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 studied tap with Cholly Atkins a well renown choreographer. Her professional career began in 1950 as a member of the "Dyerettes," traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Mrs. Foster has toured with many of the "greats" of show business such as Sarah Vaughn, 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 presented her the "JUBA" Award for lifetime contribution in the field of dance from the Board of Directors. 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 and 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.

ELAINE BLAIR (Creative Director - Ballet/Lyrical and Jazz) began her training with Enid Collins, then later studied 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 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 DAVIS (Creative Director - Tap) began her training at the Sammy School of the Theatre under the tutelage of Mrs. Shirley Hall-Bass, Mrs. Muriel Foster, and Mr. Teddy Levy. She is recognized as both a skillful artist and one Chicago's most sought after tap instructors. Idella has been featured in numerous Tap festivals throughout 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 from the Board of Directors. Idella is currently an active member of the Spirit of David Adult Dance Ministry of the Salelm Baptist Church of Chicago.

JEENA BRADLEY (Creative Director - Acrobatics, Performing Arts Coordinator) began and studied dance and acrobatics at the age of ten. She continued developing her skills at the Rainbow Beach Community Center, park districts, and high school teams. She also studied at Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre under Roger Franklin and Mrs. Shirley Hall-Bass. After receiving her Masters Degree, she continued to train over 4600 youths for public and private programs. Students whom she has trained, have placed 1st in regional and national level competitions. She was awarded most outstanding youth service award from the Cook County Juvenile Court Presiding Judge. She also coached the CSU Jr. Dance Team and the students at St. Jude Educational Institute.

ROBIN EDWARDS (Creative Director of Music and Tap Instructor) joined the Sammy Dyer family in 2000 as an assistant vocal coach. Her career had a novel beginning when, at the age of four, she began to play the piano on her own by ear. Later she studied at Mayfair Academy and the American Conservatory of Music. Robin is currently the Director of Music for Christian Concepts International Ministries as well as an accomplished worship leader and songwriter.

RASHEDA GAITHER (Instructor - Performing Arts and Acrobatics) studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics under Shirley Hall-Bass, Joel Hall, Joseph Holmes, Joe Tremaine, Carlton Smith and David Torrente. She has directed and choreographed Youth Groups that performed at Walt Disneyland and placed in Regency, Applause and Tremaine Competitions. She was a member of the Chicago State University's CheerleaderTeam and the University of Illinois Circle Campus Dance Team. Rasheda has trained over 2,000 children in ballet, jazz, tumbling and modern dance for the Chicago Park District, Citywide Organizations, Churches and Private Schools across the Chicagoland Area. She currently teaches dance at the St. Jude Educational Institute. After receiving a M.S. degree and working as a scientist by trade she currently teaches at Sammy Dyer School with great pride.

CRISTIN CAROLE (Instructor - Ballet) began her dance training at Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre in Chicago. She went on to study Classical Ballet with Elizabeth Boitsov and Modern Dance with Tim Buckley and Doug Wood. Cristin has performed professionally, and has choreographed for various organizations and venues in the Bahamas including the National Dance Company. While living in the Bahamas, she passed The Royal Academy of Ballet's Instructor's Exam. In 2005, she staged the opening event of the Central American and Caribbean Games in Nassau with a cast of 200. After several years working as a Dance Educator, in both public and private schools, Cristin became interested in the possibilities of Arts Integration in education. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Columbia College in 2000. As an Arts Integration Specialist, Cristin has been a faculty member of the City Colleges of Chicago, The College of the Bahamas, and is presently faculty of the Columbia College Chicago's Graduate Program in Education. In 2005, Cristin joined the Education and Community Engagement staff of the Joffrey Ballet as a Teaching Artist and Curriculum Development Consultant under the direction of Pierre Lockett. In addition to her work with Joffrey, Cristin recently founded A.S.H.E. (Arts Support Holistic Education) which provides services for granting institutions, schools and teaching artists interested in Arts Education. She is also the proud sponsor of the Dyer-Bass Award in memory of Sammy Dyer and her great aunt Shirley Hall Bass.

RON WILSON (Instructor - Ballet and Jazz) teaches jazz at Sammy Dyer and around the Chicago area. He has also choreographed for local artists, industrials and theater companies. This creativity emotional dancer, born in New York and reared in Chicago, danced with the Joel Hall Dancers and toured in Australia and Europe serving as dance captain. Ron's musical theater credits include the Marriot's "Showboat" and "Dream Girls", "West Side Story", "The King and I", The Goodman Theater's "Faust" and "Five Guys Named Moe". He performed at The Barn Theater, The Vic Theater, and The Civic Opera House.

SHAFEQAH BOLDEN (Instructor - Ballet/Lyrical and Jazz) is a former student of Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre. She began her dance training at the age of 5 at Bell Dance School in Chicago. She enhanced her training at Joseph Holmes, Joel Hall, KMG Cultural Dance Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre in the areas of ballet, lyrical, modern dance, tap, and jazz. She has had over 12 years experience choreographing ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance for productions as well as competitions. Her dance performances include Disneyland in California, Disney World in Florida, the Jenny Jones show as well as performances in Las Vegas, Ohio, Missouri and the Bahamas. After receiving her MEd. Degree, she continues assisting as an all-around instructor and choreographer at Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre.

