Be the Groove is a rhythmic performance ensemble that believes rhythm is not just a beat—rhythm is a mode of expression. This Chicago based group fuses a variety of movement, percussion, and rhythmic techniques to create a unique style of its own. Through high-energy performances and a strong commitment to education, Be the Groove seeks to share its love of rhythm with people everywhere.

News

Performances

Red River Revel 2017 — Shreveport, LA

Red River Revel 2017 — Shreveport, LA

Chicago Pride Parade with WGN Radio

Chicago Pride Parade with WGN Radio

International Rhythm Festival, Muscat, Oman

International Rhythm Festival, Muscat, Oman

Education

Be the Groove is deeply committed to education and we strongly value sharing our fun and energizing technique with people of all backgrounds. In addition to performances, Be the Groove offers classes, workshops, and residencies focused on our unique combination of dance and percussion. Our ensemble’s goal is to motivate the development of teamwork and individual self-confidence through the language of rhythm and dance.

Be the Groove's teachers work with students of all ages and skill-levels, regardless of experience. While our classes generally focus on skill-building activities, they also foster teamwork, spontaneity, ensemble-building, self-confidence, healthy exercise and movement, and body awareness. Our classes are a great way to get kids motivated and moving, and to get people thinking on their feet!

Press / Reviews

“Unstoppable energy and noteworthy polish... There is nothing uneven about the troupe's percussive abilities, or the pop dance acrobatics of its women, led by beguiling and passionate Stephanie Paul, Be the Groove's able artistic director.”
Sid Smith
Chicago Tribune
“They're loud, pounding and incessant, but finely detailed, too... Listen to the noise—or relish the choreographic niceties.”
Sid Smith
Chicago Tribune
“These are the proverbial kids with buckets o' talent. They've got creativity, stage presence, tremendous energy, and bravura chops, too... The 10-member cast of Be the Groove's Embrace the Fire combine rap, film, hip hop-influenced dance, and all manner of percussion—drumline licks to body slaps—to create a series of tightly choreographed pieces.”
Tony Adler
Chicago Reader

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