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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 and wouldn't let go!"
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
Margo Ruark is the Studio Owner & Artistic Director
Photo: Joel Gonzalez, story curator, weourstory
Alexis Holmes is a Region 5 Level 10 gymnastics champion, and in summer 2022 was part of the team that placed second overall 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 teaches our youngest in the parent-tot tumbling classes. Alexis is in the Early Childhood Education program at Loyola University, Chicago.
Alexis Holmes, Acrobatics
Stacy comes to us as an experienced dance educator, performer and choreographer. She has worked with special populations over the years using dance, yoga and other movement approaches. She earned her BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and has certifications in Comprehensive Power Pilates, and Anxious to Awesome(TM) children's yoga. Previously, Stacy served as an Assistant Dance Director and Instructor with the Glen Ellyn Park District, teaching modern, jazz, creative movement, and ballet to students, and organized their many dance recitals. She has won many awards and scholarships for dance and been active in independent choreography and performance in Chicago, Portland, and abroad.
Stacy Medina joins our team as instructor in contemporary, hip hop, Pilates, and Mommy & Me classes
Carolina and Itzel come to us from the Morton East High School Folkloric Dance Club with glowing recommendations from their faculty advisors. Carolina says “I love Mexican Folklorico dance, because I get to express my culture and where I come from in a dancing form, and I love to dance in general!" Itzel has been dancing Mexican Folklorico dance for nine years. She says, "The reason why I love dancing is because it brings me closer to my Mexican roots! Every time I’m on stage dancing, I feel like a different person, meaning, less shy!” Both dancers toured Mexico with La Academia Mexican Dance Academy Ensemble over the summer and will be bringing back lots of fresh fun ideas and great music for our students! They will start a performing competitive group at our studio if interest exists.
Carolina Lara and Itzel Duran join our team to lead Mexican Folkloric classes.
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 co-teaches Acrobatics. She is in the nursing program at Loyola University
Amy Gomez, "My Body is a Cage". Amy teaches Ballet and co-teaches acrobatics.
Julia Patston has been dancing since age 3, and over the years has performed a number of lead roles in Oak Park local productions of The Nutcracker and at the College of DuPage. Julia is currently on the faculty of the Oak Park Park District pre-school program and has served as assistant teacher at Intuit Dance since 2018. Julia is teaching the new weekday classes of Ballet I, Ballet II, Hip Hop I, Baila Boos as well as taking over Ballet/Fusion. She is finishing her studies in early childhood education at the College of DuPage.
Julia Patston teaches preschool dance ages 2-6, ballet, and hip hop.
Pamela Compasio began playing piano at the age of 7 and by age 9, had also taken up the violin. Her dedication to music led her to pursue a double major in violin and piano at Western Illinois University, complemented by a minor in the bassoon. She is currently an active member of the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra, the West Suburban Chamber Ensemble, and the Symphony of Oak Park/River Forest.
Pamela Compasio, Piano and Violin Instructor
We extend a warm welcome to Pedro Arteaga and Edith Landeros as valued members of our dance community and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Youth Crossroads for the opportunity to collaborate on their internship at the studio! Besides working the front desk, they will be assisting with marketing the studio's programs and organizing the spring recital. Pedro says "I take pleasure in lending a hand to those in need and enjoy entertaining kids." Similarly, Edith shares her excitement about joining our close-knit community: "I'm delighted to be part of this vibrant community. I love working with kids and meeting new people and excited to see our little dancers dance!"
Edith Landeros & Pedro Arteaga started their internship February 1, 2024.
We're always on the lookout for passionate, energetic, and experienced teachers and staff to join our rock star team.
If you are interested in working with us, email us your resume, detailing your experience. We'd also love to hear from you in at least 250 words why you'd like to join our inspiring team of teachers and staff. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our email address is info@dancewithme.fun.
Copyright © 2024 ¡Baila Conmigo!/Dance With Me! - All Rights Reserved.
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Winners announced during intermission at the spring recital!