Lynne Belsky
Co-Founder & Teaching Artist
Lynne brings a unique "triple-threat" of expertise to the studio as a former professional dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, a Physical Therapist, and a practicing Internal Medicine physician. With over 16 years of medical practice in Highland Park, Lynne’s teaching style is rooted in her father’s philosophy of being a friend and advocate for her students. She specializes in creating safe, joyful dance experiences that are tailored to the "optimal health" of each individual. Whether you are recovering from an injury or dancing for the first time, Lynne’s classes offer a supportive environment where art and medicine meet to improve your quality of life.
Lisa Gold
Co-Founder & Teaching Artist
As the Director of the North Shore School of Dance since 1989, Lisa has dedicated her life to the transformative power of movement. Having recently earned a Professional Award in Adult Dance Practice from the Royal Academy of Dance in England, she specializes in the unique physical and mental needs of adult students. Driven by her personal journey with health challenges, Lisa is passionate about creating a "safe haven" where students can find freedom from life’s difficulties. She truly believes dance is the fountain of youth—a way for every student to rediscover their youngest, most vibrant self.
Penny Brichta
Teaching Artist
Penny believes that fitness is the key to maintaining a vibrant life at any age. After 12 years as a Jazzercise instructor and a career in HR, she turned her passion into a profession, earning specialized certifications in Silver Sneakers and Barre Connect. At Time to Dance, Penny leads our Fitness Dance sessions with a focus on improving mobility and building community. Her goal is to help every student—whether they are in a weekly session or a workshop—experience the joy of moving with confidence and strength.
Greg Begley
Teaching Artist
A former soloist with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and principal dancer with the Chicago Ballet, Greg is a legendary figure in the dance world. As an original member and Ballet Master of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, he has performed and taught across the globe, from South America to China. Greg has worked with some of the most iconic artists in ballet history and now brings that world-class expertise to our local community. At Time to Dance, he offers students the rare opportunity to learn from a true master who has shaped the landscape of professional dance in Chicago and beyond.
Debbie Ehrlich
Teaching Artist
With a BA and MA in Dance from the University of Illinois, Debbie’s career has taken her from local roots to the Netherlands, where she founded her own studio specializing in Ballet, Jazz, and dance for those with disabilities. Now a practicing pediatrician with a focus on special needs, Debbie returned to her dance roots after a chance reunion with founders Lisa and Lynne. She believes Time to Dance is a "safe haven" where students can nurture their souls while improving memory and physical health. For Debbie, every class feels like coming home, and she is dedicated to sharing that sense of belonging with every student.
Nancy Tienowitz
Teaching Artist
A Glencoe native, Nancy trained with legends Gus Giordano, Homer Bryant, and Joel Hall, and holds a BA in Dance from Columbia College and an MA in Theatre from Northwestern University. She toured Europe four times with the Joel Hall Dancers, served as Associate Artistic Director of the Joel Hall Dance Center for over a decade, and created the Dance Minor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Longtime Chicago Tribune theatre critic Chris Jones has called her "immensely talented," and she has received multiple Jeff Committee nominations for Best Choreography. Nancy joined the Time to Dance faculty in September 2025 and is thrilled to share her passion with this community.
Sören M. Niewelt
Visiting Teaching Artist
German-born and trained at the Australian Ballet School, Soren Niewelt built an international career performing soloist roles in classics like Romeo and Juliet and Don Quixote, as well as new works by acclaimed choreographers around the world. In 2012 he founded JSLN Dance Company in Berlin, with performances spanning Europe and Asia. Now based in the Chicago area, Soren serves as Assistant Director at North Shore School of Dance and Director of both North Shore Performance Companies and NSSD Ballet Theatre. He brings the same inspiration, determination, and professionalism to every class he teaches.