DANCE AT WSSR
>>SUMMER 2025 DANCE CLASSES + CAMPS ENROLLING NOW!!<<
Discover, Move, Create — All Summer Long!
The West Side Show Room is excited to host a summer of dance classes for kids and adults!
Join us for an incredible lineup of classes, workshops, and camps designed for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your technique, there’s something for everyone. Our talented instructors bring energy, passion, and years of experience to every class.
CLASSES
TAP
Cardio Tap with Theresa Sinks (Adults) | Ongoing
Instructor: Theresa
Learn choreography and routines for community performance. Some tap experience helpful.
Tue + Wed: 9:00–10:00am
Drop-in: $5 • 10-Class Pass: $45 • Free for SilverSneakers
Beginning Tap with Theresa Sinks (Ages 8–Adult) | Ongoing
Instructor: Theresa
Introductory tap class open to all ages.
Tue: 10:15–11:00am
Drop-in: $5 • 10-Class Pass: $45 • Free for SilverSneakers
CAMPS
A Week of Dance! (Ages 8–16) | 2 Sessions | Jul 28-Aug 1 | Aug 4-8
Instructors: Christopher, Myca, Nora, Phairrah, Nailah
Explore ballet, variations, musical theater, tap, and more. Builds skills, creativity, and teamwork through daily activities.
Mon–Fri: 10:15am–3:30pm
Camp Fee: $295
BALLET
Ballet & Beyond (Ages 6–9) | 8 Sessions | Jun 18 - Aug 6
Instructors: Christopher/Myca
Focus on ballet basics, mini combinations, and classical variations. Includes warmup, technique, across-the-floor, and workshop.
Wed: 4–5pm
Full Class: $105 • 5-Class Pass: $70 • 3-Class Pass: $40 • Drop-In: $15
Ballet & Beyond (Ages 10–15) | 8 Sessions | Jun 18 - Aug 6
Instructors: Christopher/Myca
Refine technique, build artistry, and learn ballet variations. Includes 60 min technique + 30 min variations.
Wed: 5–6:30pm
Full Class: $150 • 5-Class Pass: $95 • 3-Class Pass: $55 • Drop-In: $20
Open Ballet (Ages 16+) | 8 Sessions | Jun 17 - Aug 5
Instructors: Christopher/Myca
For dancers with basic to advanced experience. Drop in to stay active and connected.
Tue: 6:30-8pm
Full Class: $150 • 5-Class Pass: $95 • 3-Class Pass: $55 • Drop-In: $20
CREATIVE DANCE
Modern Technique / Creative Process (Adults/14+) | 4 Sessions | Jun 26 - Jul 3
Instructors: Caitlyn + Meghan
Technique, improvisation, composition, and collaboration geared toward adult dancers
Wed + Thu: 6:00–7:30pm
Full Wokshop: $75 • 2 Class Pass: $40 • Drop In $25
Creative Dance Foundations (Ages 8–13) | 2 Sessions | Jun 30 - Jul 1
Instructors: Caitlyn + Meghan
Move, explore, and express! In this two-class workshop, dancers dive into grounded movement, musicality, and creative choreography—with lots of room to make it their own.
Mon + Tue: 5:30–6:30pm
2 Class Workshop: $30 • Drop-In $20
MUSICAL THEATER DANCE
Intro to Musical Theater Dance (Ages 8–13) | 5 Sessions | Jul 10 - Aug 7
Instructors: Stephanie + Nailah
Learn choreography from popular shows, build confidence and storytelling skills.
Thursdays, July 10–Aug 7 — 5:30–6:30pm
Full Class: $70 • 3 Class Pass: $40 • Drop-in: $15
Intro to Musical Theater Dance (Ages 14+) | 5 Classes | Jul 10 - Aug 7
Instructors: Stephanie + Nailah
Learn choreography from popular shows, build confidence and storytelling skills.
Thursdays, July 10–Aug 7 — 6:30–8:00pm
Full Class: $70 • 3 Class Pass: $40 • Drop-in: $15
INSTRUCTORS
Theresa Sinks
Theresa Sinks has been an instructor of Cardio Tap since 2010. She holds several certifications through The Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), BarreVite® and Barre Above.
Theresa is also a certified SilverSneakers FLEX® instructor. Eligible participants can join her classes for free! You can check eligibility at - SilverSneakers
Her focus is working with individuals 50 years old or better but welcomes all adults to join her classes. Theresa loves introducing people to fitness through movement and dance, while concentrating on balance, flexibility, cardio and core strength. She makes keeping in shape enjoyable by teaching fun sequences and routines using great music and creating a safe and positive environment.
Theresa and her Cardio tappers have provided entertainment in the Rockford community by visiting senior living facilities and other venues throughout the community.
Her classes offer a wonderful way to keep one’s heart, body and mind healthy. In addition to improving the fitness level of participants, other benefits include the opportunity to meet new people, relieve stress, and increase energy all in a non-intimidating environment.
