Out of the shadows

PREMIER MIDWEST POPPING EXPERIENCE

CHICAGO | MAY 3 - 5, 2024

What ATTENDEES SAY

  • "This trip was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. The Midwest is on the rise and I absolutely want to see it from the front row."

  • "Out of the Shadows is the best pure popping event I've ever been to. From the judges and music to being professional and on time, it's the perfect event."

  • "Honestly, this is the best popping battle in the US right now. Get your butt to the next one."

  • "The energy this weekend was overwhelmingly amazing! Much appreciation to Shadow Puppetz for doing Chicago proud. This was a world class joint for the books."

  • "Words will fail to capture what this weekend meant to me. Reuniting with old friends, finally meeting people I've known digitally for years, accepting myself as an artist and celebrating my people - this is why I chose this lifestyle and why I continue to choose it."

  • "You guys threw the best jam of our generation, period. You guys went above and beyond with the hospitality, so I can only say thanks, because there's no other words that can express my gratitude."

  • "Thank you Shadow Puppetz for taking such great care of us in your city. We were able to show our family what it means to be apart of the culture. This means so much more to us than dance. We will be back next year!"

FEATURED ARTISTS

Registration

  • Both spectators and competitors must purchase General Admission for $40. This will cover entry to both prelims on Friday and the main event on Saturday. You can purchase your tickets here.

    If you are competing in the 1v1 popping battle proceed to Step 2 for registration. If you are not competing in the 1v1 popping battle, but would like to attend the after-party or workshops, proceed to Steps 3 and 4.

  • If you are competing in the 1v1 popping battle, please pre-register here.

    Registration is required to check in for prelims on Friday. We strongly encourage pe-registering to save time at the door.

  • If you would like to attend the free after-party on Saturday, please RSVP here.

  • If you would like to attend the workshops on Sunday, you can purchase your tickets here.

    Limited spots are available.

schedule

THURSDAY, May 2 • WorkshopS

Dovetail Studios, 2853 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL

7:30-9 PM

Friday, May 3 • 1v1 Popping Prelims

The Puzzle Box, 3360 N Elston Ave, Chicago IL

6-9 PM

Saturday, May 4 • BATTLES

Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago IL

3-9 PM

Saturday, May 4 • After the shadows

Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago IL

9:30 PM - 12:30 AM

SUNDAY, May 5 • Workshops

Visceral Dance Studio, 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago IL

1:30 - 5:30 PM

FAQ’s

Event details

  • WORKSHOPS: THURSDAY, MAY 2

    SP x FF Presents Damon Frost’s Workshop: 7:30 PM

    Recommended arrival 15 minutes prior to workshops for check-in.

    PRELIMS: FRIDAY, MAY 3

    Doors Open: 6 PM

    Prelims Start: 7 PM

    Those who are late will not be allowed to battle.

    BATTLES: SATURDAY, MAY 4

    Doors Open: 3 PM

    Battles Start: 4 PM

    Those who are late will not be allowed to battle.

    AFTER-PARTY: SATURDAY, MAY 4

    Arrive by 10 PM to start the night off with a free Modelo. Event will end at 12:30 AM.

    WORKSHOPS: SUNDAY, MAY 5

    Hya’s Workshop: 1:30 PM

    Bionic’s Workshop: 2:50 PM

    Damon Frost’s Workshop: 4:10 PM

    Recommended arrival 15 minutes prior to workshops for check-in.

  • General Admission: $40

    Includes entry to prelims and battles on Friday and Saturday for both spectators and competitors. Purchasing tickets in advance is required.

    After-Party: FREE

    Includes entry to the after-party. Registering in advance is encouraged.

    Workshops: $30-$100

    Bundle and take all three workshops on Sunday for $70 or take one for $30. SP x FF Presents Damon Frost Workshop is $30. Limited availability. Purchasing tickets in advance is required.

  • All tickets are required to be purchased in advance online. Accepted payment methods include Debit/Credit.

    Onsite vendors will accept cash and Debit/Credit.

  • All tickets are required to be purchased in advance online. If you are competing in the 1v1 popping battle, you may register on-site, however, it is strongly encouraged to pre-register to save yourself time checking-in at the door.

  • Tickets are non-refundable, however, you may transfer your tickets to another attendee. To transfer General Admission tickets, please contact info@epiphanychi.com. For workshops, you can transfer by contacting us on Instagram @shadowpuppetzcrew or via email shadowpuppetzcrew@gmail.com. Ticket transfers are not guaranteed.

Lodging & Transportation

  • WORKSHOPS: THURSDAY, MAY 2

    Dovetail Studios, 2853 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

    The nearest bus stop is Montrose & Francisco. The nearest train stop is Francisco on the brown line. There is free parking on the surrounding streets by the venue as well.

    PRELIMS: FRIDAY, MAY 3

    The Puzzle Box Dance Studio, 3360 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

    The nearest bus stop is Belmont & Sacramento and the nearest train stop is Belmont on the blue line. There is free parking on the surrounding streets by the venue as well.

    BATTLES & AFTER-PARTY: SATURDAY, MAY 4

    Epiphany Art Center, 201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

    The nearest bus stops are Ashland & Adams, Madison & Ashland, and Van Buren & Ashland. The nearest train stops are Racine on the blue line and Ashland on the Pink and Green lines. There is attended parking available in the parking garage located at 1608 W Adams or 1640 W Jackson Blvd, as well as ample metered spots surrounding the property.

    WORKSHOPS: SUNDAY, MAY 5

    Visceral Dance Studio, 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

    The nearest bus stop is Belmont & Rockwell. There is free parking on the surrounding streets by the venue as well.

  • Recommended areas nearby the venues are West Loop, South Loop, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Upper North.

Other

  • Free water will be provided each day of the event by our partner Boxed Water. On Saturday, there will be a full bar where drinks and food will be available for purchase. There are several other food options within walking and driving distance of the venues as well.

  • All battles and performances will be filmed and shared on our Youtube Channel within one week after the event. Professional photographs from the event will be available for download after the event as well.

  • No weapons, illegal drugs, outside food or beverage, professional cameras, video, or audio equipment will be permitted.

  • Smoking will not be permitted on venue property, however, re-entry will be permitted if you need to exit the venue to smoke.

  • The event is open to all ages, however, there will be alcohol served at the venue on Saturday. Those who are under 17 years old must be supervised by a parent or guardian. A valid, non-expired, government issued photo IDs are required upon entry. Those who are 21+ will receive a wristband to purchase and drink alcohol.

Still have questions? Contact us on Instagram @shadowpuppetzcrew or email us at shadowpuppetzcrew@gmail.com.

OUR PARTNERS

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Out of the Shadows is the premier popping event in the Midwest, attracting prominent dancers from 20+ US states and 8+ countries. The event serves as an authentic representation of Black American culture and its impact, facilitating cultural exchange across diverse regions. With an emphasis on elevating the Midwest and Chicago popping scene, Out of the Shadows provides a pivotal platform for local artists and acts as a gateway for the public to learn about the rich culture of American street dance styles. More than a mere spectacle, the event is an immersive experience where attendees are active participants surrounded by dance, music, and art. Help us continue to foster community through the dance we love and make popping accessible and sustainable in our city by donating.