Welcome to the Royal Rhythmic Academy of Minnesota
Where Passion for Gymnastics Comes to Life
Our Coaches
All of our coaches at Royal Rhythmic Academy are professionally certified members of USA Gymnastics. They all carry a safety, first-aid, and CPR certification along with training in SafeSport. Our number one goal is to create a fun, safe environment for children to reach their full potential. Meet the staff!
Angelika Rose- Program Coordinator
Angelika started gymnastics at age 4, being coached by our head coach, Marina Gladkova. Angelika competed for 10 years in many national and international events. Her coaching career started at age 10 and she's been coaching girls of all levels and ages ever since. She specializes in apparatus work and routine choreography. Angelika is a certified USA Gymnastics judge and has judged a number of state, regional, national, and international competitions, for both rhythmic gymnastics and Special Olympics. Angelika's favorite part about her job is being able to work with parents, students, and other coaches to create a successful program were gymnasts can reach their full potential. Angelika is currently finishing up nursing school. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her cats and enjoying the outdoors.
Marina Gladkova- Head Coach
Marina started her career in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 3 and it has been at the center of her life ever since. As a gymnast, she competed in the former Soviet Union, becoming a national and European Champion. She became international Master of Sport and obtained masters degree in Pedagogy and Physical Education.
Following her retirement as a competitive gymnast, Marina coached at the Moscow Olympic Training Center for 15 years and was then invited to the United States to introduce the sport to the country. She was one of the four original coaches in the United States! Landing in Minneapolis, MN, Marina started her school, Rhythmic Gymnastics Center Russe, in 1991, and raised many national champions. She is the pioneer of rhythmic gymnastics in Minnesota, helping give rise to four other schools in the Twin Cities. She was the first coach of nationally recognized gymnasts and national team members including Joyce Lu, Leah Collens, Kiana Eide, Sofia Popova, Serena Lu, Erica Foster, and more. Marina believes in building a strong base with proper technique, using original methods of instruction while letting children fall in love with rhythmic.
Khumoyan Sultanova- Ballet Instructor
Mrs. Khumoyan Sultanova is the ballet instructor at our rhythmic gymnastics school, bringing with her a rich background in both performance and dance education. Her journey into the world of movement began with synchronized swimming, but she soon found her true passion in ballet. She graduated from the Higher School of National Dance and Choreography Academy in Uzbekistan as a professional ballet dancer.
Mrs. Sultanova danced with the Bolshoi Theater of Uzbekistan and toured internationally, performing in Korea, Russia, and China. Alongside her performing career, she has taught ballet at private schools, working closely with children and nurturing young dancers. She has also served as a judge at numerous dance competitions, lending her expertise to the broader dance community.
She believes that ballet is the foundation of all dance and gymnastics, offering training in precision, body alignment, and movement quality. Her greatest joy is helping students discover their strength and confidence through the discipline and artistry of ballet. Her passion and experience make her an invaluable part of our program.