FORWARD MOMENTUM CHICAGO
FOUNDED: 2013
Forward Momentum Chicago's mission is to inspire possibilities through dance education programs that strengthen schools and communities with limited arts access. Our vision is to be a leader in dance education by utilizing the art form of movement as a catalyst to help students build life skills for individual success
COMPANY LEADERSHIP
PC: Photo of Pierre Lockett by Rachel Neville Studios
Pierre Lockett,
Founder & Executive Director
Pierre Lockett is a passionate arts advocate for youth in Chicago. As a former professional dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Joffrey Ballet with 20 years of teaching experience, Pierre combines his passion and expertise for dance with his desire to inspire youth through invigorating dance programs.
Since 2014, Pierre and his team of Forward Momentum Chicago teaching artists have taught more than 6000 children in 85 Chicago Public Schools. He has worked extensively with youth from all areas of Chicago and understands firsthand the powerful impact the arts play in a child’s social and emotional development.
Mr. Lockett is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award for Dance, Black Theatre Alliance/Ira Aldridge Award for Best Performance in a Music or Dance Program, as well as several awards for his commitment to the growth and vitality of neighborhood excellence and youth inspiration.
PC: Photo of Bradlee Lathon by Rachel Neville Studios
Bradlee Lathon,
Program Manager
Bradlee Lathon is an educator, performer, and lifelong learner. Nina Simone says, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times”, this is the philosophy Bradlee finds her work rooted in. She believes in considering the influence and impact of poverty, community violence, and socioeconomic status on student learning, engagement, and behavior.
Bradlee has been a part of the Programming team at Forward Momentum Chicago for nearly a decade, her most recent role as Program Manager, and is a member of its founding leadership team.
Over the last few years, Bradlee became a Certified Healing Centered Engagement practitioner, was a member of Ingenuity’s Constellations Cohort, and was a speaker at the 2023 One State Conference in Springfield. She has combined her continued Teaching in the classroom with her experience as an Arts Administrator to change not only the classroom experience for Black and Brown students but also for the Artists who teach them.
Bradlee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Studies and a Masters of Applied Computer Science.