Forward Momentum Chicago

For families and individuals across Illinois, particularly those in Chicago's diverse communities, Forward Momentum Chicago (FMC) stands as a beacon of artistic opportunity and youth empowerment. Founded on October 3, 2013, FMC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a powerful mission: to inspire possibilities through high-quality dance education programs that strengthen schools and communities with limited arts access. This organization firmly believes in the transformative power of dance as a catalyst for building lifelong skills that foster pathways to success. They go beyond teaching dance steps, aiming to develop children into positive change-makers by instilling discipline, a positive attitude, self-confidence, and a commitment to setting and achieving goals. With programs reaching thousands of diverse youth in grades K-12 each year, Forward Momentum Chicago is a vital part of the city's educational and cultural landscape, particularly on the South and West Sides.

Forward Momentum Chicago's commitment to diversifying the field of dance is at the heart of its work. They strive to create equitable opportunities for any child – regardless of race, abilities, or financial standing – to access high-quality dance instruction and pursue the arts. Through dance, students gain the confidence to try new things and are inspired to achieve goals and dreams they may not have thought possible. This dedication is evident in their strong partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District, allowing them to bring a variety of dance styles and cultural awareness directly into schools and neighborhoods. For Illinois residents, FMC represents a unique opportunity for their children to experience professional dance training and personal growth within a supportive and inclusive environment, enriching their lives through the joy and discipline of movement.

Forward Momentum Chicago is headquartered at 3858 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, USA. This location places the organization firmly within a historically significant and vibrant community on Chicago's South Side, making it a central point for many of the neighborhoods they serve. For families and individuals traveling from various parts of Illinois, the address benefits from its proximity to major Chicago arteries and expressway access, allowing for relatively straightforward commutes. Cottage Grove Avenue itself is a significant thoroughfare with multiple CTA bus routes, enhancing public transportation accessibility for students and families within Chicago.

While the administrative address is on Cottage Grove, Forward Momentum Chicago operates extensively throughout the city. They deliver programs in more than 55 Chicago Public and Charter Schools, and offer free Saturday Dance Classes and Summer Dance Camps at multiple locations, including Englewood and Avondale. This decentralized approach greatly enhances their accessibility for a broad spectrum of Illinois residents, particularly those in underserved communities who might otherwise have limited access to high-quality arts education. The organization's focus on bringing dance directly into schools and park district facilities ensures that their transformative programs are available close to where children live and learn, truly making dance accessible across Chicago and by extension, for many in Illinois.

Services Offered by Forward Momentum Chicago:

• In/After School Residencies: High-quality dance education integrated into school curricula and after-school programs for K-12 students.
• Free Saturday Classes: Weekly dance classes in various styles, including Ballet, Latin (Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia), African (West and South African dance), Modern, and Hip Hop.
• Summer Dance Camp: Six-week immersive dance camps offered in multiple locations (e.g., Englewood and Avondale) for students aged 5-14, including diverse dance styles, choreographers, and field trips.
• The FMC Dance Collaborative (After School Matters): An advanced apprenticeship program for Chicago teens, emphasizing youth leadership and independence through year-long dance training.
• Custom Classes and Programs: Ability to design tailored dance classes and programs to fit specific needs and goals for schools or community groups.
• Adult and Zumba classes: Available upon request, demonstrating inclusivity for all ages.
• Performance Opportunities: Students get to learn new choreography, see professional shows, and perform across Chicago.
• Cultural Awareness: Integration of cultural context and history of dance styles, such as the South African Gumboot dance.
• Mentorship and Life Skills: Programs designed to help students build life skills for career and college readiness, and individual success.
• Partnerships: Strong collaborations with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, After School Matters, and the Creative Schools Fund.

Features and Highlights of Forward Momentum Chicago:

• Founded in 2013 by Pierre Lockett, a former professional dancer with The Joffrey Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem, bringing extensive expertise and passion.
• Focus on communities with limited arts access, particularly on Chicago's South and West Sides, addressing equity in arts education.
• Mission-driven approach to inspire possibilities through dance education that strengthens schools and communities.
• Serves approximately 6,000 diverse youth in grades K-12 each year.
• Curriculum developed around National Common Core Standards, National Arts Standards, and 21st Century Learning Goals, with a strong component of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Commitment to diversifying the field of dance by ensuring access regardless of race, abilities, or financial standing.
• Offers a variety of dance styles, from classical ballet to vibrant Latin, energetic Hip-Hop, and soulful African dance.
• Provides both in-school/after-school programming and studio-based classes, offering flexible access.
• Recognized by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who declared June 30th "Pierre Lockett Day" for his contributions to fostering young dance talent in Chicago.
• Supported by various grants and partnerships, including the MacArthur Foundation, which underscores their impact and integrity.
• Fosters critical thinking, communication, and creative processes that students can apply to other academic subjects.

Contact Information for Forward Momentum Chicago:

Address: 3858 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, USA

Phone: (773) 844-0764

For families, schools, or community organizations in Illinois interested in partnering with or enrolling in Forward Momentum Chicago's programs, the most direct method of contact is via their phone number. You can also visit their website for more comprehensive information on their various programs and initiatives.

In conclusion, for residents across Illinois, particularly those within Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, Forward Momentum Chicago stands as an invaluable and highly impactful organization. Its deep commitment to providing high-quality dance education, especially to communities with limited arts access, makes it uniquely suitable for locals seeking equitable and enriching opportunities for youth. The organization's ability to bring professional dance instruction directly into schools and neighborhoods through various programs, from free Saturday classes to comprehensive summer camps and advanced apprenticeships, removes significant barriers to access.

Beyond just teaching dance, FMC empowers children and teens with crucial life skills such as confidence, discipline, and critical thinking, all while fostering a love for artistic expression. The leadership of founder Pierre Lockett, with his extensive background as a professional dancer and educator, ensures a standard of excellence that benefits every participant. For any Illinois family looking for a meaningful way to engage their child in the arts, support their personal development, and become part of a community that truly believes in the transformative power of dance, Forward Momentum Chicago is an exceptional and highly recommended local resource.

You can see some of their students in action and learn more about their programs by watching this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYJjS4S0eQY).

Forward Momentum Chicago

3858 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653, USA