Presented by TNW Ensemble Theater

Southern Spain, Africa, Ireland and the antebellum American South: what do all these regions have in common? 

They’re all places that gave birth to unique forms of percussive dance—dances where the dancers make sounds as well as shapes with their bodies. See and hear all these forms in action with “The Rhythm Project,” a new interdisciplinary production featuring Irish dance, body percussion, Flamenco and rhythm tap with live music. 

“The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms. 

The performers are Katherine Kramer, tap dancer and choreographer; Sean Frenzel, tap dancer; Tania Tandias, Flamenco dancer; Omari Carter, body percussion; James Zavos, Irish dancer; Leah Reinardy, melodica, piano and percussion; and Laurie Lang, upright bass. 

“The Rhythm Project” highlights the surprising similarities and intriguing differences between different styles of percussive dance. Combinations are key in dance of all kinds, and in “The Rhythm Project,” they show how keeping the beat brings people together.