Percussive dance organization Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s all-free multicultural performance series returns for a second welcome year, touring the neighborhoods that each participating dance company calls home. The companies—Trinity Irish Dance Company, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre, Muntu Dance Theatre, Mexican Folkloric Dance Company and CHRP’s performance ensemble BAM!—take turns hosting and pounding the boards in a two-month round-robin series, culminating in the Chicago Rhythm Fest with all five companies taking the stage at the Auditorium Theatre in early June. Japanese drumming troupe Tsukasa Taiko is included in the lineup this year, in a special solo performance at Garfield Park Conservatory (which sounds like pretty much the coolest setting for thunderous taiko drumming imaginable). This year’s “STOMPING GROUNDS” also coincides with Chicago Dance Month, a series of free or low-cost dance performances promoted by the dance advocacy non-profit Audience Architects. Looking for something rollicking, joyous and absolutely free to do for the next five weekends? Follow the “STOMPING GROUNDS” tour. Just be sure to reserve your spot online in advance. (Sharon Hoyer)
Chicago Human Rhythm Project at various locations, visit chicagotap.org for details and reservations, April 4-June 4.
The Rhythm of Life: A Preview of "Joffrey for All Celebration" in Millennium Park As part of its larger effort to make dance accessible to a wider audience, the Joffrey Ballet is putting on a free, one-day performance at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park this Sunday. “Joffrey for All Celebration” is the first time the renowned company will serve up an evening-length performance gratis. The program is a mix of old and new…