ADELIA GIVENS (Musical Theatre & Tumbling Assistant) is a graduate of Columbia College and has been involved in dance and theater throughout her life. She is an alumni of Sammy Dyer and is proud to be a part of the Sammy Dyer teaching staff. When she attended Sammy Dyer as a student years ago, she performed in numerous shows. She has also performed professionally as a dancer, singer, and actor for the Taste of Chicago, Chicago State University, E.T.A., and in New York. Her theater credits include: "Dream Girls", "Sweet Charity", "Suddenly Last Summer", "Everyman", E.T.A productions "Home", the musical "Stoops", and "Fingernails Across the Chalkboard". Adelia has been blessed with remarkable performance talent and she thanks God for giving her this talent and allowing her to showcase it. She would also like to thank her mom and sisters for always being loving and very supportive.

TASHA GIBSON (Instructor - Jazz) has been a part of the Sammy Dyer Family for 15 years. She received the majority of her dance training from the late Shirley Hall-Bass, Ted Levy, Ron Wilson, Elaine Blair, and Idella Davis. Tasha has performed throughout the United States as well as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and West Indies. She is a member of Rhythm Iss and Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago. Currently, she is a dance instructor for the Chicago Public School System.

JUMAANE TAYLOR (Instructor - Tap) is a young tap dancer who has been dancing since the age of 7. He began studying tap at Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre. This experience has helped broaden his horizon as a dancer. Since then, Jumaane has done numerous performance 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. Jumaane has also traveled to Oklahoma, Florida, and Michigan to dance at tap festivals. He danced at the St. Louis tap festival and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. 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.

HARRIET DAVIS-SLAUGHTER (Instructor - Ballet and Acrobatics) studied Ballet, Tap, and Acrobatics under Sammy Dyer, Shirley Hall-Bass, Muriel Wilson-Foster, and Geraldine Johnson. Credited to the exceptional dance training received from SDS, Harriet was invited through audition to study Classical Ballet at Stone and Cameron (Chgo.), Ruth Page/Larry Long (Chgo.), Ruth Bockman (Chgo.), Harriet Ross (Chgo.), DTH (NYC), Bryant (Chgo.), Frank Freeman (Peoria, IL), and the Chicago Park District Elite Team Coaches. Harriet is a USAG professional member, Jr. Olympic Certified Coach, and is Safety Certified through USA Gymnastics. She has served as review panelist with the Dept. of Cultural Affairs for the Community Arts Assistance Program and directed Dance Therapy Programs for Chicago Dept. on Aging and Disability. Teaching experience includes SDS, Mayfair Academy, Hyde Park Dance Ctr., Hyde Park Jewish Community Ctr., Chicago State University, Better Boys Foundation, Private and Public Schools in Chicago, and the Chicago Park District. Harriet has directed and choreographed many culturally recognized performances throughout Illinois and Indiana, and here recently served as director of the liturgical dance ministries at Morning Star Baptist Church and New Covenant M.B. Church. Bringing a wealth of experience, Harriet is proud to be a member of the SDS staff.

LATONYA HOUSTON (Instructor - Hip Hop) is the National Vice President of HAZ Championship Dance Team Inc. She is also the former President of the Original chapter founded in Chicago. In additon, she has been involved in the Hip Hop industry for over 15 years, has a B.A. Degree in Computer Science Business Information Systems and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

FRAULINE Y. MILLER (Administrative Assistant) has had a long association with Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre since enrolling her daughter in 1959. Miller's dynamic energy and work ethic quickly entrenched her in the activities and administration of the school. Initially, she served as a member and officer of the parents' club. She has chapaeroned performing arts groups and had a major hand in the "Kiddy Cabaret" productions, in addition to front office responsibilities. Since then, Miller has managed public relations for the school, organized volunteers and participated in the Cultural Exchange Program with the Bahamas Dance Theatre and Freeman School of Gymnastics since 1966. She was a founding member of the board when Sammy Dyer achieved non-profit status in 1968.

OFFICE STAFF AND ASSISTANT TEACHER

DIANE THOMPSON - LADONNA MORELAND

DIRECTOR

Muriel Foster

MUSICAL THEATRE

Robin Edwards - Adelia Givens

BALLET

Elaine Blair - Shafeqah Bolden

Cristin Carole - Harriet Davis-Slaughter

TAP

Idella Davis - Robin Edwards

Tasha Gibson - Jumanne Taylor

JAZZ

Elaine Blair - Shafeqah Bolden

Tasha Gibson - Ron Wilson

ACROBATICS

Jeena Bradley - Rasheda Gaither

Harriet Davis-Slaughter

HIP HOP

Latonya Houston

PERFORMING ARTS

Jeena Bradley - Rasheda Gaither

ASSISTANT TEACHER

LaDonna Moreland

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Frauline Miller

CONSULTANT

Sheryl DuPree

FRONT OFFICE

Diane Thompson