MUSICAL THEATER DANCE

Step Into the Spotlight — Musical Theater Dance Starts July 10!

This summer, step into the vibrant world of musical theater dance! Focusing on dynamic choreography and storytelling through movement, these classes build confidence, performance skills, and stage presence—all in a fun and energetic atmosphere.

Led by Stephanie Foster and Nailah Brooks, both accomplished choreographers and performers, you’ll learn routines inspired by favorite shows and create original dance routines!

INTRO TO MUSICAL THEATER DANCE

INTRO TO MUSICAL THEATER DANCE (AGES 8–13)

INSTRUCTORS: Stephanie Foster & Nailah Brooks
TIMES: Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30pm (5 sessions)
DATES: July 10 – August 7

Step into the world of musical theater with a fun mix of show-inspired choreography and original creative moments. This class builds confidence, performance quality, and expressive storytelling through movement—all while dancing to lively music and making friends!

Ages: 8 – 13
Attire: Loose, comfortable clothing suitable for dance
Shoes: Jazz or character shoes recommended
Class Fee: $70 Full Session • $40 (3-Class Pass) • $15 Drop-In
Location: West Side Show Room, 1414 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

INTRO TO MUSICAL THEATER DANCE (Adults/14+)

INSTRUCTORS: Stephanie Foster & Nailah Brooks
TIMES: Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30pm (5 sessions)
DATES: July 10 – August 7

Step into the world of musical theater with a fun mix of show-inspired choreography and original creative moments. This class builds confidence, performance quality, and expressive storytelling through movement—perfect for teens and adults looking to expand their dance skills and share their artistic voice on stage.

Ages: Adults (ages 14+ welcome)
Attire: Loose, comfortable clothing suitable for dance
Shoes: Jazz or character shoes recommended
Class Fee: $70 Full Session • $40 (3-Class Pass) • $15 Drop-In
Location: West Side Show Room, 1414 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

INSTRUCTORS

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.

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.