M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre have come together as the Chicago Tap All-Stars, a production collaboration that seeks to connect the tap community, for various events May 21-25 in celebration of National Tap Dance Day.
“We came together in the spirit of unity, transparency and accountability,” said M.A.D.D. Rhythms Artistic Director Bril Barrett. “Chicago’s tap community has been fractured for a long time and it feels so good to be shuffling towards a solution!”
On May 21, Chicago Tap All-Stars will host a full day of workshops at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, with classes available for people of all levels and experiences. Instructors include Bril Barrett, Starinah “Star” Dixon and Jay Fagan.
Also at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, the group will perform “Bridging the Gap: One Step at a Time” on May 22. The show aims to highlight the inclusivity, connection and talent of many of the city’s performers, including Nico Rubio, the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre and Patti Vickerman.
The celebration ends on May 25 at the New 400 Theater with a screening of “Bojangles,” the 2001 film where Gregory Hines stars as the legendary performer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The Chicago Tap All-Stars will also put on a tap jam.
Workshops are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 21 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Drive; tickets for the full day are $120 at eventbrite.com
“Bridging the Gap: One Step at a Time” is at 3 p.m. May 22 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Drive; tickets are $28-$42, with VIP tickets available for $75 at eventbrite.com. The performance will also be available to stream from June 3-12 as part of Chicago Dance Month.
“Bojangles” screening and tap jam are at 6:30 p.m. May 25 at the New 400 Theater, 6746 N. Sheridan Road; tickets are $50 at eventbrite.com
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