2016
2024
History
Established in 2016 as an educational initiative, Moving Forward Dance (MFD) began by providing young artists with creative outlets and a supportive environment to develop their creative voices. Over time, MFD has evolved into a multifaceted company, now rooted in New York City with professional performing artists. With a commitment to cultivating artistic excellence and risk taking, MFD has launched intensive training programs, commissioned choreographers such as Sidra Bell, Norbert De La Cruz, Maleek Washington, Cristie Lou Partelow, awarded ten half and full scholarships to every MFD event, two $500 college tuition scholarships, and created platforms for new voices to be seen and heard. The organization has established a presence in dance communities across Texas, Oklahoma, Los Angeles, and beyond, offering opportunities that empower artists at every stage of their careers.
Since 2022, Moving Forward Dance focused its efforts and impact in NYC, premiering bold and thought-provoking work and engaging an ever-growing audience. The Moving Forward Collective has been witnessed by audiences at Orsolina28, Jacob’s Pillow, Peridance’s KnJ Theater, 92Y, McCallum Choreography Festival, Arts on Site, Catskills Art Space, Ailey Theater, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, and L-Private Gallery in Chinatown, NYC.
Community Engagement
The Moving Forward Community Engagement Team offers high school and college students an opportunity to engage meaningfully with communities through the transformative power of dance. Led by our Artistic Director, Madison Hicks, the team is composed of passionate young artists dedicated to creating workshops and programs that promote healing, connection, and artistic expression. We believe in the capacity of dance to inspire and uplift, and we are committed to making a positive impact through thoughtful, community-centered engagement.
Interested in joining?
Please send your resume and a brief statement describing how you hope to benefit from and contribute to this program to movingforwarddancecollective@gmail.com. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and comfortable working with children.
College Scholarships
Moving Forward has proudly awarded two college scholarships during our recent summer workshops, helping young artists pursue their educational goals. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to ease the financial burden of higher education and invest in the future of dance.
If you’re interested in supporting a future scholarship and making a lasting impact, please consider donating.
Rachel Lee. Previous Scholarship Recipient
“Due to previous unforeseen circumstances, affording to remain at New York University seemed a little blurry. The college scholarship from Moving Forward did not only assist my family in enabling me to stay in New York, but it also allowed me to take classes outside of my school curriculum to further develop as a dancer/artist. Some of the artists I got to take a class outside of school included Yin Yue, Jae Man Joo, and Mike Esperanza at Peridance. Attending NYU is a dream of mine, so I am extremely grateful that I was supported by Moving Forward, creating and performing in works this past year.”
Eleni Loving, Previous Scholarship Recipient
“The Moving Forward College scholarship was such a blessing. Although being at The Juilliard School is a dream come true for me, because of financial hardships, it is not guaranteed. The Moving Forward Scholarship allowed me to continue training in New York and get the best professional dance training that I can. I'm so grateful to know that an organization like Moving Forward is not only concerned with our growth as artists, but also our well being. The college scholarship shows that they care about the futures of dance artists and the dance community. This scholarship, along with the guidance of the Moving Forward faculty and guest artists, have all played a part in helping me to continue on my journey to becoming a professional dancer.”
