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Southside

Performing
Arts

INTENSIVE

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents the Southside Performing Arts Intensive, a program of We All Got Rhythm!

 

WHAT: Classes in dance, music, and theater

WHO: Students ages 9 through 12 WHEN: July 28th through August 15th, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3:30 pm

WHERE: Mayfair Arts Center (8701 S. Bennett Ave.)

 

Students have the opportunity to register for either the music track or the dance track for this three week program, which culminates in a final performance. The dance track includes Hip Hop, Afro-Caribbean, and Musical Theater. The music track includes Choir, Drumming, and Musical Theater.

We aim to bring affordable performing arts programming to southside youth where students can develop skills, such as:

  • Vocal Technique

  • Rhythm

  • Improvisation

  • Language

  • Confidence

  • Leadership

TUITION

Per Student: $300

 

This boils down to $20 per day, and we have the option of a payment plan! (Contact Canisha Russ at canisharuss@chicagotap.org)

STUDENTS OF
MIKE JONES (PTDYA)

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DANCE TRACK

HIP HOP

In this class students will work on street dances from the hip hop culture with a focus on fundamentals, vocabulary, technique, skills, drills and freestlye. Students will learn techniques from styles such as Top Rocking, Party Rocking, Social dances, Popping, groove foundation, club dances and more.

HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR
MONTERNEZ
REZELL

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AFRO-CARIBBEAN

Turn up! Summer is near! And about that time to MOVE out! Yup! Right onto the dance floor!

 

Let's have fun with music, dance and culture(language etc) as we explore kool movements of Africa and the Caribbean Islands. We'll learn different dance flavors of traditional African, Afrobeats, Bakers Technique- Caribbean Folk (West Indian) and dance moves to the bannging music of SOCA ridims (rhythms)! Watch kool dance clips and perhaps prepare some fun food treats! Most of all we'll have fun! If you're ready, let's get it!

AFRO-CARIBBEAN INSTRUCTOR
MAMA RA

MUSICAL THEATER

ALSO IN THE MUSIC TRACK!

Broadway Bound: With Cuttings From Top Broadway Shows

 

The Professional Theater and Dance Youth Academy, led by Executive and Artistic Director, Mike Jones, is excited to partner with Chicago Human Rhythm Project in offering a special performing arts class, entitled “Broadway Bound: With Cuttings From Top Broadway Shows”. The class will be an intensive musical theater and dance workshop featuring students who want to hone their skills as young performers. This class will also offer the opportunity for students to gain confidence, discipline, and leadership skills in order for them to pursue a professional career in the performing arts. Hope to see you there!

PTDYA Students

STUDENTS OF PTDYA

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MUSIC TRACK

CHOIR

More information about the Choir class will be coming soon!

DRUMMING

West African Drumming class for children!

 

Explore the rich cultural heritage of West Africa through music, stories, and dance. This class introduces young students to the vibrant world of West African drumming, fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and a deep appreciation for music. Rhythm and Movement: Engage in dynamic activities that combine drumming with movement and dance, creating a vibrant and interactive experience. Provides a fun and healthy way to relieve stress and boost confidence. Fosters teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of community through group drumming activities.

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DRUMMING INSTRUCTOR
BARAKISSA COULIBALY

INSTRUCTORS

INSTRUCTORS

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Barakissa is a West African dancer and choreographer from Abobo, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. She started her career in traditional African dance in 1990 with “Fotemogoban”.

 

In fall 2012, she traveled to the United States to choreograph and perform for the University of Florida’s (UF) “Agbedidi” annual show. Soon after, in 2013 Barakissa formed the philanthropy known as Petit Coeur d'Afrique/Barakissa CoulibalyFoundation supporting the youth of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

 

Barakissa offers West African dance instruction to the local community alongside Ayodele Drum and Dance at Bedford Park in Chicago.

BARAKISSA
COULIBALY

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More information about the Choir instructor will be coming soon!

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CHOIR
INSTRUCTOR

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Monternez Rezell, also known as Monty, is a Choreographer, Dancer, and Teacher of all styles of Hip Hop/Break Dance, as well as tumbling. Monty is Co-Artistic Director of the world famous Stick and Move dance crew (Seen on America's Got Talent season 7), Artistic Director/Founder of Monternez Rezell’s Movement Revolution and one of the choreographers of Hip Hop Chicago, an artist collective that performs all the elements of the Hip Hop culture. Hip Hop Chicago was selected to represent Chicago and the USA at the World Expo in Shanghai, China in 2010. Monty has been blessed to travel around the world performing and teaching master classes and workshops everywhere from Chicago to Shanghai, Paris to Germany and Uganda.

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MONTERNEZ
REZELL

Rajeeyah-Na’imah Khaanam began dancing at an early age and hasn’t stopped moving since. Cultural & social arts studies include traditional African Dance, Dunham Technique, Baker’s Technique - West Indian Folk, Ballet and Hip Hop.

 

Also known as "Mama Ra & Ms. Bey," she has worked in various capacities within media, the education and arts sector (managerially and educator) K-12 to higher education. Over the past 15 years, Ms. Bey has worked as both staff and artist.

 

Master Chef Chicago 2016 and 2018 auditions was a bang! Now as “Food Stylist,” she conducts food preparation & lecture classes (Vegan, Vegetarian, Jamaican/Ital & African cuisines). Concluding, Khaanam instructs Dance Fitness, African & West Indian Dance styles, Creative Movement, and trains in boxing. She partook twice in the Chicago Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament, with year 2018 being her last competition.

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RAJEEYAH-NA'IMAH
KHAANAM BEY

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MIKE
JONES

Michael Jones is a native of Chicago and has traveled and performed for audiences worldwide. A favorite of cruise ship audiences for many years, Michael is known for his incredible vocals and dance style. Michael was a member of the internationally acclaimed Young Americans, performing with artists like Ben Vereen, Arsenio Hall, and the late Liberace. He was a featured dancer on the Party Machine with Nia Peeples. Most recently, Michael played the Tin Man in The Wiz at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center and was nominated for a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

 

Michael founded the Professional Theater and Dance Youth Academy in 2011. In 2015, he received the Chicago Music “Lives Changer” Award for providing arts education to youth in underserved communities and helping in their development of self-esteem, leadership skills and critical thinking abilities.

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SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

JULY 28 - AUG 15, 2025

Monday - Friday

2025 Schedule
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REGISTER
NOW

Allow your scholars the opportunity to end their summer on a high note!

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