Ms. Rybicki is Regina Dominican’s newest dance teacher! She has degrees from Loyola University and New York university. She came to Chicago from the state of Massachusetts.

Where did you previously live? What did you do there?

I am from Danvers, Massachusetts, and I lived there until I moved to Chicago to go to college. After college, I moved to New York City to go to graduate school at NYU. I did a lot of studying and a lot of dancing! I also did a lot of exploring, particularly in the Village, and saw a lot of great dance performances.

What college did you go to? What was your experience there and what advice would you give current seniors?
I went to undergrad at Loyola, right in Regina’s backyard! I had the time of my life in college, although I did have a rough start Freshman year and felt like I couldn’t get into my groove. My advice would be to get involved with anything and everything that peaks your interest as soon as you can. You have nothing to lose and will make such great friends.

What do you do in your free time?
I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I get it, I love to go to yoga or a workout class and spend time with my friends. We usually try new restaurants or find something fun to do in the city. I also FaceTime my dog who lives back in MA.

What is your favorite type of music and why?
As a dancer, I am attracted to all types of music – anything that moves me, really. My dad is also a musician, so I was exposed to a lot of different varieties at a young age. Bruce Springsteen was my first love. I listen to a lot of hip hop and alternative artists these days. Nothing beats country in the summertime with the windows down, though!

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a dancer. Some things never change!

If you weren’t doing this job what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a dance teacher, I would be doing something in the medical field. Doctors and nurses do amazing things and I love learning about the body.

Do you have any funny/embarrassing stories from high school?
One time in PE we had just finished a CPR unit, and my teacher wanted to see how well we would do with our new life-saving skills. The teacher told my friend Lexi to fake having a heart attack without any of us knowing. Lexi “fainted” in the middle of class and I burst into tears. I was totally not helpful in “saving” her and learned that I need to stop being so emotional and work on my reaction time.

If you could bring 3 people to dinner, who would they be and why?
I never know how to answer this question. Today, the three people would be my great grandmother, President Barack Obama, and Beyonce. My great grandmother because she valued education and had a very interesting life. I would love to know where the line of amazing, hard-working women in my family originated from. President Barack Obama because I have loved the way he has led our country and hope that he would bring Michelle with him. Beyonce because the answer is always Beyonce…and I want to hear about all that goes into her productions.

If the world was ending, what would your last meal be?
Watermelon.

If you could travel anywhere where would you go?
I went to Uganda in 2014 and would love to go back and explore more of Africa. I also want to be on the beach at all hours of the day, so anywhere with salt water is great with me.