LBH Yoga Instructor to Dance in "Memory Ball"

Lorinda Belzberg may be a longtime yoga instructor and former professional figure skater.

But with no formal dance training, the idea of a dance competition filled her with trepidation.

Luckily, the Alzheimer Association's Memory Ball and its "Dancing Stars" competition were a reason to strap on her ballroom shoes.

"The Alzheimer's Association is near and dear to my heart," Belzberg says. "I became involved because of a dear friend and family member who were diagnosed with this terrible disease. The association asked me to dance and I was delighted to say yes."

Belzberg is the yoga program co-coordinator at LifeBridge Health & Fitness, and has lived in Baltimore since 1990. A native of Canada, she was a Corps de Ballet skater for the Ice Capades.

Belzberg is practicing her dancing for the April 24 ball, and meeting weekly with international dancer Genya Bartashevich. But regardless of how the event goes, what's important is the money raised will benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

"We've broken all fund-raising records for this," Belzberg says. "Every dollar can equal a vote."

Belzberg is currently under $1,000 away from her goal. To contribute/vote, click here.

The Memory Ball "Dancing Stars," starts at 7 p.m. at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. There will be a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and entertainment provided by the "Dancing Stars," who will perform and compete for "votes." The Memory Ball is black-tie attire. Tickets are $300. For more information, click here.