DANCE CAMPS

<<REGISTERING AGES 8-16 NOW FOR JULY AND AUGUST!!>>

Explore, Create, and Perform — All in One Amazing Week!

Whether you're new to dance or have years of experience, get ready to jump into a fun-filled week of dancing, learning, and making new friends!

Each day is packed with movement, music, and creativity — from ballet and tap to musical theater, hip hop, and variations. Dancers build confidence, coordination, and expressive skills while working together to create original choreography and prepare for a mini performance at the end of the week.

Led by a warm and encouraging team of instructors — Christopher, Myca, Nora, Phairrah, Nailah, and Theresa! — this camp blends structured training with collaborative fun in a supportive environment.

A WEEK OF DANCE!

A WEEK OF DANCE! (AGES 8–16)

INSTRUCTORS: Christopher, Myca, Nora, Phairrah, Nailah, and Theresa!
TIMES: Monday–Friday, 10:15am – 3:30pm
SESSIONS: July 28–August 1 • August 4–8

Try out ballet, tap, hip hop, musical theater, and more in this exciting week-long camp. Each day includes dance classes, choreography time, games, and a chance to perform for friends and family at the end of the week.

Ages: 8 – 16
Attire: Loose, comfortable clothing you can move in
Shoes: Ballet and tap shoes recommended (a few loaner pairs available)
Camp Fee: $295 per week
Meals: Bring a lunch and plenty of hydration!
Location: West Side Show Room, 1414 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

INSTRUCTORS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!