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Press/Photo Gallery


Jimmy Locust
Photo by Jim Kahnweiler
                                         
Stamford Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce that Artistic Director, Jimmy Locust, is represented as
a choreographer by McDonald/Selznick Associates
of New York City and Los Angeles. 
Click Here to view Jimmy's commercial reel.
To read more about Jimmy, visit his website at www.jimmylocust.com!

*********************

SPAC Goes To Broadway!!!

We are pleased to announce that 2 SPAC Students are presently on BROADWAY!! 

Aaron Bantum will be making his Broadway debut in the New Broadway show Finian's Rainbow! The Show hits the St. James Theatre in NYC October 29th!

Kyle Alexander Brenn is no stranger to the Broadway stage as he did the National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang before landing his present role in West Side Story!

"Congratulations to both of you and I am so very proud of you"  ...Jimmy Locust

 

Jimmy collaborates as Director/Choreographer with Cirque Du Soleil on Reebok 2009 Spring Line!

 Jimmy went to Las Vegas to Choreograph and Direct Reebok's latest project with Cirque Du Soleil. Artists (pictured above) from Cirque's show KA performed in the show. Reebok and Cirque Du Soleil have collaborated together on a new line of apparel and a specialized workout presently in gyms around the world.


"Spreading the Art of Dance and Choreography on the Road"  

Artistic Director, Jimmy Locust just returned from Atlanta where he worked with the amazing Dance 411 Studios.  He gave a master class and later auditioned some of the dancers for future projects he will be directing/choreographing in the Atlanta area. He also just returned from Chicago where he was a part of a new ground breaking documentary about the late Gus Giordano entitled "Gus Giordano An American Icon". He was filmed as he shared his thoughts on the mentor who changed his life. "It was an exciting and emotional experience. Gus changed my life and instilled the self esteem I needed to make it in this business" says Locust.

 

Jimmy's New PodcastGo Dance Episodes,
The Spirit of Dance


www.podcastgo.com/spirit of dance
Jimmy teaches you basic and advanced
hip hop routines, jazz routines, as well as great toning exercises!

All downloads are FREE!  You can email episodes to your cell phone
or download them to your ipod and take them with you wherever you go!

 


Jimmy & Gwen Edwards
(Click to enlarge)

SPAC featured on Cablevision's Channel 12
Click on the segments below to view
Segment 1
- Locust Contemporary Dance Works Concert, "Of Light and Temptation"
Segment 2 - SPAC's programs and scholarships (Horizons)
Segment 3 - No Hate But Harmony (how it began) and SPAC's outreach programs
Segment 4 - No Hate But Harmony performance
             
 


****************************

STAMFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
PITCHES IN FOR A WORTHY CAUSE,
URBAN FARMING.
Urban Farming intends to eradicate hunger by planting gardens on unused land and space while increasing diversity, motivating youth and seniors and optimizing the use of land for the production of food and alternative fuel. 


Jimmy Locust recently traveled to Detroit to support Urban Farming Founder,
Taja Sevelle,
(pictured below) during a promotional fundraiser
in conjunction with Atlantic Records' Scream Tour.



 
Yung Joc, Bad Boy recording artist, took time out of his schedule to drop by one
of Urban Farming's biggest gardens to show his support.
 


FACT ABOUT URBAN FARMING:

Urban Farming engages youth departments of faith-based organizations, youth groups, schools and colleges, as well as the senior community and asks each group to volunteer twice a month on a selected garden.  This creates a diverse infrastructure on each garden site that in turn helps to strengthen relationships within the community.


Jimmy with Urban Farming Staff, Joyce Lapinsky, Taja Sevelle and Michael Travis


FACT ABOUT URBAN FARMING:

Urban Farming has received national and international attention on The Montel Williams Show; ABC’s The View, USA Today, The LA Times, The New York Observer,  many radio shows across the country, appeared several times on each of the local Detroit News stations, UPN in Detroit; Print articles in Detroit News, Michigan Chronicle, Detroit Free Press, Columbus, and more, as well as mentioned in several newspapers around the world, recently, in conjunction with the release of recording artist Prince’s new fragrance, 3121.  

                               Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge
                               and see more pictures from Jimmy's trip!
                  
