The Architects Return: Aiming for a historic third consecutive win at Out of the Shadows Vol. IV

Every year, new crews form for Out of the Shadows–but some don’t stop there.

For The Architects, what started as a team built for one night became the foundation for something much deeper—a brotherhood that’s grown stronger with each return to the stage.

“It came together really naturally,” they shared. “Bibiman had received an invitation from Shadow Puppetz to create a team, and while trying to come up with a name, he landed on ‘The Architects.’”

Since that first battle, they’ve taken the title twice—and now they’re back to chase a historic third consecutive win.

But what they’ve gained goes far beyond the competition.

“When working towards a goal–like winning Out of the Shadows–a significant commitment and work ethic are necessary over a period of many months,” they explained. “Through this commitment and work ethic, we undergo a period of significant growth, both from a dancing and a personal perspective, and our brotherhood strengthens.”

That type of growth is exactly what Out of the Shadows was created to inspire. Crews from across the country have formed just to compete—and many, like The Architects, have become permanent fixtures in their cities, creating new opportunities, raising the bar, and expanding what’s possible for dancers in their scenes.

“It has continued to force us to push our standard creatively and ask ourselves where we can take it with each passing year,” they said.

In the time since they formed, The Architects have gone on to perform in schools, at the Bell Centre, and beyond. They’ve built a shared philosophy and artistic identity—something they credit in part to the deep process that Out of the Shadows pushes them through each year.

“We worked a lot on getting on the same page dance-wise, mentally, spiritually, values-wise,” they shared. “And in that process of digging and searching, we solidify a clear image of what it means to be an Architect.”

They also emphasized how vital the event has been as a place to reconnect—with each other and with the broader dance community.

“It’s a binding moment for us,” they said. “It was an opportunity to connect in a real way, as Canadians, with the American popping scene.”

That sense of reunion and reflection is part of what makes Out of the Shadows unique—it’s not just a competition, but a space dancers return to every year to mark their growth, test new ideas, and reconnect with the roots of their craft.

And while the dancing is always front and center, this year carries even more weight. A third win would be unprecedented.

“It would be an incredible accomplishment, something historic,” they said. “Not too many times can you look into the history of anything, from sports to dance, and see someone win a trophy three times in a row.”

Still, what excites them most hasn’t changed.

“What brings us all together—from the three of us to everyone who shows up to the event—is the love for dance and, in this event’s case, the style of popping.”

The Architects remind us what Out of the Shadows is really about—not just competition, but community. It’s about the things that actually bring people together: meaningful connection, shared roots, cultural exchange, and honest artistic expression. The kind that builds something sustainable—crews, friendships, ideas, and movements that stick with you long after the final round.

Join us this May in Chicago for Out of the Shadows Vol. IV and witness the legacy unfold.