Footwork Frenzy 17 was one for the books. This was the second time the event was held in Chicago, and was a great way to check in with the Chicago community to see all of the hard work they have been putting in, as well as see the growth we have had there while authentically developing our presence in the community. 

The weekend consisted of master classes with King Charles and Chrybaby Cozie, a 1 vs 1 open styles battle, performances, and community parties. Through each aspect of the event, safe spaces were created that brought together people of all different ethnicities, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds. At the parties DJ T-Rell created the perfect flow of music that was inclusive and diverse. From hip hop to house to afro beats to Chicago footwork, he created a musical environment that welcomed all. Chicago community leaders like Maddog and Mike D Chicago broke the ice on the dance floor and got everyone moving in a very authentic way. 

During the master classes, King Charles and Chrybaby Cozie led inspiring classes that encouraged the dancers to connect and create from a place of love. They both stayed authentic to who they are, while simultaneously building bridges amongst all of the dancers in the room, regardless of where they came from or the style they represented.

When it came to the battles it was a series of “firsts.” For the first time ever there was a tie in the finals between a tap dancer and a Chicago footworker. This was also the first time a tap dancer has ever won in a Footwork Frenzy battle. The all styles format created a space for dancers who might not usually cross paths, to connect and share energy together. There were shufflers who showed up and showed out, with one dancer making it to the top 8. Another extremely special “first” was Chrybaby Cozie from Harlem making his first trip to Chicago to be one of three judges for the battle. He reflected on the experience saying, “I’ve never seen tap and shuffling in the same room at the same time as a judge. Footwork Frenzy is a breath of fresh air for what an open styles battle can look like. Someone who can come into any space with ten toes down is inspiring - no matter where you come from.” Imania Fatima and Prince JRon rounded out the rest of the judging panel representing African dance and Chicago Footwork, respectively. Prince JRon shared how impactful a moment it was being surrounded in the space by teachers and mentors who helped him grow to where he is today.

Once the winners were announced, there was an outpouring of support and energy from the entire room. The winner from the previous year humbly passed along the title to the two, next-generation, new winners who battled hard in a competition that was not easy. Kenlo Key, Twan Twan, and _____ all spoke up and contributed their own donations so that each winner could receive the original total prize amount, which was an extremely gracious example of how this event created an atmosphere of togetherness and support. 

Mike D kept the energy going all weekend long (as he does), constantly finding ways to  connect all styles and sounds, which included some early 2000’s litefeet sounds that got everyone hype. One week has passed and people are still approaching him to reflect on the amazing weekend. He continues to see firsthand how the relationships and connections made that weekend are trickling into continued growth and community building. Mike expressed the momentum like a river and said, “we have to continue to take care of the river and not let it dry out with that one moment. Keep the river flowing, and keep the relationships building. The cultural, generational, and spiritual effect from that weekend was so impactful, and that impact is still flowing today.”

Creative Netwerk Executive Director, Kelli Forman, said of the weekend, “it couldn’t have all happened without each unique puzzle piece coming together in the way that they did. It was beautiful to see so many people in one room, all present. Dance culture is a template for what a healed society could look like in the way that it represents and respects diversity in the same space. Dance culture is ahead of its time.”

Footwork Frenzy 17 was a weekend full of inspiration, creativity, and growth. We are so grateful for every individual that stepped into the space with openness, and all of the leaders in the dance community who showed up and created a safe place for connection. We are already counting down the days until the next one!