The revival of locking in Chicago: Lani “LaniLocks” Anderson on the launch of Gridlock
Locking has long been one of the most underrepresented street dance styles in Chicago. While other forms have built strong local followings, locking hasn’t had the same momentum—lacking consistent training opportunities and a space to call home. That absence is exactly what Gridlock is here to address.
Co-founded by Lani “LaniLocks” Anderson, Marida Ianni-Ravn, Steve “Bearly Normal” Discont, and Shadow Puppetz members Alex “Prototype” Malblanc and Kevin Yu, Gridlock is a brand new collective working to revive locking in the city—starting with a free monthly class and session dedicated to the style.
The collective’s approach echoes what Shadow Puppetz has modeled for the popping community: creating consistent opportunities for dancers to learn, train together, and exchange. That structure has helped the popping community grow into one of the most active and sustainable street dance communities in Chicago. Now, Gridlock is applying those same lessons to locking.
“We started this initiative to get more people in Chicago locking,” LaniLocks said. “We see many styles represented here, but there hasn’t been a population of dancers getting together to lock. We wanted to see that change.”
Each member brings a different background shaped by locking communities around the world, and those influences fuel Gridlock’s approach. Having collectively trained with dancers such as FireLock, Flexx-Abilities, Aquaboogie, Rashaad, and others, the group sees themselves as culture and tradition bearers for a style that has been on the decline for decades.
“We care deeply about sharing the history of locking and guiding people toward the communities and pioneers who created it,” LaniLocks said. “We always start our sessions by telling people that we are a vessel for people to get to know all the pioneers that came before us.”
Looking ahead, Gridlock hopes to deepen its work by continuing to bring pioneers and respected educators to Chicago to share knowledge and experience—ultimately helping to cultivate a more connected and sustainable locking community in the city.
“Whether it’s your first experience with locking or if you have previous foundation in the style, we hope you leave a session feeling like you learned something new and keep coming back,” LaniLocks said. “We would love for people to know that they are always welcome in our space. If you appreciate the style, love funk music, and want to expand your vocabulary—let’s lock.”
To learn more about Gridlock and their upcoming sessions and events, check out our resource page or follow them on Instagram.