Jimmy & Program Development                               Jimmy with food just picked
   Consultant, Joyce Lapinsky                        that's on it's way to local families in need

                                                     
        Taja being interviewed by                     Taja, Jimmy &                      Jimmy with local girl
       media at Scream Fest event         Co-Director, Michael Travis    taking pride in her garden.   

For donations to help this worthy cause please visit their website at www.urbanfarming.org or call 248-388-4749. 
You will be helping feed someone in need.

 

We are proud to announce that the
Reebok job was a huge success at the Mohegan Sun on April 11th.  It was so fantastic that the cast has been asked to go on tour to Boston to perform the show at the Reebok Headquarters on May 1st.  Jimmy Locust, event choreographer, is excited to report that six of our very own SPAC students made it through the grueling audition in NYC and were one of the highlights of the show.  These students include:  Khandice Dyson, Ally Fahey, Dustin Knopoff, Ivory McCulley, Jackie Paasman & Richard Westfahl. CONGRATULATIONS!  You Rock!

A film crew was there to
document the Reebok audition

Click on the link below to watch the
Reebok Fits Audition Video, where over
380 people came to audition!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egK-MvDI8Hc

To see footage from last year's audition and show,
click on the links below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egK-MvDI8Hc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDs1aU6SDqc  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98P0ov2NW-4

      
                                         The entire Reebok Cast!
                                              
      
                           Jimmy with the SPAC Reebok Youth Dancers

   

SPAC's Vocal Students auditioned and were chosen by Paula Brown, associate for Simon Cowell of American Idol, to sing background for Britain's Got Talent winner, Paul Potts.   They performed on the CBS Early Show, which aired on December 22nd, and for Bloomingdale's Christmas Tree Lighting. 
Congratulations to those chosen!

Click on the link below to watch the students perform
at the Bloomingdale's Christmas Tree Lighting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R_9M17Qeoc

   Click on the links below to watch
   the NYC Reebok rehearsals!

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDs1aU6SDqc   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98P0ov2NW-4
 


                                           

 

Look out for the new documentary!!

Gus Giordano "An American Icon"

July 22, 2009 is the release date of this groundbreaking documentary directed by International Award Winning Director Pedro Brenner.  This documentary will cover the life of the man who changed the face of Jazz Dance.  Pedro who is also a renowned photographer CIS (Creative Image Services) spent time with Jimmy Locust as they reminisced on the incredible life of Gus Giordano.  

The world mourns the loss of a legend...

"You will be missed, Gus.  You single handedly changed the dance world with your amazing technique and encouragement to others, me especially" - Jimmy Locust

We are sad to say goodbye to world renowned Gus Giordano who passed away on March 9th, 2008 at 3:11am.  Jimmy traveled back to Chicago one last time to pay his respects.
A memorial scholarship fund has been set up. 
If interested in donating, please send payments and make checks out to:

Gus Giordano Memorial Fund
614 Davis Street
Evanston, IL  60201

********
Jimmy went back to his roots and was a part Gus Giordano's Jazz Dance Chicago & The World Jazz Dance Congress 2007!


Becoming a member of Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago was when Jimmy's career began.  He feels blessed and honored to have had Gus Giordano (pictured below) discover his talent.  While visiting
The World Jazz Dance Congress, Jimmy took class and demonstrated for Nan Giordano, Artistic Director, and Susan Quinn Williams, a former company member, as well as attending nightly concerts with renowned companies from across the U.S. and countries all around the world
including Japan, Italy, Russia and Mexico.
 



Jimmy presents Gus with a silver ring box engraved with a personal note reading, Gus, because you believed in me I learned to believe in myself.  Deepest gratitude.


Jimmy poses with Nan Giordano, Artistic Director

Click on the thumbnails to view pictures
of the company when Jimmy was a member.
  
Click on the thumbnails to view past and present company members
                   
Jimmy reunited with Tuni Lewis, an old company member!
        
        Jimmy & Elijah          Jimmy poses with    Jimmy & Patti Obey
                                   current company members     

          
   
Jimmy with Susan Quinn Williams 
                                      
Jimmy with Michael Williams, Sherry Zunker,  Susan Quinn Williams, Ian Williams &
Richard Havey
                                         
          

Jimmy Locust has teamed up with the Connecticut Friends School to run a 10 week dance program incorporating hip-hop, ballet, jazz, modern and musical theater.  Click here to view the announcement about the class in the CT Friends School, Pine Needles weekly notes. 
(When viewing the page, click on the tab to enlarge article) 


Stamford Performing Arts Center's years in  review... 

