Forward Momentum Chicago currently works within 4 program structures: In-School & After-School Programs, Power UP! Dance Classes, FMC Summer Dance Camp sponsored by the Epstein Family Foundation, and the FMC Dance Collaborative in partnership with After School Matters.
While keeping our mission to provide high quality dance education in mind, each program structure is designed to hone in on the specific needs of our schools and communities. Within each of these structures we offer a variety of dance styles that are tailored according to age and ability. In addition, we offer the ability design custom classes and programs to achieve your desired goals and outcomes.
After School Matters
Forward Momentum Chicago (FMC) is proud to partner with After School Matters (ASM) to offer The FMC Dance Collaborative, an advanced apprenticeship program, to Chicago teens emphasizing youth leadership and independence. The FMC Dance Collaborative is a year-long partnership with Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
School Programs
We are now a Strategic Source Vendor with Chicago Public Schools. We offer programming in partnership with a variety of Chicago Public and Charter Schools. We design our school programs to support the nationally established educational standards. To help fund school programs, we partner with the Creative Schools Fund (CSF) in partnership with Ingenuity to support arts education in schools.
Power UP! Dance Classes
Power UP! Classes on hosted on Saturdays, with a advanced Intermediate Class on Thursdays. These are FREE dance classes ($25 Registration) offered in Fall and Winter. Students experience a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Latin, African, Modern and Hip Hop. Participants get the opportunity to learn new choreography, see professional shows, and perform across Chicago!
FMC Summer Dance Camp
Sponsored by the Epstein Family Foundation, we offer rich dance camps in two locations: Englewood and Avondale. Tailored for students, ages 5-14, these programs feature classes held Monday – Friday for 5-6 weeks during the summer break. In addition to high quality dance instruction in a variety of dance styles, campers learn from top choreographers and are enriched by performance opportunities in some of Chicago’s top venues. On Fridays, campers have fun and make new friends on field trips all around Chicago!
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Regardless of program structure, Forward Momentum Chicago offers dance education in a variety of dance styles. In addition to the movement, students also learn the culture of the dance style’s origin and how aspects of that culture inspired specific movements in the dance. For example, when studying the South African Gumboot dance, students learn how the rhythmic hitting and stomping of their boots served as a way for gold miners to communicate when the mine bosses banned verbal communication among the workers.
The descriptions below provide insight into our more popular dance styles. Adult, Zumba, and custom classes/programs are available upon request. Please contact us to discuss tailoring programs or classes to fit your needs. The possibilities are endless!
Ballet/Creative Movement– Journey to France and learn the rich history of ballet and dance in King Louis XIV’s court. Students gain traditional ballet technique and develop a solid foundation of dance fundamentals. Move and groove through Creative Movement where beginners learn the basic motions of the body.
Latin – Dance through vibrant Latin culture and learn exciting techniques that will spice up the stage! Students get to explore movement such as the Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia. Get ready to join the fiesta!
African – Experience the energy and excitement of West and South African dance. Travel to Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa as they dance their way across the continent. Bring light to your colorful moves!
Hip-Hop – Dive into Hip-Hop Culture and learn how to move your body to the rhythmic beats of popular music. Students focus on stretching, strengthening, and musicality through rhythmic exercises derived from techniques such as breaking, popping, flexing, and krumping.