Imani Moore Builds Community Through Locomotive Dance Crew in the Twin Cities
Imani Moore has loved dance since childhood, inspired by family and artists like Ciara. In 2022 she founded Locomotive Dance Crew to create an inclusive dance community in the Twin Cities where dancers of all backgrounds can perform, connect and grow together.
Dance has always been part of Imani Moore’s life. From getting picked up out of her crib bouncing to a song and watching Ciara music videos, she has kept her passion close while working full-time outside of dance.
“I’ve been dancing since I can walk,” Moore said. “When I was younger, I was a very bouncy, energetic baby, and my dad would always tell my mom, ‘she’s gonna be a dancer.’”
Music was a happy place for Moore, and she credits Ciara as one of her earliest dance inspirations. She loved watching her dance, she said. This, coupled with her dad, who she said would be amazed by her ability to memorize dance moves as a toddler, helped shape her early interest.
“My biggest influence is between my mom, dad and Ciara,” Moore said.
Seeing their daughter’s interest and early love for dance, Moore’s parents enrolled her in ballet. This, she said, built her foundation in the field, helping with abilities such as leg strength and flexibility.
Moore founded Locomotive Dance Crew in 2022, wanting to provide an inclusive space for dancers in the Twin Cities. The team’s dance focus is K-pop, moving toward hip-hop and open style.
“No matter what their dance background was, what their experience was, I wanted them to be able to come together and just have that sense of community,” she said.
The name Locomotive felt like a perfect fit, Moore said, for the group whose mission is to get people moving. Aside from the movement aspect of a locomotive train, the word split in half also carries meaning. Moore wanted to bring a “loco” energy that also motivates.
The team performs at numerous events throughout the Twin Cities, most recently at Panda Fest and the Mall of America. Moore said it’s important to the team to always have projects going for whenever a performance opportunity arises.
LDC also hosts a showcase each year in December to perform routines from the year. Other dance groups are welcome to apply to perform for free. Moore said this is an event that brings people together during the cold season.
“Whatever your background is, your size, your weight, where you come from, dance is one language,” she said.
Moore is working to better her craft, with goals of becoming a stronger dancer mentally, physically and spiritually, she said. Steps include eating healthier and exercising more regularly outside of dance.
“There’s always room for improvement no matter what level in your profession that you’re in, there’s always more to learn, more ways to grow, more ways to do those things,” she said.
Next, Moore wants to be more active on social media and work toward strengthening the Locomotive Dance Crew as an organization for when she is ready to step away and start her family.
She eventually would like the team to afford its own studio not only for practices but also to provide dance classes to young people who want to get into dance. She has in mind a nonprofit that will be able to help people in the community learn and grow without having to break the bank.
“I just want to help them live,” Moore said. “I want people to be able to express themselves and feel good about their bodies and things like that.”
“Dance is my passion and I think that’s something I will continue to love even if I’m not on a team. Just something that brings me joy. It’s always going to be in my back pocket.”
Register for auditions or contact LDC at
https://locomotivedancecrew.carrd.co/?fbclid=PAY2xjawQMCS0Bplz0toioVC799fulqq-p6_dVaIUQwwBR2JM9oHWJAhMKKkZ3YR9tzeEZtg_aem_AT_PGBy9_SPCjqCoLtx-ViCJwJCge7N2d2AB3yZVFS1UA4X9qD8DdE3498moz8Z5ryE
Follow Imani Moore on all social media platforms at imani._mm and LDC at locomotivedancecrew.
Damenica Ellis welcomes reader responses at dellis@spokesman-recorder.com