“Footwork saves lives.” Those three words comprise the mantra that the members of the Era Footwork Collective live by. The local group—also known as the Era Footwork Crew—consists of four dancers and two producers who helped pioneer Chicago Footwork, the Chicago-born electronic music genre and battle-dance styles known for their impressive speeds. “We’re products of […]
Author Archives: Chicago Reader
In Motion: Praize Productions Inc. fosters sisterhood and community through dance
As a young, rising Chicago dancer, Enneréssa LaNette envisioned herself leading an arts organization of her own. So in 2010, when she was 25 years old, she founded Prazie Productions Inc. (PPI) on the city’s south side. “I always knew that eventually I would be a professional artist and start an organization where we can […]
In Motion: Forward Momentum Chicago teaches Chicago’s youngest generations about dance and life
Since 2013, Forward Momentum Chicago has been engaging local students in the art of dance by meeting them where they are—in their schools. The South Loop–based organization is led by founder and executive director Pierre Lockett, a professional dancer who performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Joffrey Ballet, where he also served […]
The Food & Drink Issue 2023
Browse the full May 4, 2023 issue. Download a free PDF of the print issue.
In Motion: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater reveals itself as Chicago’s “best kept secret” as it looks toward expansion
“I keep saying, in this moment, I think we may be one of the best-kept secrets,” says Nicole Clarke-Springer, the artistic director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. The critically acclaimed Chicago-based dance company is beloved for its spectacular storytelling and world-class performers, but still, it’s often flown under the radar. In 2019, WTTW theater critic […]
Immerse yourself in the darkest side of humanity at Chicago’s Medieval Torture Museum
Learn the history of torture and execution, and chase ghosts at one of the Loop’s hottest attractions Have you ever imagined a museum dedicated to the history of torture and execution from the Dark Ages to the present? Look no further than Chicago’s Medieval Torture Museum. At 6,000 square feet, it’s the largest interactive museum […]
Reader stories announced as finalists for journalism awards
The Reader is pleased to announce that several of our stories from 2022 were chosen as finalists for the 2022 Peter Lisagor Awards, which recognize some of the best in journalism from Illinois and northwest Indiana. The awards are organized by Chicago Headline Club, the official Chicago chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Winners […]
2022 final ballot
The best of Chicago, nominated and voted on by our readers.
2022 Arts & Culture poll winners
The people, places, and things voted Chicago’s best—and runners-up: street artist, mural, museum, comics illustrator, comics writer, zine, independent book publisher, poet, new poetry collection by a Chicagoan, poetry organization, nonfiction writer, new nonfiction book by a Chicagoan, novelist, new novel by a Chicagoan, reading series, lecture series, storytelling series, open mike, dance production, original digital content (dance), dance studio or training program, dance troupe, dancer, choreographer, venue for dance, new local opera production, opera company, performing arts festival, drag performer, venue to see drag, stand-up comic, venue for stand-up, comedian (non standup), sketch/improv troupe, venue for improv, filmmaker, film festival, movie theater, movie theater bar, film programming, drive-in movie programming, theater production, original digital content (theater), new play, virtual play, musical, new theater company, established theater company, off-Loop theater company, theater training program, stage actor, stage director, playwright, theater designer (sets, light, sound, etc.), venue for theater, theater bar or lobby, and more