Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre  

MURIEL FOSTER (Director) attended the Sammy Dyer School at the age of ten.  She furthered her education in dance under the tutorship of Carl Shook, lead dancer with the "Ballet Russe".  She studeied tap with Chooly atkins, a well renowned choreographer.  Her Professional career began in 1950 as a member of the "Dyerettes", traveling throughout the United Stated, Canada, and the Carribean.  Mrs. Foster has toured with many of the "greats" such as Sarah Vaugn, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole.  The highlight of her career was a national tour with Sammy Davis, Jr.   Since 1960, she has managed the Sammy Dyer School's administration as Deputy Director, and became Director in 1998.  In February 2005, she shared the podium with Joan Gray of the Muntu Dance Theatre, Najwa I of the Najwa Dance Corps, and Joseph Hall of the Joel Hall Dance Center, as an inductee of the HIstory Makers.  In May 2007, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project Board of Directors presented her the "JUBA" Award for lifetime contribution in the field of Dance.  She was also awarded "Woman of the Year" by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Women for 2010-2011.  Her valuable experience, knowledge of show business, and over thirty years in human resources have helped her to develop the school into the artistic monument it is today.

ROBIN EDWARDS (Performing Arts Director, Creative Director-Music, and Tap Instructor) joined the Sammy Dyer family in 1997 as a parent, eventully becoming a student in the Adult Tap class, under Idella Reed-Davis, and later joining the Staff in 2000 as a Musical Theater and Tap Instructor.  Her career in Music had a novel beginning when at the age of 6, she began playing piano by ear, later studying at Mayfair Academy and the American Conservatory of Music.  She went on to expand her artistry into the Performing Arts, writing productions and seeing them performed on stage, serving as Performing Arts Director at the Notre Dame HIgh School for Girls, St. Bernardine School, and presently Sammy Dyer.  Robin has traveled the United States, Europe, and Haiti as an accomplished songwriter and worship leader.  Currently, she is the Director of Emerging Leaders in the Arts, a training institute committed to the leadership progress and success of the artist.  

RON WILSON (Instructor-Ballet/Jazz)   While being an instructor at Sammy Dyer, Ron Wilson has choreographed for local artists, industrial, and theater companies.  This AMAZINGLY CREATIVE dancer, born in New York and reared in Chicago, has danced with the Joel Hall Dancers and toured in Austraalia and Europe, serving as dance captain.  Ron's Musical Theater credits include the Marriot's "Showboat", "Dream Girls", "West Side Story", "The King and I", The Goodman Theater's "Faust" and "Five Guys Named Moe".  He has also performed at the Barn Theater, The Vic Theater, and the Civic Opera House.

CHARLES MCGREGORY (Instructor-Tumbling/Acro)

RYAN EDWARDS (Instructor-Tap) - Ryan began her dance training at the Sammy Dyer School, under the direction of Elaine Blair, Cristin Carole, Ron Wilson, and Idella Reed-Davis.  As a student, Ryan participated in the Cultural Exchange and several workshops with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.   Ryan also trained with and was chosen to perform as a member of the M.A.D.D. Rhythms "Wrecking Crew".  In addition to Tap, Ryan donates her time teaching Hip Hop for school and church programs.

CALVON THOMAS (Instructor-Hip Hop)-Calvon Thomas has been dancing in the genre of Hip-Hop for over a decade. His journey and love for the art of dance began in church, branched over into college to be the President of the CSU DanceWorks organization, which lead to his instructing Career. House Arrest 2 C.D.T. is where majority of his entry level training to being a Movement Specialist began. He now teaches dance classes all over Chicago, and surrounding suburbs. Some of his dance credits have been Kandi Burress, Dhoom 3 (A Bollywood film), many music videos for local artists in The ChicagoLand, Music Festivals, and Fashion Shows.

 DIANE THOMPSON (Administrative/Office Assistant)

ELAINE BLAIR (Assistant Director and Creative Director-Ballet/Lyrical/Jazz) began her training with Enid Collins, later studying at the Sammy Dyer School, Joel Hall, Alvin Ailey, and Columbia College, where she earned her B.A. Degree in Dance.  She has taught and performed in many of the Cultural Exchange Programs with the Bahamas Dance Theatre.  Elaine has opened for musical acts such as Sister Sledge and the Spinners, at the Arie Crown Theatre, in addition to television and film performances.  Presently, she is the Director of the Dance Department at Carver Military Academy.

IDELLA REED-DAVIS (Assistant Performing Arts Director and Creative Director-Tap) began her training at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre under the tutelage of Mrs. Shirley Hall-Bass, Mrs. Muriel Foster, and Mr. Ted Levy.  She is recognized as both a skillful artist and one of Chicago's most sought after Tap instructors.  Idella has been featured in numerous Tap festivals throuout the United States and Europe, including Heidelberger Steptanz Festival, Jazz Tap Ensemble's Tribute to the Nicholas Brothers, The Michigan Tap Festival, Tappin' in the Twin Cities, and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.   In May 2011, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project presented her the "JUBA" Award for lifetime contribution in the field of Tap Dance.  

JUMAANE TAYLOR (Instructor-Tap) has been dancing since the age of 7.  He began his instruction at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre.  This experience has helped broaden his horizon as a dancer.  Jumaane has done numerous performances with ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. and won first place in the annual All Chicago Tap Off.  Jumaane has performed with Bril Barrett and Martin Dumas III in festivals all over the U.S.  He has had the opportunity of studying and sharing the stage with Savion Glover, Dianne "Lady Di" Walker, Sam Weber, Robert Reed, Van Payne, Jr., Jay Fagan, and Ted Levy.  As a performer, Jumaane has taken the stage at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and has traveled to the Oklahoma, Florida, Chicago, St. Louis, and Michigan Tap Festivals.  Currently, he is teaching, choreographing, and performing with M.A.D.D. Rhythms, founded by Bril Barrett and Martin Dumas III.  Together they will teach the world how to Tap.

ROGER FRANKLIN (Tumbling Coach) is the Director of the Tumbling/Acro program for Sammy Dyer students through the Chi-Town Champions cooperative program. He has coached Junior Olympic gymnastics and Power Tumbling competitively for more than 30 years. He has been recognized as United States Tumbling Association’s Coach of the Year and has remained an active member of the Sammy Dyer Family since his 10^th birthday. He has an extensive background in computer database design, motivational speaking, and Martial Arts. Serving as Shekinah Glory Healing and Perfecting Center Finance Minister, he also conducts Financial Literacy workshops for churches and schools. Mr. Franklin strongly believes in Equipping and Empowering adults and children for success.

Coach Roger@ChitownChampions.com.

DONNETTA "LilBit" JACKSON (Instructor-Foot Working)

COURTNEY PLEAS (Instructor-Ballet/Jazz/Tumbling)

REGINA PERRY-CARR (Instructor-African Dance)