Our Staff
Freedom Academy has a team of over 10 amazing coaches and other staff. Below we will introduce you to our Fairfield Location Staff:
The founder of Freedom Rhythmic Gymnastics and Dance Academy and Flexibility Academy, Lilly Downs, is a former Ukrainian competitive gymnast, Cheerleading National Team member and USA Gymnastics Levels 3-6 New Jersey representative.
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Lilly Downs graduated from The National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine in 2012. After that she moved to the United States where she started her first location in 2014.
Since 2014, Freedom Academy raised many National, Regional and State champions and has trained over 5,000 dancers and athletes from around the world. We have trained TV and Broadway stars (Pressley Hosbach, Ryan Buggle, Sadie Sullivan, Rachel Quiner, Michelle Quiner, etc), many National champions (Quiner sisters, Ivana Radan, Angelina Velardi, etc).
Our Academy has taught over 200 workshops in NJ, NY, PA for some of the finest dance studios and owners. This is something we continue to do and are very proud of our relationships in the competitive dance community.
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Lilly Downs
Under Lilly Downs' ownership, Freedom Academy has grown from one rhythmic gymnastics location to three separate businesses that includes Freedom Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, Freedom Dance Academy and Flexibility Academy.
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"I am beyond proud that we are not only a recreational and competitive sports academy but that we grew into a big community of amazing families, coaches and kids. My biggest goal is to give our children a happy childhood and help our community to raise a successful, powerful, smart, healthy and educated generation through the love of sport." - Lilly Downs
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Maria Filipovych
Maria joined coaching staff at Freedom Academy in 2023. We are proud to have such a prestigious addition to our staff.
Maria graduated Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts as well as Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
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Miss Maria has over 7 years of coaching experience in ballet, dance and gymnastics.
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Lara Gudynets
Lara Gudynets is the general manager of Freedom Academy.
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Lara will field all questions regarding enrollment, schedule, prices, please email her at freedommanagmentnj@gmail.com
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Our Locations
Freedom Dance and Gymnastics Academy
345 Passaic Ave, Fairfield, NJ
Programs offered:
-AcroDance & Contortion
-CheedDance
-Hip Hop Dance
-Rhythmic Gymnastics (beginners only)
-Ballet
-Flexibility and conditioning
-PBT
Freedom Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy
900 American Rd, Morris Plains, NJ
Programs offered:
-Competitive rhythmic gymnastics Levels 3-9
-Xcel rhythmic gymnastics
-Non-competitive rhythmic gymnastics
-Flexibility and conditioning
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Freedom Flexibility Academy
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900 American Rd, Morris Plains, NJ
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345 Passaic Ave, Fairfield,NJ
Programs offered:
-In-Person flexibility and strengthening
-Online flexibility and strengthening
-Workshops (taking reservations from other dance studios)
-Privates
(347)966-7211
Instagram: @flexibilityacademy