Once upon a time in the magical land of Illinois, a state known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and the mighty Mississippi River, there existed a group of extraordinary kids with a special passion for gymnastics. They were known as the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois. Now, these weren’t your regular gymnastics loving munchkins. Oh no, they could be spotted from a mile away by their neon leotards, sparkling hair bobbles, and the sound of their landings that would shake the ground like a stampeding unicorn. They flipped, twirled, and twisted with such an infectious energy that even the gloomy-looking scarecrows in the cornfields couldn’t help but strike a pose. Leading this pack of pint-sized tumbler tots was an imaginary character named Flopsy the Flip-Flopping Flamingo. With his long, bendy legs and a flair for somersaults, Flopsy was the idol of every Twisting Tornado. He taught them the art of balance, the beauty of a perfect dismount, and most importantly, to always stretch before a routine (or risk becoming a knotted pretzel!). Together, they would turn Illinois into their playground, practicing cartwheels in the Windy City of Chicago and flipping off the edges of Starved Rock cliffs. They drew laughter wherever they went, their energetic performances causing local cows to moo in applause and the cornstalks to shimmy in delight. And so, with their imaginary leader Flopsy, the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois continued to fill their state with the spirit of gymnastics, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of fun. From those blustery Chicago days to the quiet country evenings, Illinois was a state forever made brighter by these tumbling, flipping, laughter-spreading kids.
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
The Actors Gymnasium is a unique training center dedicated to the art of circus and performing arts. Founded in 1995, this center has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere training centers for aspiring performers. Here, people learn to fly - both physically and emotionally. It’s a place where performers can develop their physical abilities and explore a variety of theatrical styles. The Actors Gymnasium is a one-of-a-kind facility that focuses on the art of circus and performing arts. Since its foundation in 1995, the center has grown to become a renowned training center in the nation. In this inviting space, people can hone their skills and push their boundaries in both the physical and emotional realms. It’s a place where they can explore their creativity and discover new ways to express themselves through theatre. The Actors Gymnasium is a unique training center that offers aspiring performers an opportunity to explore their potential. Established in 1995, this center has become one of the nation’s top-rated circus and performing arts facilities. Here, people can learn to fly - both literally and figuratively - as they develop their physical performance skills and break new ground in theatrical exploration. With its encouraging atmosphere, the Actors Gymnasium is a place where creativity and imagination can soar.