MARYLAND Performers, Authors, and Speakers

Dr. Barbara Bernstein is a dance educator and founder of DanceInTime who brings women’s history and gender equity to life through Women Take the Lead!—a fun, lively, and inspiring dance presentation rooted in the principle of women’s capability and innate equality. Performed by an all-women Latin dance team, the program features women dancing as both leaders and followers, often switching roles mid-dance to challenge traditional norms of partnership dance. In contrast to conventional Latin dance, where men traditionally lead and women follow, Women Take the Lead! highlights the complexity, skill, and confidence required to lead—demonstrating that women can master every role on the dance floor. The performance reflects the evolving role of women in society, illustrating how art both mirrors and shapes cultural change. Each presentation is uniquely designed to suit the venue and audience and may include dance performances by individuals or teams, interactive moments where audience members learn dance steps, and brief discussions connecting dance roles to historical and social shifts. Empowering, engaging, and joyful, the program invites audiences to see leadership—and partnership—in a whole new way.