THE ERA FOOTWORK COLLECTIVE PRESENTS: “THE ERA OF LEADERS”
September 26, 2025 - Rigo Diaz
The Era Footwork Collective and Leaders 1354 will be teaming up on Friday and Saturday to debut “The Era of Leaders” as they celebrate the Chicago footwork scene at 1152 W. Madison St.
“The Era of Leaders,” will span across two days as the event brings together fashion, music, and Chicago footwork for the city, also referred to as lab sessions. Guests can expect exclusive apparel releases, DJ sets, footwork battles, a listening party for The Era’s new EP and complimentary refreshments, all designed to showcase Chicago’s creative culture.
Chief Manny, member of The Era, said that Lab Sessions has evolved from being a footwork party, dance-centered event.
“It has evolved since the original concept,” Chief Manny said. “Now I would say it’s a way to tie multiple facets of footwork together. You have our fashion and how we dress as dancers, you have the music, you have the battling and then you have the performance.”
Steelo, member of The Era, said that the intersection of fashion and footwork is one of the main highlights for this weekend as they are set to collaborate with Leaders 1354, an iconic streetwear and sneaker shop located in Chicago’s downtown area.
Photo Courtesy: The Era Footwork Collective
“You can expect the whole collection around footwork and fashion,” Steelo said. “This collaboration is special because it's highlighting the people who do the work - leading within their respective field - that can be the everyday husband, the everyday brother, everyday artist and that's what this collection represents.”
Friday’s Lab Session will go from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as they kick off with a pop-up shop, launching the new drop of The Era of Leaders Apparel - an exclusive collection designed by Steelo and Ellen Ma, the head designer for Leaders 1354. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase the limited-edition apparel, hear a live set by DJ Cash Era, and vibe with The Era Footwork Collective team.
Litebulb, a member of The Era , said the character the collective created within the apparel and around this project helps push the history of Chicago footwork.
“The spirit is like the official sixth member of our collective now,” Litebulb said. “ We are making him a real figure within our collective who’s helping us push forward and move this story along.”
The Saturday session will look a little different as the event will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will be further indulging in the city’s culture. The Era will be hosting a listening party to preview their third EP, which is set to come out in November.
Photo Courtesy: The Era Footwork Collective
The session will also feature footwork battles hosted by The Ring Footwork Battle League and complimentary refreshments from The Era as well as a special menu from Fat Plate Fridays. Alongside the battles will be an opportunity to learn footwork from Queen Crystal of The Era and Bernard Corley Jr. of The Tunnel while listening to DJ Lucky of Teklife Records and Devin Hudson. Guests will also have the opportunity to engage in a creative discussion regarding streetwear culture, so make sure to put that shit on!
P-Top, member of The Era, said that this event is essentially a one stop shop where everyone can get to learn about Chicago’s roots.
“People who haven’t experienced Chicago footwork or the lifestyle, it’s important for them to learn Chicago history and the culture,” P-Top said. “You’re getting everything all at once. The importance is learning the history, learning the pioneers and that comes with everything we do.”
The Era of Leaders two-day Lab Sessions event will be held Friday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, September 27, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Leaders 1354 shop. To RSVP or for more information, visit The Era Footwork Collective website or follow @theerafootwork on socials. Early arrival is highly recommended.
