TAMPA, Fla. — The City of Tampa honored a 100-year-old dance instructor who has been participating in or teaching folk dance classes with Parks and Recreation for over 50 years.
Judith Baizan was born in Michigan in 1925. City leaders said she first saw international folk dancing in the 1940s and immediately fell in love with it.
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"She moved here in 1971, and she has been a part of this organization, this City of Tampa star in Parks and Recreation ever since," said Mayor Jane Castor.
On Monday, the City of Tampa shined the spotlight extra bright to recognize her commitment as a dance instructor, helping keep people active.
"What's not to like about dancing?" said Baizan. "Just your body wants to move to music. You hear the beat, and you want to do something to it."
Tampa Bay 28 has followed Baizan's love for dance, catching up with her nearly six years ago when she was 94.
At 100 years old, Baizan continues to share dance with people of all ages.
"If you're old, it makes you feel young, and if you're young, it makes you feel adult," said Baizan.
Baizan can't quite put a number on how many people she's taught through the years, but the friends found along the way are countless.
Her message to the community: get moving.
"Just get up and dance. Don't wait," said Baizan. "Don't wait. The days go by."
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