Cartier Williams tapping into town courtesy of Chicago Human Rhythm Project

Tap dance star Cartier Williams will team up with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) next week, performing his newest touring show, “Rhythm Refix,” at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 and leading workshops and master classes for students of various levels from Aug. 1st through Aug. 3 at CHRP’s studio at 410 S. Michigan.

In a prepared statement, Williams noted: “My style of dance is heavily influenced by Dadaism, and ‘Rhythm Refix’ represents the deconstruction of tradition, breaking boundaries, and taking chances.”

The tap master will be performing with his company of young and accomplished dancers, including Jason Janas, Luke Hickey, Daniel Borak, and Jumaane Taylor. Williams’ workshops and master classes will give Chicago students the opportunity to learn his signature choreography and explore their own individual creativity through dance.

“As soon as I saw Cartier and ‘Rhythm Refix’ in Zurich, Switzerland, I knew the Chicago Human Rhythm Project had to present this work as a part of our summer festival,” noted Lane Alexander, founder and director of CHRP. “Cartier’s dancing, choreography, and storytelling bend the perception of what tap dance is, and the possibilities of what tap dance can become. Cartier is without a doubt one of the leading lights in the global percussive dance community, and we’re thrilled to bring his work to Chicago audiences.”

A child prodigy of tap dance, Williams is a hoofer, choreographer, filmmaker and performer hailing from Washington, D.C. He began his tap dancing career at the age of four and has been active in the tap dance community ever since. Throughout his career, Cartier has had the opportunity to dance with a multitude of tap pioneers and masters, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Peg Leg Bates and the Nicholas Brothers. He has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “Good Morning America” and CNN. Cartier has performed for President Clinton, co-starring with Bebe Neuwirth in the PBS special “In Performance at The White House.” He also performed for President George W. Bush at the 2006 Congressional Picnic at the White House. Cartier is currently developing multiple musical productions, as well as expanding his brand with products including tap shoes and instructional videos.