CLASSES
Cardio Tap with Theresa Sinks
Beginning Tap with Theresa Sinks
Myca Cumpston
Myca Cumpston started dancing a variety of styles at age six. She then began her classical ballet training at the American Midwest Ballet School, performing alongside the professional company for three seasons and developing a deep passion for dance. She continued her training with Ballet Chicago, Richmond Ballet, Vero Beach Ballet, and Milwaukee Ballet.
In 2018, Myca was invited to join the inaugural season of Milwaukee Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program, where she performed a diverse repertoire with the second company, including iconic works such as George Balanchine’s Serenade. She began her professional career in 2019 with Madison Ballet, where she spent four seasons as a dancer, educator, and arts administrator, advancing through the company and growing her impact both on and off the stage.
After an unexpected change in health, Myca transitioned to focusing on arts administration within dance-focused nonprofit organizations. This led her to Rockford Dance Company, where she served as Office Manager and Instructor until May 2025. While there, she taught students ranging from toddlers to adults and played a key role in the organization’s programming, productions, and culture.
Myca finds great fulfillment in mentoring dancers, creating safe and supportive learning environments, and sharing the invaluable life lessons of dedication and resilience that dance has taught her.
CLASSES
Ballet & Beyond (ages 6 - 9)
Ballet & Beyond (ages 10 - 15)
Open Ballet (ages 16+)
A Week of Dance! (ages 8 - 16)
Christopher Damle
Christopher Damle began his dance training at the age of 12 at the School of Ballet Arizona, where he trained for three years before continuing his studies at the Miami City Ballet Pre-Professional Program for four additional years.
In 2018, Christopher joined Milwaukee Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program and the following year, he began his professional career signing a contract with Milwaukee Ballet's second company, performing in main company productions, engaging in community outreach events, and dancing in a wide range of classical and original works such as George Balanchine's Serenade and August Bournonville's Flower Festival in Genzano.
In 2020, Christopher joined Madison Ballet, where he continued to grow his professional artistry through performing in a diverse repertoire, and discovered a new passion as he began to develop his skills as a dance educator for all ages.
From 2023 to May 2025, he served as the School Director at Rockford Dance Company. In this role, Christopher taught classes, freelanced as a performer, and shared his passion for dance while gaining valuable administrative experience by leading successful dance productions and programming.
Christopher looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers and continues to pursue all avenues of his career with integrity, creativity, and enthusiasm.
CLASSES
Ballet & Beyond (ages 6 - 9)
Ballet & Beyond (ages 10 - 15)
Open Ballet (ages 16+)
A Week of Dance! (ages 8 - 16)
Stephanie Foster
Stephanie Foster began dancing at age 7 under the instruction of Pauline Baker Rodgers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where she studied ballet until attending college at the University of Richmond.
Stephanie has been finding balance through dance her entire life—from making up dances in her living room with neighborhood friends to discovering peace at the ballet barre, and now watching with joy as her tiny ballet students grow into remarkable human beings.
She also has a deep love for her family, tea, computer programming, and cats.
Steph is forever grateful for the community and opportunities WSSR provides for her and others.
CLASSES
Intro to Musical Theater (ages 8 - 13)
Intro to Musical Theater (ages 14+)
Caitlyn Baylor
Caitlyn Baylor graduated from Grinnell College in 2012, where, along with her major in English, she studied Dance and completed her senior Mentored Advanced Project in Choreography, mentored by Celeste Miller, American choreographer and co-founder of Jacob's Pillow's Curriculum-in-Motion Institute. Caitlyn is now a choreographer, modern dancer, and dance educator based in her hometown of Rockford, where she grew up as a student of Rockford Dance Company and Auburn High School's CAPA program.
As a duo with her twin sister, Meghan Baylor, she was named “Performing Artist of the Year” in 2024 by the Rockford Area Arts Council. The duo was also awarded in the category of "Placemaking" in 2021 for their site-specific dance series at Severson Dells Nature Center, "Dance at the Dells." Caitlyn and her sister Meghan were also awarded the summer 2025 Artist-in-Residence at Great Basin National Park by the National Park Service.
Notable recent projects include an evening-length work “All Will Come Again” (co-choreographed by Meghan Baylor, 2024) and "Dance at the Dells" (co-choreographed by Meghan Baylor, 2019-2021). She was also a contributing dance artist to “Alma” (2020) and "Somnium: The Book of Dreams and Nightmares" (2023), both of which were collaborations with international artists that involved transforming industrial spaces into immersive, multidisciplinary performance experiences.
Caitlyn has danced as a company member of Grinnell College Dance Ensemble (2009-2012), Without Shoes Modern Dance Company (2013-present), and Bad Wolf Dance Theatre (2013-2018). In 2024, she was selected among twenty dancers nationwide for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's inaugural "Dance On!" summer intensive.By day, Caitlyn works for the nonprofit bone marrow registry NMDP.
