About Rockford Dance Company
At Rockford Dance Company (RDC), we’re passionate about bringing the joy of dance to our community. Through performances, education, and outreach, we inspire people of all ages and skill levels to move, grow, and connect. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, RDC is where you’ll find top-notch training, unforgettable performances, and a welcoming community that celebrates every step.
From ballet to hip hop, tots to adults, we offer a wide range of classes that build strength, creativity, and confidence. Plus, our pre-professional company dazzles audiences with seasonal performances and local tours, while our outreach programs partner with organizations like the Rockford Park District and Rockford Public Schools to make dance accessible to all.
At RDC, we believe dance is more than just movement—it’s a way to build stronger bodies, brighter minds, and a more connected community. Come join us and discover the magic of dance!
Our History: A dance adventure through the decades
1970's
It all started in 1973...
with a group of passionate moms led by Carolyn Bailey. They dreamed of creating performance opportunities for young dancers beyond the classroom—and they made it happen! With the help of Jayne Poor, a dance professor at Rockford College, and her friend, choreographer Chuck Hoenes, Rockford Dance Company (RDC) was born. In January 1973, 86 charter members joined the newly formed company, and the adventure began!
By February of 1974...
RDC was already making waves with its first sold-out concert at Rockford College’s Maddox Theater. The company’s eclectic mix of ballet, modern dance, and jazz quickly became a hit. In 1976, Deborah Tennant (McDonald) joined as the first ballet mistress, and weekly company classes began, setting the stage for even greater things to come.
1980's
The late 1970’s and 1980’s...
were a time of growth and creativity. In 1979, Chuck Hoenes choreographed an original version of A Christmas Carol with music by Alexander Korkolis (Constantine), which became a beloved holiday tradition. In 1982, under the leadership of board co-presidents Eleanor Turbyville and Marilyn Dougherty, RDC moved to the Old Post Office, where they launched public classes and gave dancers more opportunities to train and perform.
The 1980’s also brought...
new artistic leadership. Kenneth Von Heidecke joined in 1985 and choreographed RDC’s first production of The Nutcracker in 1986, establishing a strong corps de ballet and expanding the company’s repertoire. In 1987, Joy Xu, a former principal dancer with the Shanghai Ballet, took over as Artistic Director. She brought a wealth of knowledge and encouraged dancers to explore styles beyond classical ballet.
1990's
After years of moving...
between church halls, schools, and office buildings, RDC found a permanent home in the 1990s. When the Sears building was donated to the Rockford Art Museum, six local nonprofits—including RDC—came together to create Riverfront Museum Park. This unique space became a hub for arts and culture in Rockford.
In 1996...
Margaret Faust became Artistic Director, and her storytelling talent helped RDC win the Mayor’s Arts Award for productions like Midsummer Night’s Dream (2004) and Sleeping Beauty (2009). She was joined by Maria Castello, RDC’s first full-time School Director, who developed a structured syllabus, launched summer classes, and created Dance Reach, a performance group for young dancers.
2000's
The 2010’s...
brought fresh energy under Artistic Director Matthew Keefe, who led RDC into new collaborations and celebrated the company’s 40th anniversary with a Ruby Jubilee Gala. Emily Cooke joined as Executive Director in 2015, guiding RDC through a period of growth and innovation.
In 2020...
RDC faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience under 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.
Today, RDC...
continues to thrive, celebrating 50 years of excellence in 2023-2024. With a renewed commitment to inclusivity and innovation, we’re proud to be Rockford’s home for dance—where every step tells a story, and everyone is welcome to join the adventure.
