Getting to Know the Chicago Tap AllStars
Our Mission
To audaciously amplify the excellence of Chicago Tap Dance by creating an equitable, healing, and inclusive community through education, performances, and advocacy.
Our History
Chicago Tap Allstars (CTA) was born out of pivotal moment in the summer of 2020, amid a global cultural and racial reckoning. It was during this period that Bril Barrett, founder of M.A.D.D. Rhythms, and Mark Yonally, founder of Chicago Tap Theatre, realized the urgent need for a transformative approach to Tap Dance in Chicago. Frustrated by economic gatekeeping, historical revisionism, and the lack of resources for Tap Dance and its practitioners, Bril and Mark united their efforts to establish a collective that could achieve more together than apart.
As leaders of two prominent Tap Dance companies, they laid the administrative and logistical foundation for a broader, more inclusive community. The first major step in this direction was organizing one of Chicago’s first inclusive celebrations of National tap Dance Day in May 2021. This landmark even featured over 30 Tap Dancers from across the city and included virtual classes, a history discussion and a live performance, showcasing the rich diversity of Tap Dance.
Year three marked significant evolution for CTA, as the organization decided to separate its activities into events specifically for Tap Dancers and those for Tap Audiences. In May 2023, CTA presented two days of classes, including its inaugural Heritage workshop and Legacy Series lecture by National Treasure Reggio “The Hoover” McLaughlin. This was followed by a prestigious performance at Dance for Life in August, where CTA shared the stage with renowned Chicago cultural icons such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Company, and Joffrey Ballet.
Our Values
We bridge the gap between artistry and activism because we know at the heart of any artistic craft, is self-expression.
We're not afraid to be advocacious to protect the Tap community from economic gatekeeping and other unequivocal barriers that are too jarring to neglect.
We speak up for the ones who are ignored - even when they shout. Yet, we remain a compassionate collective.
We invite all to experience, learn, and celebrate tap but we also don't settle for hte false perceptions society addopted about the art form.
Instead, we perserve the authentic narrative of tap dance and its robust and unique history.
We remain dedicated to this meaningful work to bring communities and people together.
We impact generations to come to keep legacies alive and to uphold a standard of excellence so that we can unwaveringly do more of what we love...
Tap dance.