ABOUT FMC
Forward Momentum Chicago (FMC) is a nonprofit organization that provides transformative dance education to children and youth from communities that have historically lacked access to the arts. Founded in 2013, FMC is driven by the belief that every child, regardless of background or resources, deserves the opportunity to thrive through creative expression. We focus on fostering creativity, building critical life skills, and empowering young people to achieve their full potential.
MISSION
We empower Chicagoland youth in schools and communities with limited arts access by utilizing dance to build lifelong skills that foster pathways to success.
VISION
To be a leader in arts education, developing children into positive change-makers.
Founder & Executive Director
Pierre Lockett is a trailblazer in arts education, with a distinguished career spanning four decades, including professional dance roles with The Princeton Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and The Joffrey Ballet.
As a former Director of Community Engagement at The Joffrey Ballet, he launched outreach programs connecting youth to the transformative power of dance.
In 2013, Pierre founded Forward Momentum Chicago (FMC) to provide high-quality dance education to children with limited access to the arts. He believes in the life-changing benefits of arts education, and is committed to removing barriers for youth from underserved communities.
Under his leadership, FMC has reached over 38,000 students through in-school, out-of-school, and summer programs, ensuring that children of color have access to world-class dance training and mentorship.
FMC AT A GLANCE
Our programs reach young people where they are—inside their schools and communities— ensuring that dance education is inclusive and accessible. We believe that dance transcends barriers and unites communities, creating opportunities for all Chicagoland youth to thrive. We partner with organizations and individuals who share and actively align with these principles.
Teaching Artists Partnerships
29
Classrooms
Students
Reached
*annually
50 150 3000
PROGRAMS
School Programs
Our in-school, after-school and Residency Programs* are designed to instill a greater appreciation for the art form while developing the whole child. We allow students to explore their creativity and build new skills through culturally relevant instruction, fostering both artistic and academic growth. Our curriculums align with social emotional learning skills, 21st century skills and national dance standards.
*This program is supported in part by the Creative Schools Fund, in partnership with Ingenuity
After School Matters
Our partnership with After School Matters allows us to offer an advanced level apprenticeship and mentorship program to Chicago area high school students. This year-long program emphasizes leadership, creativity, collaboration, and decision making, while developing skills for career and college readiness that lead to pathways for success.
Power UP! Dance Classes
Our free Saturday and Thursday Dance Classes are designed to give students a chance to explore various dance styles, from Ballet to Hip Hop. These classes allow students to deepen their dance training in a conservatory style environment, while creating a thriving community of young artists across Chicago.
Our FMC Dance Ensemble provides performance opportunities for participants at various venues throughout the city.
Summer Dance Camps
FMC’s Summer Dance Camp is a six-week dance immersion day-camp for young people ages 5-14 We host camp in the Englewood and Avondale neighborhoods at two locations where we host 200 students. FMC’s Summer Dance Camp costs about $1000 per child to host the 6-week camp, but we are able to offer this program to families for $125 per child.
*This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Dan J Epstein Family Foundation
FMC IMPACT
SEL & 21st Century Skills
FMC programs nurture students’ growth not just as dancers, but as individuals. Through emotional awareness, relationship-building, and decisionmaking, students gain vital skills that support both personal development and future success.
Teaching Artist Development
FMC teaching artists receive ongoing training to ensure high-quality instruction. This professional development strengthens their ability to connect with students and supports their growth as educators and artists.
Alumni Success & Post High School Plans
98% of FMC seniors graduate with post-secondary plans. Many students attribute their success to the discipline, confidence, and leadership skills they gained through FMC’s dance programs, which extend beyond the studio.
Community Reach
FMC annually partners with 25 schools and organizations, offering dance programs tailored to meet community needs. These collaborations enrich students’ lives and foster engagement, cultural awareness, and pride in their communities.
Meet J’den
J’den is entering his third year at FMC and continues to excel in training and perform in the FMC Dance Ensemble. His dedication and talent were showcased in seasonal performances at Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Harris Theater and other key events. Jaylen’s growth as a dancer highlights the power of FMC’s programs in helping students achieve their full potential, both artistically and personally.
ForwardMomentumChicagoiscommittedtoprovidingyoungpeople withaccesstohighqualitydanceeducationopportunities–nowmore thanever. Throughin-schoolandcommunitypartnerships,freePower UP!danceclasses,andsummerdancecamp,wesupportyoung peopletodeveloptheskillstotransformtheirlivesastheytransform theirdays–onedancestepatatime.
RelevéSoiréeisForwardMomentumChicago’sannualfundraiserto supportourcity-widedanceeducationprograms.Thisyear,weare celebrating12yearsofdancingtowardthefuture,andourgoalisto raise$150,000tofurtherourmission.
