unique; join us for all of them!

If you wish to attend more than one Rhythm World Concert FESTIVAL PASSES are available! Discounts are based on the number of shows you purchase tickets to. The more shows you attend the more you save. Here’s how:

  • 2 Shows – 5% Off your entire purchase!
  • 3 Shows – 10% Off your entire purchase!
  • 4 Shows – 15% Off your entire purchase!
  • 5 shows – 20% Off your entire purchase!

Get your FESTIVAL PASS!

CLICK HERE to download an excel festival pass form (it’ll do the math for you!).

OR . . .

CLICK HERE to download a pdf festival pass form.

Please call 312-542-2477 or email us at info@chicagotap.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Monday, July 22, 7:30 PM
Opening Night at the Jazz Showcase
Virtuoso Performers from the concert, Broadway and commercial stages join the Eric Hochberg Trio in the 18th Annual Jazz Showcase opening night. This annual celebration at Chicago’s finest jazz club presents some of the worlds most celebrated tap dancers with special guests and a spectacular jazz trio.  Specific line-up information coming soon.  Make your reservations now…this event always sells out!

Purchase tickets here!

Photo credit: Philamonjaro

Tuesday, July 23, 7:30 PM 
JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance
Dance Center Columbia College
Nico Rubio and his company “333” share the stage with Brazilian foot drummer Charles Renato and his company, CHR Project* (* not to be confused with CHRP! . . . .  Charles Renato Project, which he calls CHR Project)

Purchase tickets here!

Photo by William Frederking

Charles Renato’s company, CHR Project, performing ‘Virtuoso’

FREE Event! Get tickets here

Thursday, July 25, 7:30 PM
JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance
Dance Center Columbia College
Jason Janas and his company, “Co.mitt” share the evening with CHRP’s Artist in Residence, Dani Borak, and CHRP’s collective, Stone Soup Rhythms, premiering new works.

Purchase tickets here!

Friday, July 26, 7:30 PM
JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance
Dance Center Columbia College
M.A.D.D. Rhythms will perform an extended excerpt from its new show honoring the life and work of Nina Simone “Feeling Good” followed by the North American premiere of Dani Borak and Kilian Deissler’s “Kick the Square” from 9 Point Inc, a Swiss-based, musical septet surrounding and featuring Dani Borak on an originally designed tap “instrument”.

Purchase tickets here!

Saturday, July 27, 7:30 PM
JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance
Dance Center Columbia College
Virtuosos from the concert, Broadway and commercial stage gather to present the festival finale concert accompanied by the Eric Hochberg Trio. Leading lights from the global tap community gather to share intimate and boisterous works to live jazz — a festival tradition for 29 years.

Purchase tickets here!

Photo credit: Philamonjaro

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Next Step?

Next Step is a professional level program for technically advanced dancers, where teachers are encouraged to experiment and take technical and aesthetic risks to advance the field of tap and percussive dance. Students are expected to fully participate in this boundary pushing environment.

How do I register for Next Step programs?

Next Step programs are open to students who pass the Video Audition process.  To learn more about Video Auditions, please click here.

How do I determine what level is appropriate for me or my child?

The best way to determine the appropriate level for your child is to ask their instructor, who is most familiar with your child’s 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/student dancing. You can send video links to registration@chicagotap.org.

What are the age restrictions for the programs?

While there are no strict age restrictions for most programs, some things to consider are whether your child 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.

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.

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.

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.

Are there any discounts?

Early registration discounts are available if you register by May 25. Tuition credits are also available for groups of 6 or more.

What is the cancellation policy?

Students may cancel their registration by June 14 to receive a refund minus a $75.00 cancellation fee + the $30.00 registration fee. Unfortunately, refunds will not be issued after this date for any reason.

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.

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.

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.

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Accommodations/Hotel

The official hotel of RW29 is the Best Western Grant Park.  Located less than a 1/2 mile from the Fine Arts Building, this centrally-located hotel, overlooking Grant Park, is newly remodeled, comfortable, and convenient. All Rhythm World students and chaperones have access to the following rates (with breakfast included!):

$159 for a room with a single king bed
$159 for a room with two double beds

  • To make a reservation online, click here. Guests MUST mention “Chicago Human Rhythm Project 2019”
  • To make a reservation by phone, call 1-800-472-6875 or 312-922-2900
  • To make a reservation by email, email Marites Capalad at mcapalad@bwgrantparkhotel.com to make their reservations.

This rate ends on June 21, so be sure to book your room before then!

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