What does dancing mean to me?
(by Dr Justyna Zawadzki, Scientific Advisory Board)

" Can I define the meaning of dancing in words? Since I remember, I have always been mesmerized by any form of movement to music… from figure skating to rhythmic gymnastics to ballroom dancing. I remember being glued to the TV and experiencing it with all my senses. That sounds weird, but I actually see music through movement.
My music education started at the age of six at Music School, where I took rhythmic classes and piano lessons. Formal dance education began in high school when I was part of a Folk and Dance Company directed by my mom. Growing up, watching my mother create new choreographies, spending many hours among beautiful costumes, and attending dance festivals felt magical but also very natural. For as long as I can remember, my dolls have always worn some kind of theatrical costume (made by me) rather than a fashionable dress. Getting into academic education, it was obvious that I would continue into the Polish Folklore and dance field. Fascinated by biology and body movement at the same time, Physical Therapy was a perfect field to enter.
During my education, I was part of the Academical Folk Dance Company and completed my dance and choreography degree. I started teaching and instructing dance at approximately the age of 20. Immigrating to the US in 2001, I immediately followed my passion and started dancing and later teaching in Chicago's Folk and Dance Companies for another 15 years, but in the back of my head was that childhood dream of Ballroom Dancing… so I decided to finally fulfilled it and entered into the magical Ballroom Dance world about nine years ago and ever since can't stop being mesmerized by it. Meeting wonderful people, creating new memories, waiting for new challenges, and learning from the best dancers is part of my dancing journey. Journey, which inspires me to go deeper into the body movement and perception of movement. As a part of my dance education, I have experienced ballet classes, contemporary dance classes, and even Hawaiian Hula dancing.
I finally decided to combine my passions and education, join forces with other dance enthusiasts, and, through the United in Dance Foundation, focus on creating Physical Therapy treatments based on dancing principles. I believe and love dancing so much that I am convinced I can use it to help others. As I said, I do experience dancing in all my scenes. I don't hear music; I can actually see it through movement. "