How long have you been a member of Times Squares?
Since graduating the TS Mainstream class in October 2024. I was in the same class as Ray Lund.
Why did you join? Who convinced you?
Old-fashioned flyering! I saw a flyer for the TS class at Brooklyn Contra in summer 2024 — I was curious about squares and wanted to develop my dance skills, and had no idea I’d be finding this community.
Where did you grow up? What brought you to New York City?
I lived most of my life in Seattle before a work opportunity brought me to NYC. My husband Peter and I wanted to experience living here and I am so glad we had the chance.
What is something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I spent several weeks walking to Santiago de Compostela, once on the French route and once on the Portuguese (Silver) route.
Who inspires you?
Both my parents reinvented their lives several times, and that takes courage I’d like to have.
What else do you enjoy beyond square dancing?
Travel, singing, dancing and dance calling.
In Seattle I sang in a Balkan women’s choir, a vocal trio, and a caroling group; in New York I sang with a Ukrainian choir—a wonderful chamber choir.
I grew up with Israeli folk dancing, found Balkan and Scottish Country Dancing in Seattle, started contra, English, and Square dancing in NYC. My first found dance home is Scottish, and I became a Scottish Country Dance teacher to spread the joy. Recently I’ve been calling contras and apprenticing as an English Country Dance caller.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
I am extremely lucky and privileged.
What are you reading/watching?
I love thoughtful and (yet) optimistic science fiction, by authors like Ann Leckie and Lois McMaster Bujold. I just finished a great series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Children of Time, that despite containing themes like the rise and ruin of civilizations maintains an optimistic perspective on the possibilities for adaptation and communication between people.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? What would the title of the movie be?
My life wouldn’t make much of a movie — lots of singing and dancing, so maybe a musical with no plot but meeting lots of good people along the way.
