MISSION & VISION

Jimmy Locust has worked with top entertainment industry stars such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen. He has been featured in iconic music videos and films including Rhythm Nation 1814 and the wedding dance sequence of Coming to America. He has performed at the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. He was one of the original members of the world-renowned Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago company, where he also co-choreographed with Jazz dance legend Gus Giordano. Mr. Locust was one of the head choreographers for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (opening and closing ceremonies) and was nominated for an American Choreography Award in 2001 for his work on the Warner Brothers’ network television show Nikki. Locust has choreographed commercials for both international and national companies, including Sanyo in Japan with Nicholas Cage and Rapid Advance in the U.S. He worked on the Justin Bieber Tour in 2010 and choreographed for the CW Television Network’s The Next with hosts John Rich, Joe Jonas, Nelly and Gloria Estefan.  He has been a studio owner and master teacher for over fifteen years, including as Artistic Director/Owner of Locust Performing Arts Center in Stamford, Connecticut and Locust Dance Academy in Florida. Locust has partnered with numerous community and non-profit organizations including HORIZONS, Reach Prep, Domus, Chester-Addison Community Center, Curtain Call and the Stamford Family YMCA to choreograph theater productions, design curricula and provide scholarships. Locust is also Founder and Director of Harmony Nation, an educational anti-bullying program that performs for schools and youth organizations. In addition, he directs Locust Contemporary Dance Works, a youth company which performs in New York City, as well as Hip Hop's Finest and FOCUS Hip Hop pre-professional groups. Locust is also an Associate Director of Axam Dance Theatre Experience of Atlanta and a returning summer faculty member for the renowned Boca Ballet Theatre in Florida and GUS Jazz Intensive in Chicago. Locust was also selected to be an adjudicator and Artist-in-Residence for Jewish Community Center (JCC) Maccabi Games Artsfests across the country from 2015-2019. Locust’s multi-faceted lifestyle is chronicled in his series Locust Under 5’.

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