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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
Itzel Duran and Carolina Lara, Mexican Folklorico
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.
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 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.
Karen Gomez, Hip Hop, Breaking & Crew
Karen Gomez is a distinguished dancer, teacher, and competition judge in the urban dance community, with a specialization in breaking and freestyle. Over her 14-year career, Karen has amassed extensive experience and recognition, performing in national and international events. She has worked with notable groups such as ANVAR, ZIGMA, D42, and SOULBEAT, honing her skills in various urban dance styles, including popping, locking, and house. She has won First Place in the Columbia Hip Hop International Championship as a dancer, choreographer and crew member. Karen's dedication extends to teaching and mentoring, impacting the lives of many young dancers through her work with institutions like Idartes and the Gilberto Alzate Avendaño Foundation, organizing educational programs and festivals to support independent artists in marginalized communities. Additionally, her role as a judge and dancer has taken her to competitions across the globe, from Costa Rica to Slovakia, and most recently judging the Olympic Qualifiers in Breaking in Colombia. Currently based in Chicago, Illinois, Karen continues to share her passion for dance, inspiring the next generation with her expertise and artistic vision.
Karen Gomez teaches Hip Hop, Breaking, and coaches the urban dance crew
Chloe Hernandez, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz
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, Acrobatics
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
Robyn Esperanza McMahan, Acrobatics, Team
Robyn Esperanza McMahan is a dedicated dance instructor and choreographer based in Berwyn, IL. With a strong background in competitive dance, she has been choreographing award-winning dances in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and acro-dance since 2019. Robyn joins our acrobatics team this year with a forte in building dance teams in the recreational setting. Her winning track record reflects her ability to create captivating routines that resonate with both judges and audiences. Her teaching approach focuses on keeping students engaged, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging positive risk-taking to try new skills. Robyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University.
Robyn Esperanza McMahan joins our team with acro-dance.
Julia Patston, Ballet, Hip Hop and Baila Boos Instructor
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.
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
Edith Landeros & Pedro Arteaga Front Desk
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