AsanFMCSponsor,youareprovidingchildrenwithadance experiencewheretheyimprovedanceskills,developphysicallyand mentally,andhaveFUN!Yoursponsorshipwillhelpusensurethatour mostvulnerableandvaluableresource–ouryouth–haveasafeand funsummerandcanlookforwardtocontinuingthatlearningand personalgrowthintheschoolyeartocome.
ForwardMomentumChicagoiscommittedtoremainingastablepartof ouryoungpeople’slives.Weinviteyoutopartnerwithustoprovidethis necessaryresourcetoChicago’syouth.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Support the Future of Dance Education
Principal – $20,000+
Admission for 12 to the Relevé Soirée, including VIP seating
Supports year-long dance instruction for 50 students
Recognition on all marketing materials, social media, and event signage
Verbal and video acknowledgment at all major events
Logo placement on summer camp attire
Soloist Level – $10,000+
Admission for 8 to the Relevé Soirée with reserved seating
Supports summer dance camp for 25 students
Logo featured on marketing materials, event signage, and social media
Verbal acknowledgment during event presentations
Company Level – $5,000+
Admission for 4 to the Relevé Soirée with reserved seating
Funds a special performance or event for FMC students
Recognition on all marketing materials and social media
Video acknowledgment during event presentations
First Soloist – $15,000+
Admission for 10 to the Relevé Soirée with reserved seating
Supports a full year of free Saturday dance classes for 40 students
Featured recognition on all marketing materials and social media
Video acknowledgment during event presentations
Recognition in event speeches and presentations
Corp de Ballet – $7,500+
Admission for 6 to the Relevé Soirée with reserved seating
Supports semester-long in-school dance programming for 20 students
Recognition on marketing materials and social media
Verbal acknowledgment during event presentations
Apprentice Level – $2,500+
Admission for 2 to the Relevé Soirée with reserved seating
Supports in-school dance instruction for 10 students
Recognition on marketing materials and event signage
Video acknowledgment during event presentations
Some of Our Past Sponsors
PrimarySummerCampSponsor
LeadSponsors
Foundation,Grants,&IndividualSponsors
Anonymous
AMPT
CHUBB
ChicagoBlackDanceLegacyProject
ChristopherEgger/EABSolutions
DianneBlanco
D.ElizabethPrice
DominiqueLeonardi&KristaLinn
JanetMelk
JoyceChelberg
KarinBell&MylesToomey
LouisHobson
MargaritaChavez&MarkTatro
Maureen&SteveMeyer
TheMarvin&ElaineGottliebFamilyFoundation
PamelaCrutchfield
HelenMelchior
RobertandIsabelleBassFoundation
UniversityofChicago
VentanaCharitableFoundation
In-KindSponsors
AuditoriumTheatre BalletChicago
J&LCatering
VisceralDanceChicago
VISIBILITY & BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES
By supporting Forward Momentum Chicago, you’re investing in the future of arts education and empowering youth to develop critical life skills.
Logo Placement
Your brand will be featured prominently on all marketing materials, event signage, and our website.
Event Recognition
Verbal and visual acknowledgments at major events, including the Relevé Soirée.
Exclusive Networking
Sponsors receive VIP access to events, offering the chance to engage with other community leaders and supporters.
Social Media Highlights
We will highlight your partnership across all our social media channels, reaching a wide and engaged audience.
IMPACT
Partnering with FMC creates lasting change for students and communities. By supporting Forward Momentum Chicago, you’re investing in the future of arts education and empowering youth to develop critical life skills. With your support, we can foster creativity, confidence, and leadership, while brining dance to underserved communities.
Fostering Growth
Your partnership will support programs that empower students to excel both inside and outside the dance studio.
Community Enrichment
By investing in FMC, you contribute to enriching the cultural fabric of underserved communities.
Measurable Outcomes
Through your support, we’ve seen 98% of our high school seniors graduate with post-secondary plans.
GetInvolved
Join us in building a future where every child can thrive through the power of dance. Together, we can create opportunities that last a lifetime.
Become a Sponsor:
Support our programs and help provide equitable access to high-quality dance education for underserved communities.
Attend an Event:
Join us at the Relevé Soirée and witness firsthand the talents and passion of FMC students.
Spread the Word:
Share our mission with your network to help expand our reach and influence.
Volunteer:
Contribute your time and skills to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Bourné, Director of Development
ThankYou
Thank You for Supporting Forward Momentum Chicago!
Your generosity helps us provide life-changing dance education programs to thousands of students each year. Together, we are building brighter futures, one step at a time.