CLASSES
Modern Technique (ages 8 - 13)
Modern Technique/Creative Process (Adults/ages 14+ welcome)
Meghan Baylor
Meghan Baylor is a Rockford-based dance artist and educator. She was a student at Rockford Dance Company and a graduate of Auburn High School’s CAPA dance program. At Grinnell College, she completed a mentored advanced project in Choreography under the mentorship of Celeste Miller of Jacob’s Pillow.
Meghan has been a dance educator in Rockford since 2012, during which time she has taught ballet and modern technique for all levels and ages. She has worked with students at Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Park District, Rockford Public Schools, the Rockford Area Arts Council, Gigi’s Playhouse, Rockford Housing Authority, Easter Seals Therapeutic School, the Booker Washington Center, and Stepping Stones of Rockford.
Meghan was a founding company member with Bad Wolf Dance Theatre from 2013 - 2018. She performs and choreographs for Without Shoes Modern Dance Company. In 2024, Meghan was selected as one of twenty applicants nationwide to participate in Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s inaugural Dance On! summer intensive.
Meghan works closely with her twin sister Caitlyn; together, they are independent choreographers and performers who go by Baylor Twins Move. They have received Rockford Area Arts Awards in the categories of Placemaking (2020) and Performing Artists of the Year (2024) for their original dance works.
Meghan and Caitlyn are thrilled to have been selected as the summer 2025 Artists-in-Residence at Great Basin National Park. Other upcoming projects in 2025 include a site-specific exploration at Severson Dells Nature Center, an original new work for the Chicago Dance Company, and a lecture/performance on memoiristic dance at Grinnell College.
CLASSES
Modern Technique (ages 8 - 13)
Modern Technique/Creative Process (Adults/ages 14+ welcome)
Nailah Brooks
Nailah Brooks is a passionate performer, choreographer, and dance instructor from Rockford, Illinois. Their love for performance began in 2012 with their first theatre experience through the Children's Theatre Project in Rockford. Since then, they have gone on to perform in over 40 productions with a variety of theatre companies, including The Studio, Christian Youth Theatre, Gateway Performing Arts Studio, and RVC Starlight Theatre. As a competitive dancer, they trained and performed with Resilience, Jaqueline's Dance Education Center, Studio 11, Mary Lee’s School of Dance, and Evolve Dance Company.
With a deep love for both dance and musical theatre, Nailah specializes in tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. They began working as a freelance choreographer in 2021, debuting You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and The Addams Family at Auburn High School’s CAPA Theatre Program. Their recent choreography credits include Guys and Dolls (2024), Beetlejuice Jr. (2025), The (Futile) Search for Equilibrium (2025), and Grease (2025).
As a dedicated educator, Nailah finds immense joy in teaching. They believe in creating a supportive, energetic, and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to grow not only as dancers but as confident individuals. Watching young artists discover their voices through movement and storytelling fuels their passion for sharing their craft.
Nailah currently teaches at Rockford Dance Company, Beauty in Motion Dance Arts, and RVC Starlight Theatre, and also works as a character performer with Characters 2 Life.
This fall, Nailah will be attending Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Dance Concentration and a minor in Education and Youth Studies.
They look forward to further refining their artistry and pursuing a professional career in the performing arts.
CLASSES
Intro to Musical Theater (ages 8 - 13)
Intro to Musical Theater (ages 14+)
A Week of Dance! (ages 8 - 16)
Phairra Ahmani Jones
Phairra Ahmani Jones is a professional dancer with over 11 years of experience. Her journey began at Miss Andrea’s Dance Factory during her time at Hononegah High School, where she danced on both the junior varsity and varsity teams, served as captain, and was named team MVP.
She is currently pursuing a BFA in Dance at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts and is a proud member of the Panther Dance Team, where she was recently recognized as team MVP.
Since the age of 16, Phairra has taught at numerous studios throughout Rockford, Illinois, beginning with her home studio and later teaching at Rockford Dance Company. Her passion for dance runs deep, and she credits her family and community for their unwavering support.
This summer, she is thrilled to bring her energy and experience to West Side Show Room.
CLASSES
A Week of Dance! (ages 8 - 16)
Nora Eliff
Nora Eliff is a junior at Rockford University, pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance.
Dance has been a major part of Nora’s life, studying at Delaware Valley Dance Academy growing up.
She is thrilled to be working with the WSSR for the first time!
CLASSES
A Week of Dance! (ages 8 - 16)
Kate Blair
Kate Blair grew up in Decorah, Iowa, frequently visiting Rockford because of her extended family connections here. She moved to Rockford in 2020, & enjoyed blessed times with her grandmothers in their last years of living.
Kate is a graduate of the Luther College theatre/dance program. She is a certified Movement Fundamentals® artist, a Moving for Life Instructor, & trained in Yoga thru Blue Soul Yoga & Breathe for Change.
In Rockford, she has worked as an Outreach Dance Instructor thru Rockford Dance Company. She now also teaches gentle aerobics at Peak Fitness, & online, through Moving for Life.
Kate works as a kindergarten transition support staff in Rockford Public Schools. She is also a gardener and musician, and enjoys singing and playing in a variety of settings.
CLASSES
TBA