TIME TO DANCE OFFERS FREE FOUR-CLASS SERIES FOR CANCER SURVIVORS DURING OCTOBER
| HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. – This fall, Time to Dance (TTD), dedicated to enriching the health and quality of life for adults age 50+ through dance, presents a special series of “Dance for Joy” classes for breast cancer survivors at the North Shore School of Dance, 505 Laurel Ave. in October on Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Remaining classes will take place Oct. 16, 23 and 30. For more information, visit time-to-dance.org. The movement in “Dance for Joy” classes is ballet-based with a modern dance influence. The classes will be led by TTD Co-Founders Lynne Chervony Belsky, M.D and Lisa Gold. To register time-to-dance.org. “Dance for Joy” brings peace, recovery, and a sense of community. While it is not essential that all four classes be taken, it is encouraged so attendees can experience the powerful sense of community that comes from sharing an experience over a span of time with others experiencing the challenges of breast cancer. Many dancers instinctively know how important it is to get back to class after an injury or illness. Belsky and Gold—a duo who are cousins, dancers, breast cancer survivors and recipients of Natural Awakenings Chicago’s 2021 Women of Wellness honor —found that conventional dance classes were difficult during early recovery. Their friend and mentor, Carol Walker, had always taught them to “dance for joy”—her personal motto. Belsky and Gold found that they had similar shared desires to create and teach dance classes that go beyond just the steps. This inspired them to create a dance class just for cancer survivors where they could feel the comfort and compassion of being with others while enjoying the freedom and therapeutic aspects of dance. “Dance for Joy” had its inaugural class in October 2016, with people of different ages and experiences in dance, who all wanted to “feel better.” Belsky and Gold prepared a ballet-based class with modern dance influences to high spirited and heart-warming music. The results had everyone ecstatic and revitalized. One participant stated “she hadn’t felt this beautiful in years” as she broke down in tears of happiness. “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, class instructor, 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.” Those with and without prior dance experience are welcome. Accommodation is available for those with physical limitations. Class participants should wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. Footwear options include socks or ballet shoes. Advanced registration is required. Capacity is limited. For more information, visit time-to-dance.org. About Time to Dance Time to Dance (TTD), now in its eighth 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. Instructor Bios Dr. Lynne Chervony Belsky (TTD 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 (TTD 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. |
