Cleveland’s Crobar Battle Circuit: 10K Movement and Shadow Puppetz unite to elevate Midwest popping
In the first weekend of the new year, Shadow Puppetz had the privilege of collaborating with 10K Movement on their Crobar Circuit Popping Battle in Cleveland, Ohio. This partnership exemplified our shared commitment to uplifting and showcasing the Midwest’s popping dance culture. In a region where communities are more dispersed, fostering collaboration like this is vital for strengthening connections, amplifying talent, and creating opportunities that might not exist otherwise.
The Midwest holds a unique place in the history of popping, shaped by its diverse communities, resilience, and creativity. Despite being more geographically spread out than other regions, our dance scene thrives through collective efforts like this one. Collaborations like the Crobar Circuit Popping Battle not only celebrate the artistry and culture of popping, but also help lay the groundwork for a robust network and infrastructure to support the region’s growth.
One of the highlights of our collaboration was a workshop led by Shadow Puppetz’s very own co-founder Alex “Prototype” Malblanc, who provided local dancers with an opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of animation dance. Meanwhile, Sid “NSidDS” Tucky stepped into his first DJ role outside of Chicago, bridging gaps between cities and highlighting how regional partnerships create opportunities that foster growth and knowledge-sharing.
Looking ahead, we look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate with 10K Movement, strengthening the ties across Midwest communities. This May, we’re looking forward to welcoming Sammy Mac, founder and executive director of 10K Movement, to our own city. He will join us as a featured judge and workshop instructor for our annual popping festival, Out of the Shadows. His involvement symbolizes the growing recognition of the Midwest’s impact on popping culture and our shared mission to amplify it on a national stage.
Through partnerships like these, we’re not just celebrating the Midwest’s legacy; we’re building a sustainable infrastructure to support its future. By connecting dancers, educators, and organizers across the region, we’re creating a vibrant network that ensures longevity and growth of our community. The distance between cities is no barrier when we come together to create a unified and thriving dance ecosystem.
To learn more about 10K Movement and the incredible work they are doing in Cleveland, visit their website.