Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Dance Education in Rockford
Founded in 1973, Rockford Dance Company has been a cornerstone of dance education and performance in the Rockford community for over five decades. Our mission centers on pursuing excellence in dance through performance, education, and outreach, offering programs that foster physical, emotional, and social development for individuals of all ages and skill levels. With a commitment to accessibility, we provide affordable pre-professional training and diverse performance opportunities, including annual productions like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Our faculty comprises internationally recognized instructors with extensive experience in classical and contemporary dance, ensuring students receive comprehensive technical and artistic instruction.Through partnerships with local organizations such as the Rockford Park District and Rockford Public Schools, we extend our impact beyond the studio, promoting dance as a transformative community resource. Our non-competitive environment emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth, making dance education accessible to everyone from beginners to advanced performers.
Services
Ballet Classes
Modern Dance Training
Jazz Instruction
Tap Workshops
Hip Hop Programs
Nutcracker Performances
Swan Lake Productions
Adult Open Classes
Youth Dance Outreach
Pre-Professional Ballet Company
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer affordable pre-professional ballet training since 1974.
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized instructors with decades of experience.
- We provide diverse performance opportunities with regional orchestras and guest artists.
- Our non-competitive environment prioritizes personal growth and technical mastery.
- We partner with local organizations to expand access to dance education.
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured curricula for ages three and older. Students progress from foundational techniques to advanced pointe work under the guidance of experienced instructors. The program emphasizes proper alignment, musicality, and performance readiness, preparing dancers for both recreational and pre-professional paths.
Nutcracker Performances
Annual Nutcracker performances feature professional lead dancers and regional orchestras in a fully staged production. Dancers aged 13+ join our pre-professional company for this iconic holiday classic, while younger students participate in ensemble roles. The production combines elaborate costumes, live music, and community collaboration to create memorable theatrical experiences.
Hip Hop Programs
Hip hop classes focus on rhythm, isolations, and improvisation in a dynamic, music-driven environment. Instructors emphasize individual style development while teaching foundational moves like popping, locking, and breaking. Classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers seeking competition preparation or performance opportunities.
Adult Open Classes
Designed for post-college professionals and recreational dancers, these classes offer flexible participation in ballet, modern, and jazz techniques. Sessions prioritize physical fitness, artistic expression, and stress relief without performance obligations. Classes accommodate varying skill levels, ensuring accessible, enjoyable experiences for non-professional dancers.
Pre-Professional Ballet Company
This advanced program provides rigorous training for serious dancers aged 13 and older. Participants receive daily technique classes, pointe instruction, and partnering rehearsals while performing in major productions. The curriculum includes guest artist workshops and audition preparation, bridging studio training with professional dance career opportunities.
People
Jenny Beck
Ballet & Musical Theatre Instructor
RDC alumna with performance experience in Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Holds scholarships from UW-Stevens Point and teaches musical theater while working as a resident adviser for Orlando Ballet summer intensives.
Maria Castello
Ballet & Modern Instructor
Former RDC School Director with 30+ years teaching experience. Holds medical and dance education degrees from Argentina. Recipient of Illinois Arts Council and Hispanic Heritage Awards for choreography and community contributions.
Phairra Jones
Hip Hop Instructor
Professional dancer with 11 years experience. Teaches at Rockford studios while pursuing a BFA at UW Milwaukee. Former MVP of Panther Dance Team and instructor at Miss Andreas Dance Factory.
Julienne Jackson
Ballet & Pointe Instructor
24-year teaching veteran with RDC and regional studios. Former RDC company member trained under Joy Xu. Holds MFA in Art from Northern Illinois University and teaches Art History at Rock Valley College.
Lucas Segovia
Artistic Director
Joined RDC in 2024 as Artistic Director. Choreographed 50th Anniversary Gala and directed Nutcracker productions. Brings international performance experience and collaborative vision to expand RDC's artistic programming.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, and BeMoved, with specialized programs for creative movement and dance theatre.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, with roles available for all skill levels from beginner to pre-professional dancers.
What are tuition payment options?
Tuition can be paid in full at registration or split into three equal semester payments. We offer prorated rates for mid-program enrollment.
Do you offer make-up classes?
Yes, we provide make-up classes at equal or lower skill levels when possible. Weather-related cancellations receive scheduled make-up days.
