Add dance to your life and reap the healthy benefits!

Lynne Chervony Belsky, M.D. and Lisa Gold have developed two new dance classes, which were inspired by their personal health experiences. Lynne & Lisa are cousins and are breast cancer survivors. Lynne danced with the Joffrey Ballet, then became a Physical Therapist, and is currently a practicing Internist in Highland Park. Lisa Gold, director of The North Shore School of Dance for 28 years, has been inspiring students through dance for generations. Their diverse skills enable them to impart their passion for dance along with the knowledge of how this art form positively impacts well-being.

Many dancers instinctively know how important it is to get back to class. For Lynne and Lisa, conventional dance classes were difficult during early recovery. This inspired them to create a 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.

As a practicing Internist, Lynne has always emphasized to patients that exercise is imperative to maintain health as they age. Research in the past 15 years has proven that ballet is a way to help reach those goals. Her dream was to create a class designed for adults granting an opportunity to get healthy while enjoying new freedom of movement.

A dear friend and mentor who was visiting, had always taught them to “Dance for Joy” as it was her motto. While at lunch, Lisa and Lynne each shared their desires to create these classes and discovered how similar the classes were. That started the beginning of something wonderful.

Dance for Joy had its inaugural class in October 2016 with breast cancer survivors. The class had a variety of people different ages and experiences in dance, but they all wanted to “feel better”. The class did just that. Lynne and Lisa 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. At that point Lisa and Lynne knew they were on to something very special. This experience inspired them to create “Time to Dance”, a class for people over 55 who want to add dance to their lives and reap the healthy benefits therein.

Their goal for all participants is to enjoy learning an art form known to improve many aspects of life. They will also enjoy a non-judgmental atmosphere while learning to master an art form.

Dance For Joy classes are for cancer patients. These classes focus on each individual with the goal of healing body, mind and spirit. Classes are Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm.

Time To Dance classes are for ages 55 and up. Participants will embrace freedom of movement while experiencing the health benefits of dance. Classes are Tuesdays 1:30-2:30pm.

With more classes being created, they formed the CBG Institute for Dance & Health. CBG will extend opportunities for diverse populations to benefit from dance.

Whether novice or experienced, dancers will optimize their quality of life with improved balance, flexibility, posture and strength. All classes take place in a dance studio with uplifting music. The pace becomes gradually challenging for participants as their bodies respond and recover. Classes are being held at North Shore School of Dance with the current session beginning January 24th, 2017.

The first class attended is free and drop-ins are welcome (registration required). danceforjoy16@gmail.com