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Faculty and Staff
Margo Ruark, Studio Owner and Artistic Director
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, Acrobatics
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 is now the head instructor of our acrobatics program. In addition to beginning and advanced acrobatics, she teaches our youngest performers, the Baila Boos creative dance group. Alexis is in the Early Childhood Education program at Loyola University, Chicago.
Alexis Holmes, Acrobatics Instructor
Stacy Medina Dance, Pilates and Yoga Instructor
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 Lara and Itzel Duran, Mexican Folklorico
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, Ballet and Acrobatics Instructor
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.
Amy Gomez, "My Body is a Cage" 2023 Legacy Dance Championships. Amy teaches Ballet I.
Pamela Compasio, Piano & Violin Instructor
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