With the vision of creating a dedicated space for local popping dancers, Prototype and Tanya begin hosting weekly popping sessions at The Puzzle Box Dance Studio in Chicago.

Prototype and Tanya officially found Shadow Puppetz, inviting Win and Kevin to be the first additional members shortly thereafter.

Tanya creates the Shadow Puppetz YouTube channel and Instagram, publishing the crew’s first video featuring Prototype, Tanya, and Win.

The first edition of Out of the Shadows is announced, set for July 2020. This signaled Shadow Puppetz’s ambition to create a significant platform for popping in Chicago.

Out of the Shadows is postponed due to COVID-19, highlighting the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Amid COVID-19 restrictions, Shadow Puppetz moves weekly sessions outdoors, attracting an influx of new participants seeking connection and support during the pandemic’s isolation. This shift reinforced the crew’s resilience and adaptability in uncertain times and highlighted the vital role of popping and animation dance in fostering community.

Jinx is invited to become a new member of Shadow Puppetz.

Tanya releases a video interview with Chicago OG Tea-Buggz for her series Midwest Popping Insights, which documents and preserves Chicago and Midwest popping dance history.

Shadow Puppetz sessions return indoors for the winter, with social distancing and masks required; outdoor sessions continue as weather permits.

Sid is invited to become a new member of Shadow Puppetz.

The second episode of Midwest Popping Insights is released, featuring Cincinnati’s Eclypse aka The Millennium Robot.

Rio McFly and Miqui are invited to become new members of Shadow Puppetz.

Shadow Puppetz members Tanya, Jinx, and Sid take their first crew trip to Cleveland for 10K Movement’s Lord of the Lands street dance festival, which leads to future collaborations with 10K Movement’s founder Sammy Mac.

Shadow Puppetz hosts their first guest workshop with Tea-Buggz, which then inspires a series of monthly workshops taught by crew members. This is the starting point for Shadow Puppetz to begin developing more educational initiatives.

Shadow Puppetz’s announces their inaugural popping event Nightmare on Rockwell St.

Shadow Puppetz’s inaugural popping event, Nightmare on Rockwell St., takes place on October 9, attracting over 80 attendees from across 8 states. This marked a significant milestone as it showed a demand for popping specific events in the Midwest and Shadow Puppetz’s ability to attract participants from across the country.

Jinx creates the Shadow Puppetz website.

Out of the Shadows Vol. I is announced, scheduled for May 2022.