Time to Dance (TTD), dedicated to enriching the health and quality of life for adults age 50+ through dance, is excited to host its first-ever Free Day of Dance at the North Shore School of Dance, 505 Laurel Ave., 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14. On this day, guests will be able to enjoy 20-minute classes in each of four genres: ballet, modern, tap and dance fitness. Those with and without prior dance experience are welcome.
TTD’s Free Day of Dance will have a morning session (10 a.m.-12 noon) and afternoon session (1:30-3:30 p.m.). Each session will be preceded by a 30-minute orientation/check-in period, followed by four 20-minute classes with 10-minute transition times in between to rest, chat with fellow students, and grab water before moving onto the next genre. Following each session there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to chat with instructors and TTD staff.
TTD's Lynne Belsky conducting a ballet class. Photo courtesy of Time To Dance
Instructors for TTD’s Free Day of Dance will include Co-Founders Dr. Lynne Belsky (ballet) and Lisa Gold (modern) plus TTD Faculty Lorraine Chase (tap) and Penny Brichta (dance fitness).
“Studies show that structured dance is medically therapeutic and has direct benefits that include increased stability, muscle strength, improved reaction time, cognitive improvements, tactile and motor skills performance, perceptual abilities and overall wellbeing,” says Dr. Belsky, physician and former Joffrey Ballet dancer. “But even more important…it’s fun! So, we are thrilled to offer this free opportunity to experience the joy of movement, enjoy a new outlet for artistic expression and maybe discover a new community of friends.”
“For as long as I can remember, dance has been a part of my life,” says Gold. “I love the way it keeps you in the moment, encourages one to set new goals and creates a sense of camaraderie among classmates. These things are of value to anyone at any age so with that in mind, we’ve dedicated TTD to provide dance classes geared to older adults. This demographic is frequently at a loss when looking for dance classes that welcome their participation and appreciate what they CAN do. TTD is proud to help fill that void in the context of a welcoming community eager to share joy, not judge.”
Classes for TTD’s Free Day of Dance are free, however advance registration is requested. Walk-ins will be accommodated as capacity allows. Accommodation is available for those with health-related issues or who have physical limitations. Class participants should wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. Footwear options include socks, ballet shoes or gym shoes. Registration is via EventBrite. For more information, visit time-to-dance.org.
Time to Dance (TTD), now in its sixth year, offers classes year-round at the North Shore School of Dance and on Zoom. It is dedicated to enriching the health and quality of life for adults age 50+ through dance education, research, and performance. Co-founder Lynne Chervony Belsky, M.D., is a former dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and a Highland Park physician. Co-founder Lisa Gold is a dance instructor and owner of Highland Park’s North Shore School of Dance. Together they founded the nonprofit CBG Institute for Dance and Health, now known as Time to Dance. Sharing the vision of a community that conquers ageism by encouraging and supporting senior citizens in their artistic endeavors, they teach Time to Dance classes in Gold’s studio, located a block from the downtown Highland Park Metra station. CBG Institute for Dance and Health (DBA Time to Dance) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information about TTD visit time-to-dance.org, call 847.512.7176 and visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Time to Dance gratefully acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the Highland Park Community Foundation and the Fun Fund.
Free Day of Dance - April 14, 2024
Instructor Bios
Dr. Lynne Belsky (Co-Founder/ballet), grew up in Wilmette and took ballet classes in Chicago, Highland Park and Highwood before moving to New York City as a teen where she became a professional dancer with the Joffrey Ballet. She spent eight years learning from master teachers and choreographers and performing in New York and around the country. Through this experience, Belsky knows firsthand what it is like to be at the top of one’s physical game. When she returned to the North Shore, she attended Northwestern University earning a BS in Physical Therapy. She utilized her dance knowledge to work in PT as an outpatient orthopedics therapist. After having her own two children, she spent two years working with children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other impairments to normal movement. She utilized music and dance with these young people in their treatment plan. This kept the sessions happy and encouraging. At 34 she attended Rush Medical College to become a Physician. She has practiced in Highland Park for the last 16 years.
Lisa Gold (Co-Founder/modern) has been the Director of North Shore School of Dance since 1989. She spent the majority of her life learning from outstanding teachers who believed in and inspired her. After graduating with a B.A. in Dance from Barat College, she was hired to teach ballet and modern at the Barat Conservatory of Dance, where she taught for 16 years. Gold recently studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in England, in their Continuing Professional Development program where she earned a Professional Award in Adult Dance Practice.
Lorraine Chase (tap), inspired by Shirley Temple and supported by her mother, found her love of tap dancing and performing at a very young age. Later in life she moved to Highland Park and met Carol Walker, who gave her the opportunity to teach classes at her newly opened dance studio. This began Chase’s 25-year experience with the North Shore School of Dance, which she is delighted to continue through her involvement with TTD. She looks forward to bringing dance therapy into the lives of seniors and offering the physical and spiritual opportunity that it brings. "Movement to music is truly food for healing!"
Penny Brichta (dance fitness) has been involved in dance for many years and is known for leadership in Israeli dance where she teaches weekly sessions in Evanston and periodic camps and workshops around the US. Since retirement from a career in Corporate Human Resources, Penny turned her part time fitness passion into a second career. She obtained professional certifications in ACE, a non-profit organization that offers NCAA-accredited certifications, Silver Sneakers and Barre Connect to augment her 12 years as a Jazzercise instructor. She teaches six fitness classes each week, including the Fitness Dance class for TTD. She is passionate about working with seniors to improve their vitality for an active life. Penny holds a BS and MS from University of Illinois and can apply many of her corporate skills in helping TTD continue to grow and thrive.