Q: You have a unique background as both a physician and a professional dancer. How do those two worlds meet at Time to Dance?
A: For me, they’ve never been separate. As a doctor, I see the clinical benefits of movement—balance, cognitive health, and heart strength. As a dancer, I know the emotional liberation of the art form. Time to Dance is where the science of medicine meets the soul of dance. We aren't just teaching steps, we are prescribing joy and longevity.
Q: What was the 'aha' moment that led you to found a studio specifically for the 50+ demographic?
A: I realized there was a massive gap in the dance world. Most studios focus on the competitive youth or the casual hobbyist, but there was nowhere for the 'modern senior'—people who want high-level, technical instruction that respects their changing bodies. We wanted to create a home where 'aging' wasn't a limitation, but a new creative season.
Q: Time to Dance recently received the City of Highland Park Arts Award. What does that recognition mean for the studio?
A: It’s a beautiful validation from our community. It tells us that people recognize the importance of the arts in wellness. This award isn't just for me or my co-founder, Lisa Gold, it’s for our students who show up every week and prove that you can start a new chapter of physical excellence at any age.
Q: Many people are intimidated to start dancing later in life. What would you say to someone who thinks they’ve 'missed their window'?
A: Your body is designed to keep you moving through every chapter of your life. We specialize in 'Movement is Medicine' because we know how to adapt the technique safely. You haven't missed the window, you've just reached the age where you can finally dance for the purest reason of all: because it makes you feel alive.
Q: What is your ultimate vision for the future of Time to Dance?
A: I want to redefine modern longevity through movement. I want our studio to be a model for how communities can use the arts to stay connected and physically vibrant. We are building a movement—literally—where every student is treated with the respect of an athlete and the heart of an artist.