Faculty and Staff

Growing up in South Dakota, I explored ballet, tap and acrobatics in private studios, but "It was during one extraordinary semester at South Dakota State University where contemporary dance found me! I wanted everyone to feel the same freedom, joy, fun, and magic with me."

I received a Masters Degree in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and went on to form my own dance company  Margo Ruark and Dancers and toured regionally. The Capital Times reviewer 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." One of the many highlights of my career was being invited as guest artist to The Black Horse Theater in Copenhagen, Denmark and teaching in Copenhagen's Adult Education system. 

Margo Ruark is a member of the Dance Studio Owner's Association Inner Circle and the National Dance Education Association.

In addition to her dance education, Margo holds an MBA from DePaul University. You can read more about Margo Ruark's contributions to dance at margoruark.com

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 has been a familiar face as an assistant instructor in ballet/fusion, Ballet III, beginning acrobatics and Baila Boos as well as help at the front desk two days a week. She has been accepted on a full merit scholarship to Loyola University but will be teaching over the summer and during the fall as her schedule allows.