2007-2008

Jimmy's Mon.            Jimmy's Thurs.
3pm Hip Hop               3pm Hip Hop


Jimmy with Thursday 6:00 Hip Hop Pros


Jimmy's Hip Hop Divas
Sophie Kriftcher, Kendall Battles, Jessica Baden, Emma Rimerman, Kate Rich & Riley Kurzer


Jimmy with Justin Romano, SPAC's future Boy's Hip Hop Class Member!

(Click the thumbnails below to enlarge)

   
      
      Alison A's Tues.          Jimmy's Mon.                Josue's Sat.
          4:00 Hip Hop             3:00 Hip Hop          10am Boys Hip Hop 

      
   Alison L's Sat.               Alison A's Wed.
10am Ballet/Jazz/Tap          6:00 Hip Hop

        Summer '07  

  
                Jimmy's Musical Theater Students get pumped
                             before their debut performance!

           2006-2007

Click on the thumbnails to view
some pictures from our
2007 Year End Performance!





 

      
   Alison & her littles         Jimmy's Thurs           Tracey & tappers 
         
 Jimmy's Hip Hop Divas!   Alison & her girls      Jimmy's Mon. 3:00
                                                                                             Hip Hop


          
 Suzanne's Adv. Lyrical     Alison L & Tues.          Kelly's Monday
                                                 tappers 7:00                      4:00 Ballet
       
 Hannah Montana's             SPAC students                
      biggest fans                 Madeline DiNucci         
Jimmy's Thurs. 3:00          & Erica Casinelli        

           
           Jimmy's                  Alison with A-Crew           
    Adult Dancers                                                        

       
                            Alison L's                  Jimmy's Saturday
          Saturday 12:00 tap/jazz       10am Hip Hop

        
     Tracey's Mon. 4:00           Jimmy's Hip Hop

     
Jackie Paasman, Antonia Bova, and friend hanging out at the SPAC Open House. Jimmy Locust poses with adult dancer Cecilia Carter.  

2005-2006
(Opening Year)

    
Adult dancers (On left: Janet DeLeo, Raengel Solis, Marsha DeSouza, Joyce Takiguchi, Barbara Occhino, LaVerne Burton, Chris Anderson; on right: Raengel Solis, Jimmy Locust, Barbara Occhino)


Jimmy Locust and Rachel Rosado performing at the SPAC Premiere Year-End Performance. This photo is featured on Capezio's website.

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge picture.
        

SPAC's takes part in Stamford's Tribute to
Black History Month in 2006!

Click Here to view the Press Release for the "Spirit of New Orleans" Black History Gala at the Rich Forum on February 11, 2006. *Rescheduled for April 1, 2006*

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge picture.
      
Jimmy Locust and SPAC Dancers after a successful performance at the Rich Forum for the "Spirit of New Orleans" Black History Month Gala on April 1, 2006. 
Click on the picture to enlarge!

      

Click Here to view the Windows Media File featuring an interview and dance clip of Jimmy Locust and some of SPAC's dancers, as seen on Channel 12 News. 

Click Here to view the video clip of SPAC Dancers performing at the "Spirit of New Orleans" Gala at the Rich Forum on Saturday, April 1, 2006. 

Our very own Ivory McCulley has done it again!
She has landed another TV spot, this time in a Japanese commercial! 
Click here to watch it!

Click Here to view the Press Release congratulating the Stamford Strikers, undefeated champions of the Stamford Youth Soccer League, Girls Division 2.  The team was sponsored by Stamford Performing Arts Center this past year.

Click Here to view the 2006 ad announcing the formation of Summer Classes here at SPAC

Click Here to view the Channel 12 News coverage of the grand opening of Stamford Performing Arts Center in 2005.

Click Here to view the Press Release regarding Jimmy Locust's tour to Iceland with Darrin Henson in 2005. 

Click Here to view the article from an Icelandic article discussing Jimmy Locust's and Darrin Henson's master class series in Iceland(Please note that the article is written in Icelandic!)

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge picture.
         
Pictures with Darrin Henson following the Darrin Henson Master Class held here at SPAC back in October, 2005.

Click Here to view the Press Release regarding SPAC winning the Capezio Award in 2005.
 

Bringing the Performing Arts to a Higher Standard of Excellence

   
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