Chicago's Footwork Dance Movement Gains County-Wide Appreciation

Cook County designates August as Footwork Appreciation Month after advocacy from community leader Jaron Boyd

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Jaron Boyd, a passionate advocate for the footwork dance style that originated in Chicago in the 1970s, successfully lobbied the Cook County Board of Commissioners to designate August as Footwork Appreciation Month. Boyd, who goes by the name Prince Jron in the footwork community, shared the history and cultural significance of footwork, which he credits with saving his own life as a youth. The unanimous passage of the resolution is seen as an investment in Chicago's youth and creative culture.

Why it matters

Footwork is an important part of Chicago's cultural heritage, emerging from the house music scene in the 1970s. By officially recognizing and celebrating footwork, Cook County is shining a light on this homegrown art form and its power to unite communities and uplift young people. The designation also highlights the ongoing efforts of advocates like Jaron Boyd to preserve and promote this unique dance style.

The details

At a July 2025 Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting, Jaron Boyd was one of about 10 speakers who supported a resolution introduced by Commissioner Tara Stamps to designate August as Footwork Appreciation Month. Boyd, who first encountered footwork as a high school student, told the commissioners that the dance style 'isn't just about music and dance, it's about the celebration of family unity in our community life.' He argued that officially recognizing footwork would be an 'investment in our youth and peace and creativity and global influence that this city has always held.'

  • In 2024, Jaron Boyd led a Black History Month workshop at Homewood-Flossmoor High School to teach students about the history and techniques of footwork.
  • On July 31, 2025, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the resolution to designate August as Footwork Appreciation Month.

The players

Jaron Boyd

Also known as Prince Jron, he is a passionate advocate for the footwork dance style that originated in Chicago in the 1970s. He credits footwork with saving his own life as a youth and has worked to teach and promote the dance form.

Tara Stamps

A Cook County Commissioner who introduced the resolution to designate August as Footwork Appreciation Month.

HAVOC

A dance crew founded by Jaron Boyd that has evolved into a supportive community for young people pursuing various creative endeavors.

Madonna

The pop star who added Jaron Boyd and Charles Park IV to her Sticky & Sweet tour team as dancers and footwork choreographers after being impressed by their skills.

Catherine Cook

The former Homewood-Flossmoor High School Steppers coach who worked with Jaron Boyd to build the team into a national powerhouse.

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What they’re saying

“Footwork is our city's original art form and cultural heartbeat. But (footwork) isn't just about music and dance, it's about the celebration of family unity in our community life and everybody that loves the soul of Chicago.”

— Jaron Boyd (Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting)

“This is an investment in our youth and peace and creativity and global influence that this city has always held. This is an investment in the culture that uplifts the youth and bridges generations.”

— Jaron Boyd (Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

By officially recognizing footwork as an important part of Chicago's cultural heritage, Cook County is taking a meaningful step to preserve and promote this unique dance style that has the power to unite communities and uplift young people.