In this episode, we sit down with CJ “BlakAtak” Williams — co-owner of Steadfast Dance Studio, educator, and renowned Chicago B-Boy. He opens up about his journey growing up in the 80s and 90s, when Hip-Hop culture in Chicago gave young people an alternative to violence through creativity, dance, and community.
CJ shares how he discovered his passion for B-Boying and Hip-Hop culture, the obstacles he faced, and how perseverance helped him reach his highest potential. With over 20 years of experience performing, competing, and teaching across the U.S. and internationally (Germany, Holland, Mexico, Poland, and more), CJ has dedicated his life to uplifting communities through dance, movement, and art.
A graduate of Northeastern Illinois University (BA in Physical Education & Community Health), CJ has taught fitness, P.E., and Hip-Hop arts throughout Chicagoland. Today, he serves as Program Coordinator at CircEsteem, a respected youth development nonprofit in Uptown, and continues to mentor the next generation as co-owner of Steadfast Dance Center in Chicago’s Pilsen community.
✨ Listen now to hear how CJ “BlakAtak” Williams turned adversity into artistry and continues to inspire youth through Hip-Hop and dances.
For more information visit: https://500andgrowing.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.