Chicago Human Rhythm Project's Winter Tap JAMboree Kicks Off Today

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) welcomes students and performers to its annual Winter Tap JAMboree this weekend, January 24-26, featuring master classes, Tap Scholarship Auditions, a panel discussion and a Tap JAM at the American Rhythm Center, Chicago's collaborative arts space in the historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago.

Among those teaching classes are Ayodele Casel and Sarah Savelli, who will appear that same weekend in Savion Glover's STePz at the Harris Theater. Also on the faculty are some of Chicago's finest, including CHRP Founder/Director Lane Alexander, Starinah Dixon, Bril Barrett, Nico Rubio and more. Classes for teens and adults take place Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Faculty members will participate in a panel discussion on a topic to be determined Sunday, January 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

CHRP is offering up to $10,000 in tuition awards to dancers between the ages of 12 and 18 who compete in its annual Tap Scholarship Auditions Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m. at the American Rhythm Center. These scholarships make it possible for deserving young tap dancers to attend CHRP's annual Rhythm World, the preeminent festival of American tap, taking place July 7-August 3, 2014, with a faculty of more than 25 master teachers/performers from around the globe. Participants must register for at least one Tap JAMboree class.

Master classes are $20 per class plus a $15 registration fee. Tap Scholarship Audition registration is $15. To register, visit chicagotap.org. The Tap JAM, which takes place Sunday, January 26, 4-5 p.m. at the American Rhythm Center, is open to the public for a suggested donation of $5 at the door.