Chicago Dance History Project preserves histories of the Chicago dance community through interviews, public panels, original and collected research, and its digital archive. 

Advisory Council Member

Bril Barrett

Bril Barrett is a visionary tap dancer, educator, and cultural leader based in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. He serves as Artistic Director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center, Founder of M.A.D.D. Rhythms, and Co-Founder of the Chicago Tap Allstars. For over two decades, he has preserved and advanced the legacy of tap through performance, mentorship, and community engagement. His Novice-to-Professional Pipeline has nurtured hundreds of youth, sustained by a diverse mix of grants, earned income, and grassroots support. Bril’s choreography and leadership have been featured in global productions like Riverdance and Imagine Tap, and honored with awards including the 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellowship, 2024 Hoofer Award, 2025 NDEO Lifetime Achievement Award, 2024 Creative Spirit Award, and 2016 Chicagoan of the Year. Through storytelling, innovation, and care, he continues to shape the future of tap dance in Chicago and beyond.