Rockford Dance Company was established by a group of dedicated moms led by Carolyn Bailey.  These women had the desire to provide performance opportunities for young dancers beyond the classroom and recitals.  They approached Jayne Poor, professor of dance at Rockford College, with their idea.  She accepted the challenge with her longtime friend, dancer, and choreographer, Chuck Hoenes. In January 1973, the founding Co-Artistic Directors, Ms. Poor and Mr. Hoenes, accepted 86 charter members into the newly formed Rockford Dance Company.

By February 1974, the first concert was performed to a sold-out audience at the Maddox Theater on the Rockford University campus.  At the outset, the company presented an eclectic style including ballet, modern dance, and jazz.  By 1976, RDC hired Deborah Tennant (McDonald) as their first ballet mistress, and weekly company class began. 

In 1979, Chuck Hoenes choreographed an original version of A Christmas Carol, featuring music composed by Alexander Korkolis (Constantine). It was performed for four consecutive years.  Adding a holiday performance to the schedule gave the company a solid performance structure.  In 1982, Board co-presidents Eleanor Turbyville and Marilyn Dougherty relocated RDC to the Old Post Office, where they were able to launch classes for the public and give RDC dancers the opportunity for more unified study.  By 1984, both Chuck and Jayne had retired, but their dedication and creativity ensured that Rockford Dance Company had a solid foundation for its performance adventure.

Kenneth Von Heidecke was hired in 1985.  He choreographed the first RDC production of The Nutcracker in 1986, established a solid corps de ballet, and expanded the company's repertoire. 

In 1987, Ms. Joy Xu was appointed as the Artistic Director.  A former principal with the Shanghai Ballet, Ms. Xu brought a wealth of knowledge for both teaching and choreography.  Although classically trained, she encouraged the dancers to pursue learning other styles of dance.

After an early nomadic existence of dancing wherever there was space, from church halls, schools, and vacant office buildings, RDC found a home at the Old Post Office.  However, when the Sears building was given to the Rockford Art Museum, a new idea was born.  Six area not-for-profit organizations created a coalition to build a unique space.  Riverfront Museum Park became part of the Rockford Park District’s domain, and the six original organizations —the Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Art Museum, Discovery Center, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Northern Public Radio, and Storefront Cinema —found a new home. 

In 1996, Ms. Margaret Faust was hired as Artistic Director. Ms. Faust’s storytelling ability helped Rockford Dance Company land the Mayor’s Arts Award in 2004 for Midsummer Night’s Dream and in 2009 for Sleeping Beauty. 

She was joined by the first full-time School Director, Maria Castello, who wrote a structured syllabus for the school, solidified summer classes and workshops, and initiated Dance Reach, a performance group of young dancers.

Matthew Keefe assumed the reins of Artistic Director in 2012 and led the company into new areas of collaboration.  He instilled a renewed energy and enthusiasm for the organization's potential.  Mr. Keefe directed the 40th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee Gala, featuring a unique blend of the new while honoring the organization's history.

Emily Cooke joined the organization in November 2015 as Executive Director.  In 2016, Ms. Cooke accepted the role of Executive Director and Artistic Coordinator and stayed with RDC until 2019.

In 2020, faced with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, RDC remained resilient under the leadership of Executive Director Vanessa Hita.

In the 2023-2024 season, RDC celebrated its 50th Anniversary Season with a Gala Performance, directed by Lucas Segovia.

In 2024, Rockford Dance Company began its search for a new Executive Director and hired Kayla Acton in May of that year.

In July 2025, Lucas Segovia joined RDC as its new and esteemed Artistic Director.