Jimmy Locust

Master of body motion, Jimmy Locust, knows how to extract focus, from himself and anyone he works with. Widely labeled one of the world's hottest choreographers in the business today, he takes the accolade in stride as part of his universal outlook on life. Locust brings movements to life fusing smoothness, explosive energy and his expertise as a movement stylist.

Standing a diminutive four feet, nine inches tall, the Dayton, Ohio native began his professional career as a principle dancer in Chicago with the world-renowned Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. There, he knew that choreography would be apart of his life forever. Locust co-choreographed with Giordano his first solo with the company. It was entitled For You. Little did he know this was the beginning of his destiny. The adage that good things come in small packages fit Locust well, as his size has evolved into one of his signatures as an artist. Further, the physical proportions and stature give him the ability to produce movements in time and space with sheer perfection. There is not a style of dance Locust can't cover. Though professionally trained by the best in ballet, jazz and modern dance give him an avenue of expression that allows him to fuse his signature of classical with house funk and hip-hop style. Out of those blends of styles Locust created and now presents Tech-hop in his master class series.

Locust has worked in all facets of the stage, including film, television, video, and theater. His talents continue to be requested by the A-list of the entertainment industry. In Los Angeles, he worked with Janet Jackson's stunning Rhythm Nation video, where he choreographed two of his own dance solos and a female duet. He has lent his talents as an artist to superstars Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen. For Arista recording artist Monica, he choreographed her first promo tour and as well as her hit video Just One Of Dem Days. Actress, singer Raven Simone has also benefited from his expertise as he staged her U.S. Tour.

Recently, Locust has spent a great deal of time traveling and has had the privilege to work as choreographer with Reebok on their latest addition NFL Onfield fashion show. He went on to choreograph, produce and direct the Reebok's Global Summit fashion show also. He also completed choreographing the television promo commercial for the Andy Dick Show that ran on MTV. In Atlanta, he was one of the head choreographers for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics with Kenny Ortega and Don Mischer directing. Also in Atlanta he became choreographer for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks Dance Team for four seasons. From there he landed myriad opportunities in the sports and fashion world as artistic director and choreographer for Fila, Avia, Diadora and NBA Sportswear. Internationally known, he was asked to stage projects such as Chile's International Choreography Conference in Santiago, Chile and Beijing's top Americanized show titled, The Show in Beijing, China.

Locust received top honors from the Inland Theatre League of Los Angeles for his choreography in the hit musicals Sweet Charity and Jesus Christ Superstar. He was also nominated for an American Choreography Award 2001 in the television category for his work on the WB's Nikki. He went on to choreograph a Japanese commercial for the Sankyo Company of Tokyo featuring Nicolas Cage. Now living in Stamford Connecticut, Locust is Artistic Director of Stamford Performing Arts Center, Founder and Director of No Hate But Harmony an anti-bullying educational dance and acting show for grade and high school students and Locust Contemporary Dance Works a touring modern jazz based youth dance company. Jimmy just completed choreographing the Speedo 2006 Fall Fashion show in Miami with the U.S. Olympic Bronze Medallist Synchronized Swim Team.

Inspired by his own spiritual life experiences, Locust completed writing his first play with music entitled, The Gift. Of all his experiences he counts his involvement in the church his greatest privilege. During rehearsal for the 1995 MTV Award show, Michael Jackson asked of the artist, "What is your goal in life?" Locust replied, "I am an artist and I plan to produce, direct and choreograph projects I create through the blessings that God gave me."