Look Who’s Dancing was founded by two nurses who bring a unique perspective to dance and exercise.
Scroll down to find out more about our founders!
Focus on Health and Wellness
Why Choose Us
Every LWD class provides an atmosphere where fitness is fun.
This revolutionary program was originally created to serve
children and adults with Special Needs. Our success with these
populations inspired us to expand so as to meet the fitness needs
and goals of all individuals. Best part is, no one is excluded!
A Refreshing Environment
With over 50 years combined nursing experience, we fully
understand the importance of movement. Movement is Life! Our
programs are designed to focus on what our participants can
achieve, not their limitations. Simply put, you cannot do our
program wrong, if you are engaged you are doing it “right”. It
doesn’t always have to look pretty, just show up for yourself and
you will be amazed at what you can accomplish!
“Research Study conducted by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing on LWD’s Geriatric Program
An evaluation of the program, conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, found that both the 6 week and 12 week program (time restricted for the study) resulted in statistically significant improvements in measures of participant’s sadness and interest in daily life. Our program showed “statistically significantly” increases in “interest” and decreases in “depressed affect”. In just 6 to 12 weeks!!! We have ongoing classes at multiple facilities and day programs in our local community – Imagine what you can accomplish if you stick with us!!!
Jean Anne Principato, Co-founder
Dance has been a driving force in Jean Anne’s life since childhood. She has performed with the nationally renowned dance company, WAVES, founded by Shimon Braun. During her time with WAVES, She was Assistant to the Choreographer and Dance Captain of the company. Also, she has taught instructional classes for:
- WAVES
- Pennsylvania Ballet
- Bryn Mawr College
- College of the Performing Arts
- Masters dance classes for Dance Masters and lTDl
Jean Anne owned the JazzWorks Dance Studio and was choreographer of The Company in Philadelphia, PA. Along side her dance background, Jean Anne has been a dedicated Geriatric Nurse for over twenty years. A friend and former dance colleague asked Jean Anne to teach a “movement class” for her Special Needs Facility. An idea blossomed and in conjunction with her sister, Helene, Look Who’s Dancing was born. LWD has combined Jean Anne’s passion to serve as well as bring dance and exercise to those who otherwise would not have this opportunity.
Helene Lynch, Co-founder
Helene, once a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN, BSN), dedicated her career to helping others. Because of a shoulder injury, she could not perform the physical requirements of a bedside nurse, which is why she took a nursing position that had her sitting behind a desk for over eight hours a day. As a nurse, she knew the risks of a sedentary lifestyle and began eating healthier and working out to exercise videos. She noticed that these programs were for young and fit people. With her injury, she had to modify these programs.
When she searched for videos that catered to the over 50 and not so fit crowd, she found none. Seeing a need and in collaboration with her sister, Jean Anne, Look Who’s Dancing was born. Helene has been able to use her extensive nursing knowledge and create a new passion for proactive care and fitness, especially for underserved populations.