Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Rockford Dance Company - Excellence in Dance Education & Performance
Rockford Dance Company has been a cornerstone of dance education and performance in the Rockford community since 1973. Founded by visionary leaders and now led by Artistic Director Lucas Segovia and Executive Director Kayla Acton, we provide comprehensive dance training for ages three and up through structured classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and more. Our mission combines performance excellence with community outreach, partnering with local organizations to make dance accessible to all. With a legacy of producing professional-caliber dancers and hosting acclaimed productions like The Nutcracker, we foster creativity, discipline, and artistic growth. Our faculty includes experienced instructors with professional backgrounds, ensuring students receive technically rigorous yet engaging instruction.Beyond technical skill development, we emphasize emotional and social growth through collaborative performance opportunities. The company's 50-year history includes landmark achievements like the 40th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee Gala and ongoing partnerships with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Housed in the Riverfront Museum Park since 1996, we maintain state-of-the-art facilities for dance education. Our outreach programs extend dance opportunities to underserved populations through partnerships with Stepping Stones of Rockford and Rockford Public Schools. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on community support to sustain our mission of making dance education accessible to all.
Services
Ballet Classes
Modern Dance
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
BeMoved Program
Nutcracker Production
Swan Lake Performance
Community Outreach
Dance Education
Youth Training
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of dance education expertise with professional-caliber faculty
- Our outreach partnerships make dance accessible to diverse community members
- We provide performance opportunities from beginner to pre-professional levels
- Our structured curriculum includes multiple dance disciplines for all ages
- We maintain strong community ties through local organizational partnerships
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in classical techniques. Students progress through defined levels while learning foundational ballet principles. Classes emphasize proper alignment, grace, and artistic expression for ages three and up.
Modern Dance
Modern dance classes focus on expressive movement and technical innovation. Students explore contractions, isolations, and floor work in a creative environment. This program develops versatility and artistic individuality for dancers aged 12 and older.
Jazz Instruction
Our jazz program teaches dynamic movement with emphasis on rhythm and style. Classes cover traditional and contemporary jazz techniques for students 12+. Training includes jazz hands, turns, and performance quality development.
Community Outreach
Through partnerships with local organizations, we provide inclusive dance opportunities. Programs reach underserved populations across Rockford through collaborations with schools and community centers. This initiative ensures dance education accessibility regardless of economic background.
Nutcracker Production
Annual professional-caliber Nutcracker performances feature regional talent and symphony orchestra accompaniment. The production offers cast members performance experience on major stages. Auditions are open to enrolled students and community participants.
People
Lucas Segovia
Artistic Director
Lucas Segovia joined Rockford Dance Company as Artistic Director in 2024. He brings extensive professional dance experience and creative vision to lead our performance programs and artistic direction.
Kayla Acton
Executive Director
Kayla Acton assumed the role of Executive Director in 2024. With dance administration expertise, she oversees organizational operations and strategic development for Rockford Dance Company's programs.
Emily Cooke
Former Executive Director
Emily Cooke served as Executive Director from 2016 to 2019. She previously held dual roles as Executive Director and Artistic Coordinator, contributing to program development and organizational growth.
Vanessa Hita
Former Executive Director
Vanessa Hita led Rockford Dance Company through the pandemic challenges as Executive Director. Her leadership maintained organizational continuity during the 2020-2021 period of significant operational disruption.
Matthew Keefe
Former Artistic Director
Matthew Keefe served as Artistic Director from 2012 to 2020. He directed the 40th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee Gala and expanded collaborative initiatives that strengthened the company's artistic programming.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 18 months through adult classes.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we produce annual performances including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.
Are classes available for beginners?
All our classes accept beginners with structured curricula for skill development.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our Parent Portal or visit our main office in person.
Do you have community outreach programs?
Yes, we partner with local organizations to provide accessible dance opportunities.
Reviews (4)
Jamie Johannsen
Nov 12, 2019
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This is the place for the highest quality dance training and performance opportunity. A wide variety of classes for children and adults taught by highly credentialed instructors. The teachers stress postive personal development and encouragement for all students. You can't get better dance instruction and education in this region.
Tina Johnson
Sep 19, 2019
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This past week I went to Rockford Dance Company to enroll my daughter in Fall sessions. The staff was very unprofessional. While I waited to speak to someone regarding the different classes options, prices, & etc. two staff members discussed an Emily's personal life. The discussion was very "mean girl", stating Emily has been divorced twice before turning 40, fakes being once in a abusive relationship- "why did she desperately try to get this ex back if he was abusive", & is currently in a relationship with a guy who cheats on her, but she puts up with it because this man has money. This was all
Thomas Carlson
Jul 28, 2018
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Classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and numerous other types of dance. For very young kids up through teens and adults. Classes for active seniors and developmentally disabled. Dance is so good for physical and mental development. This is the group that puts on Nutcracker every year. Beautiful facilities. Awesome peer group for kids.
Google User
Oct 23, 2017
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I really disliked my experience here. During the summer my daughter took a four week class. The first week a rude lady tought who was awful, the second week all parents and children were waiting 30min over time and the teacher never showed up. Parents kept going to the office like hello how unprofessional is it for one, no teacher showing up, but two no one was rushing in to fill her spot. Finally someone from the office came to teach, with no good teaching technique, and said the first instructor had quit over the weekend. It should have been sorted out who was going to fill in before our assigned
