Founded in 1990, CHRP is the first year round presenting institution in the world dedicated to American tap dance and contemporary rhythmic expression and has set the standard for the field of tap art presentation since its inception. Recognized by the New York Times and the National Endowment for the Arts for our pioneering work as the oldest and most comprehensive institution in the United States dedicated to concert tap dance, CHRP has built the largest educational/performance forum for tap art in the world.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) presents, preserves and promotes the American art of tap dance and contemporary rhythmic expression through world-class concerts, educational forums and community outreach programs while simultaneously nurturing new and innovative approaches to percussive arts.

Current Program: Annual Events: 1. Winter Tap JAMboree includes: three days of dance workshops designed for young dancers taught by renowned elder and contemporary masters; the Leo Harris Tap Scholarship audition awarding $15,000.00 in scholarships based on talent and need; a regional choreography competition; and a shared faculty and youth tap concert. 2. Windy City Rhythms-National Tap Dance Day Celebrations. In celebration of National Tap Dance Day, CHRP holds three days of workshops, free public performances, and concerts featuring regionally and nationally known artists focusing on Chicago based tap companies and artists. 3. Rhythm World Summer Festival - Our annual festival is the oldest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world. This two week long celebration of tap dance includes residencies, courses, classes, workshops, tap jams, concerts, panel discussions and development conferences for the field of tap dance. 4. Global Rhythms - A concert series featuring percussive dance and music companies from around the world showcasing American tap as it boomerangs back to our shores infused with global rhythmic traditions as well as cutting edge rhythmic arts. Our 2008 concerts will feature the North American premiere of Brazil's Barbatuques. In addition to these major programs, CHRP offers year around educational opportunities that include ongoing teen/adult classes at the Tap Studio, childrens classes in collaboration with Emerald City Theater Company, in school and after school tap and body drumming classes in Chicago Public Schools and the Gary Comer Youth Center, in-school workshops and demonstrations through the Urban Gateways Center for Arts Education, school and community workshops and performances through the Illinois Arts Council Arts Tour Program.