Man With a Mission Taps Into Chicago - Lane Alexander's Chicago Human Rhythm Project

Dance Magazine, August, 2001 by Ann Barzel

Special days and ceremonies attest to the recognition tap dancing is receiving. There was a congratulatory decree from Congress to mark National Tap Day, May 25. "That date is Bill Robinson's birthday," said Alexander. Once-lowly tap dancing will receive special recognition on September 9 and 10 at the elegant Symphony Center when Alexander appears as soloist with the Chicago Sinfonietta and dances to Morton Gould's Tap Dance Concerto, which premiered in 1952.

"The Chicago Human Rhythm Project, through its dual [educational and entertainment] program, promotes understanding of the intricacies and techniques of tap dancing, and creates performance opportunities" for tap artists, Alexander said. "Tap dancing, which was almost a lost art, is having its renaissance--and this time, it's here to stay!"

Ann Barzel, a senior editor for Dance Magazine, has written about dance for more than half a century.