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by The Era Footwork Crew (Chicago, USA)

Selections of

IN THE WURKZ

Selections of

IN THE WURKZ

   by The Era Footwork Crew  (Chicago)

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   60 minutes

Friday, July 17th, at 7pm

IN THE WURKZ is a touring dance performance based on the lives and dreams of young dancers on the west and south sides of Chicago. This short version of this evening-length show unveils a history of footwork dancing, tracing its development from "the holy ghost" – the first footwork dance move inspired by spirit possession in Church – to a citywide, black teenage dance culture that keeps youth safe in dangerous neighborhoods across Chicago. IN THE WURKZ expounds on this dance history through the movements, poetry, films, and memories of Chicago's award-winning company, The Era Footwork Crew, with music by the city's leading footwork DJs in the Teklife collective. 

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The Era Footwork Crew are pioneers of the battle dance known as Chicago footwork. They have performed from Japan to Peru, performing on leading stages and working alongside leading artists such as Chance the Rapper and DJ Rashad. Institutions like the Field Foundation, the University of Chicago and the Joyce Foundation have recognized The Era with grants in support of the group's boundary-breaking artistic and social leadership. The Era features dancers Jamal "Litebulb" Oliver, Sterling "Steelo" Lofton, Brandon "Chief Manny" Calhoun, Jemal "P-Top" De La Cruz, and videographer/documentarian, Wills Glasspiegel. 

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