Tanji Harper - Artistic Director

Tanji Harper, Artistic Director and Choreographer, is a professionally trained and dynamically diverse dancer whose strongest styles are Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Salsa, African, and Tap. She is currently an instructor in the After School Matters "Hip Hop Culture" program, and choreographs the Happiness Club shows as well as the group’s music video, “Can’t Run, Can’t Hide.” Ms. Harper teaches throughout the Chicago area and has been a guest artist at the Northeastern Illinois University Community Dance Program, Schiller and Jenner schools and for the Fourth Presbyterian Church "Summer Lights" day camp. A dance department graduate of The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Tanji spent four years dancing on the national tours for Chicago’s most established Hip-Hop and R&B talent. She takes great pride in having studied with Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Joel Hall, Homer Bryant, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Nubian Sol Productions, Alvin Ailey (N.Y.) and the Edge (L.A.). She is currently a student at Wright College.


Justin Butler - Musical Director and Production Manager

Justin Butler, Musical Director and Production Manager, is an alum of The Happiness Club. Justin joined The Happiness Club staff after participating as a member of the performance group for six years. He participates as production manager as well as song writer. He is a graduate of Wright College, and an instructor for After School Matters.