M.A.D.D. Rhythms celebrates 25 years at the Chicago Tap Summit
M.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the 2026 Chicago Tap Summit, taking place October 2–4 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Dr. (47th Street entrance).
Following M.A.D.D. Rhythms Day in Chicago on Sunday, October 1, the three-day Summit will bring together tap dancers and artists from Chicago and around the world for classes, discussions, performances and opportunities to celebrate the tap dance community.
The anniversary program will feature world premieres from M.A.D.D. Rhythms Co-Founders Bril Barrett and Martin “Tré” Dumas III, as well as a screening of Beyond A Shuffle, a new documentary exploring the history and impact of M.A.D.D. Rhythms. Barrett, who was named to Newcity’s Players 50 Hall of Fame in 2026, also received The Hoofer Award from Tap City in 2025.
The 2026 Chicago Tap Summit will feature classes with instructors including Maud Arnold, Bril Barrett, Ian Berg, Tristan Bruns, Andrew Carr, Ja’bowen Dixon, Star Dixon, Martin “Tré” Dumas III, Izaiah Harris, Caleb Jackson, Donnetta Jackson, Lisa LaTouche, KJ Sheldon and Mr. Taps.
The Summit opens on Friday, October 2, with classes and two three-hour residencies. Andrew Carr will teach participants dances from his show To Love You Always, while Caleb Jackson will share choreography from his show Wonder. Both artists will participate in Sunday evening’s closing ceremony and film screening.
The day will also feature a “Room Full of History,” Reggio’s traveling museum, before concluding with a welcome party.
Saturday’s programming will include classes and a panel examining the history of M.A.D.D. Rhythms from the company’s perspective, followed by an evening of performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The program will feature two world premieres from the company’s co-founders. Barrett’s Oscar Plays Gershwin uses dancers’ feet as percussion to reimagine Oscar Peterson’s George Gershwin album. Dumas’ My Personal Stash honors his father, Martin Dumas Jr., by transforming Rasputin Stash’s soul and funk grooves into a tap-percussive work.
Tickets and registration are available at MADDRhythms.com.
The Summit concludes on October 4 with classes, live performances from Friday’s intensive classes and a screening of Beyond A Shuffle, a documentary by Nora Clark exploring the history of M.A.D.D. Rhythms.
Clark’s documentary traces Barrett’s founding of M.A.D.D. Rhythms, which began as his effort to lead by example for his younger siblings while giving back to Chicago youth. Barrett sought to create a company grounded in respect for the art and history of tap dance while providing stability for its members.
More than two decades later, M.A.D.D. Rhythms has reached thousands of dancers and young people through company training, youth programming and opportunities to use tap as an outlet for expression and personal growth.
Beyond A Shuffle is a collaboration with Clark’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tap That Brass, and is currently fundraising to complete production. More information is available at TapThatBrass.org.
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, M.A.D.D. Rhythms has also unveiled a new logo designed by Steven Bertrand. The design celebrates the company’s history and growth while highlighting the diversity of performers who contribute to its mission.
Founded by Bril Barrett and Martin Dumas III, M.A.D.D. Rhythms is a 501(c)(3) performing arts company dedicated to preserving, promoting and contributing to tap dance. The Chicago-based collective brings together dancers ages 17 to 48 from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the art form.
The company’s mission extends beyond performance, with programs focused on teaching the history and culture of tap while connecting with underserved communities and providing young people with opportunities for creative expression, discipline and personal growth.
For more information about the Chicago Tap Summit, tickets and registration, visit MADDRhythms.com.
MADD Rhythms 2026. Photo credit Rachel Neville Studios