Local dancers bring “The Wizard of Oz” to life at Rockford Woman’s Club Theatre
It teaches you so much more than dance.
There’s a special kind of magic that only happens in a live performance. Dancers will tell you that. Parents will tell you that. And after spending time this week with two young local performers preparing for Rockford Dance Company’s production of The Wizard of Oz, I’m convinced of it too.
On Friday, May 15, 2026, a cast of 60 dancers—a number of them from Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit—will take the stage at the historic Rockford Woman’s Club Theatre. Among them are Hononegah High School freshman Landry Piller and Shirland 6th grader Estelle Stromberg, two young talents who have spent nearly their entire lives inside the world of dance.
Both girls joined Rockford Dance Company when they were barely toddlers. Now, nearly a decade later, they speak about the studio the way some talk about a second home. “It builds confidence,” they told me. “It teaches you so much more than dance.” Their mothers echoed that sentiment, describing the studio as a place where discipline, resilience, and friendships grow right alongside technique.
Landry will take the stage as the Tin Man, while Estelle will bring to life a Munchkin, an Emerald City citizen, and one of the mischievous Crows. When I asked them about learning their roles, their faces lit up—not because of the spotlight, but because of the people. The rehearsals, the long nights, the endless repetition… those were the moments they remembered most fondly. “It’s like a family,” they said, and you could tell they meant it.
And make no mistake—this level of performance takes the same commitment you’d expect from any high‑performing athlete. Train, rehearse, repeat. Thousands of times. Every movement sharpened. Every transition drilled. Every emotion practiced until it feels effortless. The cast has been preparing since February, and for many, the journey began even earlier with tryouts, conditioning, and character work.
Estelle’s mother, Sarah Stromberg, shared something that stuck with me. “There was no complaining,” she said. “Not once. And that’s not normal for kids working this hard.” She credits the dancers, of course, but also Director Lucas Segovia, the technical crew, and Costume Coordinator Kristen Gosselin and her team. “They worked like a family,” she said. “Long hours, long days—but happy ones.”
Rockford Dance Company, a nonprofit organization, has been shaping dancers and strengthening community for decades. They offer classes for youth and adults, private lessons, and summer camps in June and July. Their mission is simple but powerful: dance builds stronger bodies, brighter minds, and a more connected community.
Friday night’s performance begins at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. :
Rockford Woman’s Club Theatre
323 Park Avenue
Rockford, IL
Tickets are still available at:
https://www.rockforddancecompany.com/performances/
A heartfelt thank‑you to Landry Piller, Estelle Stromberg, and their mothers Stephanie Piller and Sarah Stromberg for sharing their time. And special thanks to Executive Director Kayla Acton and Operations Coordinator Emmy Stravinskas for their support and insight.
To the entire cast and crew—break a leg tonight. Our community is proud of you. May your performance shine with the grace, beauty, and athleticism you’ve worked so hard to perfect.
