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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
Carolina and Itzel originally came to us from the Morton East High School Folkloric Dance Club and after graduating May 2024, are returning to run our Mexican Folklorico program. 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 and Europe 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!
Carolina Lara and Itzel Duran join our team to lead Mexican Folkloric classes.
We're thrilled to announce that Kate Dylong has joined our faculty as Hip Hop Instructor. Kate began dancing at age four at none other than the Peggy Rose Academy of Dance! Since then, Kate has trained in many dance styles: ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Kate captained her high school and college dance teams, winning state and national titles. She has danced professionally with Ballet Legere, performing in various roles in The Nutcracker for over 20 years. Kate majored in dance at Columbia College and was a founding member of Chicago’s BOOM CRACK! Hip Hop Dance Company, performing with them on Oprah’s 25th Anniversary. Kate has danced as a background dancer with The Black Eyed Peas and performed concert pieces with principal members of the Joffrey Ballet. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Kate helps students succeed technically while fostering a love for dance.
Kate Dylong teaches Hip Hop.
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.
Chloe Hernandez brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for dance to our studio. Beginning Fall 2024, she teaches Ballet III, Ballet IV and pointe on Tuesdays and Contemporary and Broadway Jazz on Wednesdays.
Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and an Associates in Dance from Harold Washington College. Chloe has honed her skills under the tutelage of esteemed instructors and participated in prestigious programs, including multiple Ballet Summer Intensives with the Joffrey Ballet and four years in the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker Children’s Cast.
Chloe Hernandez joins our team teaching ballet, contemporary and jazz.
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. Alexis is in the Early Childhood Education program at Loyola University, Chicago.
Alexis Holmes, 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 Giving Tree Early Learning Center and has served as assistant teacher at Intuit Dance since 2018. Julia is teaching Ballet I, Ballet II, Hip Hop I, and 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.
Starting as interns through the Youth Crossroads Workforce Development program, front desk associates Pedro Arteaga and Edith Landeros have now become valued members of our dance community. Edith and Pedro assist with registration, marketing the studio's programs and working behind the scenes to improve operations. 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
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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