Finding Common Threads Through Percussive Dance

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Chicago Human Rhythm Project founder and director Lane Alexander about the organization’s 30 year history and upcoming Stomping Grounds Festival.

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WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Chicago Human Rhythm Project founder and director Lane Alexander about the organization’s 30 year history and upcoming Stomping Grounds Festival.

“Foot drumming actually is present in almost every culture in the world. It’s one of the most ancient forms of human expression.  And it’s really interesting to bring all the foot drummers together and see how different cultures have taken basically toe and heel, and found an infinite number of ways to express themselves” - Lane Alexander, CHRP’s founder/director talking about perceptions of percussive dance.

Lane Alexander, founder & director of Chicago Human Rhythm Project

Lane Alexander and Kelly Michaels founded the organization that is today known as Chicago Human Rhythm Project back in 1988. The mission has expanded quite a bit over the past three decades. Today, CHRP presents performances, supports education initiatives and oversees a resident ensemble. One of CHRP’s more recent traditions is the Stomping Grounds Festival.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project dancers rehearsing

This year’s Stomping Grounds Festival marks the event’s fifth anniversary. The fest presents different forms of percussive dance across Chicago over a ten week period (March 20 - May 31st). The Stomping Grounds Festival will open with a special program created by Tel Aviv-based Mayumana. CURRENTS was inspired by the historic electrical systems battle between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

Mayumana dancers performing CURRENTS

The Stomping Grounds Festival continues after CURRENTS with a series of performances throughout Chicago. The fest will culminates with a grand finale performance at the Harris Theatre on May 31.

Go to chicagotap.org for more information.