The Rockford DanceMakers Festival (RDMF) celebrates professional choreographers in the Stateline area by producing their work in annual showcases that entertain, challenge, move, and inspire.

For its debut, the RDMF will present two public performances on Friday, March 20 at 7 pm and Saturday, March 21 at 6 pm at the RPL Nordlof Center’s J.R. Sullivan Theater, offering Rockford audiences a rich and varied experience of concert dance. Following the opening-night performance, there will be a Q&A with the choreographers on stage.

The inaugural program will feature original works by ten professional choreographers from the Rockford area and surrounding region, along with special guest Winifred Haun & Dancers. An award-winning choreographer and dancer based in Chicago and Oak Park, Winifred Haun will also host a master class on Saturday, March 21 at 1 pm at Rockford Dance Company.

Rockford DanceMakers Festival 2026 Lineup:
Baylor Twins Move (Caitlyn Baylor & Meghan Baylor)
Ella Lakey
Eona Carey*
Faith Minneyfield
Gina T'ai
Jenny Vause
Maria E. Castello
Michelle R. Stolberg
Penna Broman
Without Shoes Modern Dance Company
*Winifred Haun & Dancers