Forward Momentum Chicago

Forward Momentum Chicago offers Power UP! Dance Classes, FMC Summer Dance Camp, The FMC Dance Collaborative, and in-school and after-school dance programs. Power UP! Dance Classes include Ballet, Modern, African, Latin, and Hip-Hop, and the FMC Summer Dance Camp includes classes, field trips on Fridays, and performance opportunities in Chicago venues. The FMC Dance Collaborative is an advanced apprenticeship program in partnership with After School Matters.

Programs

• Power UP! Dance Classes — ages 5-14 for Saturday classes; ages 5-17 for Thursday intermediate classes · Saturdays; Thursdays for intermediate classes · Free dance classes with $25 registration fee; offered in Fall and Winter; styles include Ballet, Modern, African, Latin, and Hip-Hop; open to newcomers and returning students.
• FMC Summer Dance Camp — ages 5-14 · Monday-Friday for 5-6 weeks during the summer break · Held in Englewood and Avondale; campers learn from top choreographers and have performance opportunities in Chicago venues; field trips on Fridays.
• The FMC Dance Collaborative — Chicago teens · Year-long partnership with Fall, Spring, and Summer terms · Advanced apprenticeship program in partnership with After School Matters emphasizing youth leadership and independence.
• In-School & After-School Programs — Turnkey school and community programs tailored to schools and communities.
• School Programs — Programming in partnership with Chicago Public and Charter Schools; designed to support nationally established educational standards.
• Perform with Purpose — Prepared for special school events and cultural celebrations such as winter assemblies, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Women’s History Month.
• A Day of Dance with FMC — A 4–6 hour dance experience that can be customized to align with SEL themes or school core values.
• Family & Community Dance — Movement-based programs including Family Dance Nights and Community Showcases.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Current session: Power UP! Dance Classes (Sep 12–Dec 19, 2026)
• General schedule: Forward Momentum Chicago currently works within 4 program structures: In-School & After-School Programs, Power UP! Dance Classes, FMC Summer Dance Camp, and the FMC Dance Collaborative in partnership with After School Matters.

About the provider

Forward Momentum Chicago says its mission is to empower to success. It is one of eight dance companies in the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project. The organization serves Chicagoland youth in schools and communities with limited arts access and states that it works in the city’s south and southwest neighborhoods to support access and equity for BIPoC communities through dance programs.

Programs are built around National Common Core Standards, National Arts Standards, 21st Century Learning, and Social Emotional Learning. The organization states programs are affordable and can be tailored to program days, grade levels, style of dance training, timeframe, curriculum, and/or school theme.

What families say

“Thanks to this internship, I've done many fun and thoughtful assignments that have helped with some major decisions about my life and my future. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity, and can't wait to thank this program when I win my first Emmy. Thank you so much Forward Momentum and Ms. Bradlee for a wonderful summer.” — Nicole ASM Summer Student

“Clearly one of the best dance programs in the city. The children learn so much and are able to participate at great events throughout the city with a spirit of excellence. The staff is hard working and believes in the children. If your children love to dance, this is where they should be.” — Karen FMC Graduate's Parent

“As a former student, Forward Momentum Chicago helped me increase my teamwork and leadership skills, and it also tremendously improved my work ethic. It gave me a healthy environment where I could express myself, and work with others, and I will always appreciate it.” — Mark FMC Graduate

Last updated November 7, 2026.