PREMIER MIDWEST POPPING EXPERIENCE

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

May 9 - 11, 2025

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!"

PAST FEATURED ARTISTS

REGISTRATION

  • Both spectators and competitors must purchase either General Admission or VIP tickets. This will cover entry to both prelims on Friday and the main event on Saturday. General Admission is $40 and includes standing room and floor seating. VIP tickets are $75 and includes reserved seating on Saturday. VIP tickets have limited availability on a first come, first serve basis. 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 workshops, proceed to Step 3.

  • 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 pre-registering to save time at the door.

  • Tickets for workshops will be available for sale soon.

Schedule

Friday, May 9

Prelims

Location: The Puzzle Box, 3360 N Elston Ave

Doors Open: 6 PM

Prelims Start: 7 PM

Saturday, May 10

Battles

Location: Epiphany Hall, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave

Doors Open: 3 PM

Battles Start: 4 PM

AFTER PARTY

Location: Café, Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S Ashland Ave

Time: 9:30 PM - 12:30 AM

SUNDAY, May 11

WORKSHOPS

Location: Studio 5, Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N Rockwell St

Time: 2:30 - 6:45 PM

PAST PARTNERS

Donate

Out of the Shadows is the largest annual street dance celebration in Chicago and the Midwest’s premier popping dance festival. Spanning three days, the festival draws over 200 dancers and spectators from around the globe for an immersive experience featuring workshops, head-to-head battles, showcases, live music, and art. Out of the Shadows serves as an authentic representation of Black American culture and its impact. The festival facilitates cultural exchange, fosters new artistic talent, 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. Help us continue to foster community through the dance we love and make popping accessible and sustainable in our city by donating.