Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents Rhythm World #36
Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m.
all at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
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 Columbia College Chicago.
Full Schedule
Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. | Festival Showcase at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
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 the Human Rhythm Project’s Artistic Director Jumaane Taylor. The Student Showcase is a window into the future of tap!
Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. | Gala! JUBALEE at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
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!
Friday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. | “Hoofing” rules at Rhythm World . . .
“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.
Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. | Grand Finale at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
“Hoofing” takes the spotlight once again at the Rhythm World Grand Finale . . . bringing together a line-up of masterful tap artists and bold contemporary rhythms from across the nation. Backed by the Eric Hochberg Trio, featured soloists will include Christina Carminucci, Cartier Williams, Brinae Ali Bradley, Jeremy Arnold, Jumaane Taylor, Sam Weber, Nicholas Young, and Jason Janas. Experience these remarkable performers as they honor the roots of tap while pushing its creative boundaries forward.
Classes and Workshops
A full line-up of classes and workshops will happen from Tuesday, August 4 through Sunday, August 9 as part of the festival at the Fine Arts Building and geared to Beginning through to Advanced/Professional students, for kids and adults. Find out more about all of the offerings through the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.
Banner image: Brinae Ali performs, photo by Todd Rosenberg.
