Beyond A Shuffle was born out of a conversation with Bril Barrett on the importance of documenting the story of M.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms by their 20th anniversary in 2021. M.A.D.D. Rhythms wasn’t just about tap dancing…it started with making a difference.
Bril and Co-Founder, Tre Dumas III, started M.A.D.D. as a way of setting an example for the youth of Chicago and Bril’s younger siblings, not just through words but through action. Their mission was to create a company whose model was not only one of respect for the art and history of tap dance but whose permanence would create stability, safety, and a sense of belonging for its members.
For twenty years M.A.D.D. Rhythms has developed into both a professional tap dance company AND an out-reach organization, which has worked with city programs such as Better Boys Foundation and After School Matters. Bril, and its members, have touched the lives of thousands of dancers and youth regardless of whether they were pursuing becoming a company member or not. They were there to provide a positive alternative to the streets of Chicago, an outlet for self-expression and in some cases, just to improve a child’s quality of life by simply being available.
From that original conversation in 2019, we shot the above Beyond a Shuffle teaser and then, as we all know, 2020 changed the course of history and hence the trajectory of this project.
We have reorganized and broadened its scope to include a thorough look at the early history of the art form and how it parallels with the current state of tap dance, which is often now often catered to dancers that can afford a steep price tag for training. Furthermore, we have been enlightened to the truth that tap dance, and its origin, is largely misunderstood and taught incorrectly.
Tap is an African American art form.
Tap history is Black history.
Beyond A Shuffle now carries the equal weight of shining a spotlight on the impact of M.A.D.D Rhythms and the history and significance of tap by educating the public at large - not just the dance community.
The passion professional tap dancers have for their craft goes deeper than just love. It’s about respect, honor, and conservation of its deep history. There is a tremendous feeling of duty, a debt of gratitude, to their ancestors to preserve the art form.
We have been fortunate enough to interview some of the world’s most renowned and respected artists to discuss the story of Bril & M.A.D.D. Rhythms, the depth of tap dance and how we must stick together to correctly honor and educate the newest generation of tap enthusiasts.
It’s vitally important that we finish telling this story but,
we can’t do it without you.
For more information about how to get involved, please e-mail tapthatbrassproductions@gmail.com or call 312-752-5009
Beyond A Shuffle is a project of Tap That Brass, Inc., a tax deductible 501 (c)3 Educational Arts Organization.
“M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS is a phenomenal TAP dance collective whose “SOLE” purpose is to spread the Love and Joy of TAP worldwide. What started as Bril Barrett’s formula for giving back, is now a full-fledged performing arts company, quickly gaining a reputation for representing the true essence of tap: RHYTHM!”
— Steve Harvey Show
