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‘It Taunts the Eye’: Footwork’s Fast Moves Loom Over Chicago'
‘It Taunts the Eye’: Footwork’s Fast Moves Loom Over Chicago'

“ This summer, that speed is finding a match in size. From Tuesday through Sept. 16, “Footnotes,” a short footwork film, is being projected across the 2.5-acre facade of the Merchandise Mart, a behemoth of a building covering two blocks of downtown Chicago. That’s a screen the size of about two football fields. Each night, the incredibly fast dance grows incredibly large. “ - Brian Seibert ( New York Times)

Footwork crew The Era drop a dreamy rap single.
Footwork crew The Era drop a dreamy rap single.

On Tuesday, February 16, The Era dropped "She Pick the Speed," a dreamy rap single produced by DJ Spinn; - Leor Galil (Chicago Reader)

Stadium Goods: Block by Block: Chicago - Highlighting Chicago's Footwork Dancing with Open the Circle Feat. Litebulb & Wills
Stadium Goods: Block by Block: Chicago - Highlighting Chicago's Footwork Dancing with Open the Circle Feat. Litebulb & Wills

“I used to always rock some low top Supras when battling or doing anything, but when I got some sense, my favorite shoe to date became the Jordan 1. My colorway is definitely the Chicago OG, hands down” - Jamal “Litebub” Oliver.

Physical Theater Festival Presents "THE TESTAMENT" Review — Footwork For Justice
Physical Theater Festival Presents "THE TESTAMENT" Review — Footwork For Justice

“THE TESTAMENT is relevant and a must-see for everyone, in this writer’s view. Their storytelling carries through not only the dancing but the music, lyrics, and editing as well. Whether you are a dancer or not, you will be moved by how The Era Footwork Crew uses footwork to scream—BLACK LIVES MATTER!” - Sabrina Lee

Era Footwork Crew Co-Founder Jamal “Litebulb” Oliver Speaks — Black Lives Matter
Era Footwork Crew Co-Founder Jamal “Litebulb” Oliver Speaks — Black Lives Matter

“In what ways, do you think The Era can help further the conversation regarding Black Lives Matter?

I feel like we have to continue creating pieces like The Testament that reflect the realities around us. Create non-stop, produce until you can’t anymore because too often we feel as dancers we don’t have a voice, and in times like these, it causes your voice to be utilized even more than normal. It may be uncomfortable but we must act and speak to what’s happening around so we can be counted on, and play our part in the history happening right in front of us.”

Footwork In The Foreground
Footwork In The Foreground

“The show is “In the Wurkz,” a multimedia work that traces the dancers’ personal histories across the sites where footwork was formed. The performers onstage are members of The Era (Jamal “Litebulb” Oliver, Sterling “Steelo” Lofton, Jemal “P-Top” De La Cruz, Brandon “Chief Manny” Calhoun) and Partners in the Circle (Elisha “Eleelee” Chandler and “Queen Diamond” Hardiman), and the whole production is a project of Open the Circle, the not-for-profit that The Era runs to support and further footwork’s social impact.” - Christopher Good (Southside Weekly)

The Era Footwork Crew featured in Chicago Sun Times
The Era Footwork Crew featured in Chicago Sun Times

“Last month, footwork fans got a chance to experience a unique interactive performance by local footwork collective, The Era, at a dance held at Links Hall on the South Side. Music boomed as it filled the room with beats known only to the art of footwork. Sneakers squeaked with every quick step while background videos told the unheard stories of the black sub-culture known as footwork in Chicago.” - Ro Coleman

Players 2020: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago
Players 2020: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago

“The Era Footwork Crew became ambassadors and keepers of the flame for the lightning-quick street dance born on Chicago’s South and West Sides some twenty years ago. The crew performs and teaches nationally and internationally, and their new stage show, “In the Wurkz” premiered at Links Hall in December—an evening-length performance that earned them an award from the New England Foundation of the Arts, alongside national names like Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane and Camille A. Brown & Dancers, which will allow them to take the show on tour. “ - Kevin Greene (Newcity Stage)

The Era promote Chicago roots of 'Footwork,' bring dance and music style to new stage
The Era promote Chicago roots of 'Footwork,' bring dance and music style to new stage

“Footwork is a fast-paced style of dance and electronic music that was born on Chicago's West Side in the late 1990s. Today, footwork is a global phenomenon.” - Zach Ben-Amots (ABC 7 Chicago)

Checkout The Era Footwork Crew's NEW interview w/ ABC 7 Chicago feat. DJ Spinn | Hit the link to watch the full video and read the write up - https://abc7.ws/2CrFmmd

IN THE WURKZ: Stage Show at Links Hall tickets are available online-now! grab them here (Seats are limited): https://bit.ly/2J8U7xX #theera #inthewurkz #abc7chicago

Open The Circle teaches footwork because footwork saves lives
Open The Circle teaches footwork because footwork saves lives

“This Chicago nonprofit, linked to the Era dance crew, works to spread a local Black subculture that can knit together youth communities.” - Jacob Arnold


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New “Footwork Saves Lives” Tee available now for purchase design by @steelotheera @stitchedbysteelo . . . . #chicagofootwork #fashion #dancers #culture #history #create #justice #black #love #music #artwork #explorepage #click #igers #sup
💡 This Friday #TheTable A conversation @bulbtheera & @kingagee_tsfc featuring @jroclmtms & @kl_maddog_fwk special guest @larry_hott_dancer @dj_larry_hott Make sure y’all tune in for this one! . . . . #dancers #djs #chicagofootwork #cul

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