Organization Description:
M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS is a phenomenal TAPdance collective whose “SOLE” purpose is to spread the Love and Joy of TAP worldwide. What started as Bril Barrett’s formula for giving back, is now a full-fledged performing arts company, quickly gaining a reputation for representing the true essence of tap: RHYTHM! The company is composed of young, versatile tap dancers from all over Chicago. Their ages range from 18 to 33, and their backgrounds are as equally diverse. The one thing they all have in common is a love for “the dance”.
M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS’ mission is to preserve and promote tap dance, not only as a means of entertainment, but also as performance art in its truest sense. They demonstrate, through rigorous hours of training and rehearsal, methods of honestly expressing one’s self through “the dance” and set examples of professionalism and discipline both on and off stage. Company members aim to teach and enforce habits that will filter into other areas of life. As role models, M.A.D.D. Rhythms show their peers that perseverance, determination, positivity and passion are the key ingredients to achieving success in any endeavor!
M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS’ performance opportunities, in short, have included: Dance Africa Chicago, Dance Chicago, The Stars of “Dance Chicago” in Istanbul, Turkey, M.A.D.D. Rhythms Canada’s “Release Yourself” and “Great Feets of Rhythm”, Downbeats Canada’s “Embrace the Rhythm”, Miami’s Art-Deco Festival, An Expo for Today’s Black Woman, Kwanzaa Festival, The African Festival of the Arts, St. Louis Tap Festival, Boys and Girl’s Clubs National Conference, the Chicago Historical Society’s Summer Performance Series, and DuSable Museum’s educational theatre series. They have also produced 9 full-length productions, created The Chicago Tap Summit and educated over 200 students via The M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy.
In an effort to continuously give back to their communities they have also worked with many public and private schools, and volunteered performances for various community affiliated organizations including A.C.E.S. (Athletes Committed to Educating Students), Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, Nikola Tesla Alternative High School for Girls, TCA Health and Nutrition Fair, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Rainbow House.
M.A.D.D. Rhythms Truly is MAKING A DIFFERENCE DANCING RHYTHMS.
