Gregory Hines declared 'Juba!' at CHRP gala

Gregory Hines declared `Juba!' at CHRP gala

Finally, the moment dance enthusiasts were waiting for arrived. The Willie Pickens Trio entertained royally until it was time for the actual 4th Annual "Jubalee!" presented by the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Museum of Contemporary Art Thursday for its gala hoofers' presentation.

Dean Richards, cultural commentator for WGN-TV and Radio welcomed the guests and announced that he had good news and bad news, which was that all flights from L.A. were canceled and that prevented Gregory Hines from attending "Jubalee!" however a applause came from the nearly full house when he said that the special guest would talk to us by telephone.

The gala "Jubalee!" began with national and international tap dancers, who presented their own style. Rhythm I.S.S. was consisting of an ensemble of females and they were exceptional for their style with impeccable rhythm.

Richard Weinberg brought to the stage a masterful style and hit the new dance floor with fleeting accuracy and with enormous technical skill, like the sound of raindrops and with extraordinary fervor.

A sense of personal involvement was evident when Jimmy Payne Jr. rushed on stage in a whirlwind of rhythm in the fashion of legendary hoofers that was the legacy of his father. His appearance was distinguished by movements that were accurate and precise. He continues the great professionalism of his father.

A high point of the evening was Lane Alexander, who is an acclaimed tap and percussive dancer of the highest order. In contrary to the other dancers, Alexander's presentation sparkled with deft subtleties and witty, rhythmic exchanges, all to the varied sounds and phrases of classical music. His tap choreography was executed into a refined style with graceful sensibility.

Finally Sheket (Hebrew for silence) and Tak performed with a hit sound which together is Sheketak. The quintet of dancers was an aggressive ensemble whose dash and verve provided the audiences with a contemporary, individual, percussive virtuosity, blended with break, hip-hop, tap, along with other international styles. They ripped through hair-raising technical dances that were absolutely profound.

Honors to those individuals who have contributed to the world of dance came mid-way through the gala, including Ann Barzal, approximately 96 years of age, born in 1905, who is "Dance Mother" of us all. She was awarded a prize for her lifetime accomplishment professionally, as a critic and historian.

By telephone between Chicago and Los Angeles, Hines was crowned "Master Juba," king of all dancers, as established by the first African American minstrel dancer who became internationally famous.

Richard M. and Mrs. Daley, Mayor of the city of Chicago, received the award for his leadership in dance and the cultural progress in making Chicago first in the arts.

A television clip produced by Fawn Ring certainly revealed to the audience that she was worth the award for her outstanding contribution as executive producer at WTTW.

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