Faculty and Staff

Margo Ruark began her dance training in South Dakota, studying ballet, tap, and acrobatics in private studios. As she often says, "It was during one extraordinary semester at South Dakota State University that contemporary dance found me—and wouldn't let go."

She earned a Master of Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and went on to found Margo Ruark and Dancers, touring original contemporary works throughout the Midwest. Reviewing one of her performances, The Capital Times wrote: "Ruark knows how to set it up, and play it for what it's worth. With her technical prowess she can accomplish virtually anything she imagines, and it's evident she does just that."

Among the highlights of her performing career were serving as a guest artist at the Black Horse Theater in Copenhagen, Denmark, and teaching contemporary dance through Copenhagen's Adult Education program.

Today, Margo is the founder and artistic director of the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago and owner of ¡Baila Conmigo! / Dance With Me. She is a member of the Dance Studio Owners Association Inner Circle and the National Dance Education Organization. She is also recognized nationally for developing the Collage Method, an innovative approach to creating original youth dance theater that empowers young dancers to become storytellers through movement.

Amy Gomez has been dancing since age 3, and has been a private student of Margo Ruark's in ballet, pointe and contemporary dance since 2016. She has developed into an award winning soloist, placing first in the Dupree Dance Competition October 2022, also placing third with her solo Riots, the solo My Body is a Cage and third with the New Beginnings Duet with Alexis Holmes at the Legacy Dance Regional Championships Spring 2023. Amy teaches Ballet I, Ballet II, and Ballet/Hip Hop combination classes. She is in the nursing program at Loyola University 

Alexis Holmes is a Region 5 Level 10 gymnastics champion, and in summer 2024 was part of the team that competed in the National Championships.  This Olympic hopeful is no stranger to the studio. Alexis heads up our acrobatics program. In addition to beginning and advanced acrobatics, she has introduced the combination class of acrobatics & hip hop, and teaches our youngest in the parent-tot tumbling classes. Her dedication to children is undeniable! Alexis is a recent graduate of the Early Childhood Education program at Loyola University, Chicago.

Carolina Lara is a passionate instructor of Mexican Folklórico, teaching both beginner and advanced levels with energy, authenticity, and heart. A proud cultural ambassador, she shares, “I love Mexican Folklórico because it allows me to express my heritage and where I come from through movement—and I simply love to dance!”

Carolina is an active member of La Academia Mexican Dance Academy Ensemble, a professional touring company that has brought her to stages across Mexico and Europe. She brings back vibrant music, new choreography, and inspiring ideas to her students, always keeping her classes rooted in tradition while infused with fresh creativity.

We’re thrilled to welcome Andrea Rivera to our faculty team this fall! Originally from Dallas, she grew up as a studio dancer and went on to get her dance training at Smith College’s renowned dance program. There, she trained in folklorico, and honed her skills in contemporary, hip hop, kickline, and Latin dance under nationally recognized mentors. She also completed summer intensives with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Platinum National Dance Convention.

As a teaching artist and choreographer, Andrea believes in using dance to tell stories and make the world a better place by building community and helping dancers grow. Praised for her stage presence and undeniable energy, she can’t wait to share her love for dance with our students.