Artist in Residence Program
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. 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 most recently, 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. For the stage, Locust has choreographed successful theater and high school productions. He has designed dance curricula for numerous community and private education programs and has been a studio owner and master teacher for over fourteen years. He is Artistic Director/Owner of Locust Performing Arts Center in Stamford, Connecticut and Locust Dance Academy in Miramar, Florida. Locust is Founder and Director of Harmony Nation, an educational anti-bullying program that performs for schools and youth organizations. He also 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 preprofessional groups. Locust was appointed by the renowned Boca Ballet Theatre in Florida as a returning faculty member for their summer residency program. Locust was also selected to be an adjudicator (2015) and Artist-in-Residence (2016-present) for JCC Maccabi Games Artsfests across the country. Locust’s multi-faceted lifestyle is chronicled in his series Locust Under 5’.
Mr. Henry Jones is a gifted writer, artist, musician, and a master of African Drum and Dance instruction. Mr. Jones has over 25 years of experience teaching music, and has led many classes in our area for students of all abilities. We are fortunate to be collaborating with Mr. Jones to bring is knowledge, experience and insight with the Westover's community.
Our World Music & Art residency program gives our students an exciting and transformative exploration of the drumming, songs, crafts and art from West Africa. Students will discover the various cultures represented in class and representing the various cultures throughout the class room space.The goal of the program is to enrich the lives of our students by creating a flourishing cultural art program that emphasizes diversity, and responsible world citizenship. By exposing students to various cultures, we aim to broaden their understanding of our others and embrace a life of empowerment and critical thinking.
Steel Pan Program Coming Soon!
This year, Westover will expand its Creative Arts program by developing an in-house Steel Pan Band. We are partnering with St. Luke's Steel Band which started in the fall of 1999 and is located in New Haven's historic St. Luke's Episcopal Church. We are currently working with the band’s Director, Kenneth Joseph who has a Master's degree from the renowned Northern Illinois University Steel Band program. We are fortunate to be collaborating with him. Our vision for this program is to expose our students to the historical legacy of these instruments through the process of learning to play them. In addition, we plan to expand the program to include the large Stamford community. Stay tuned for more!
Check often for updates! Watch Google's Tribute to Steel Pans