The City of Tampa recently paid tribute to a centenarian who has shaped local culture through the art of dance. Judith Baizan, a 100-year-old dance instructor, has been celebrated for her extensive work with the city’s Parks and Recreation centers. Baizan has dedicated over five decades to teaching Scandinavian and other folk dances to the Tampa community, with her classes attracting both the young and the elderly.
According to WFLA, Nina Acevedo, the Kate Jackson Site Supervisor, commended Baizan saying, "Judith has truly been an impactful force in the community," also adding that her efforts to propagate the tradition of folk dances will echo through generations. Having started her career in international folk dancing back in the 1940s, Baizan carried her passion from her native Michigan to Tampa in 1971, where she began her tenure in Forest Hills.
The Mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor, has also acknowledged Baizan's influence and vitality, noting her as an inspiration for active living. Speaking to the community, "Judith is not just helping herself, she’s setting herself up as an inspiration for all of us," Mayor Castor remarked during an event, as reported by My Florida News.
Baizan's own words reflect her life's philosophy and enthusiasm for dance, urging others to "Just get up and dance. Don't wait, the days will go by." Though well into her centennial year, she intends to keep spreading her joy for Scandinavian and Folk Dance for as long as she can. This sentiment was captured in a press conference mentioned by FOX 13 News. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation center has pledged to continue her legacy in teaching her dance lessons beyond her tenure.
The honoring of Baizan not only celebrates her longevity but underscores her contribution to fostering community and the arts in Tampa. Her life, dedicated to the enrichment of others through cultural expression, stands as a beacon to those both young and old, looking to maintain an active and engaging lifestyle.
