Dace Ļubkina

Dace discovered her calling in dance education after transitioning from a corporate career in 2010. That's when she decided to take salsa classes herself at age 31. She quickly recognized the transformative impact dance had on her physical health and mental well-being. What started as personal interest became professional purpose.

Over the past 14 years, she's worked with over 2,000 adult learners. She's developed specialized curricula that address the unique needs of dancers beginning their journey after 45. Her formal education at Riga Stradiņš University in Sports Science, combined with practical certifications from leading European dance organizations, enables her to explain the biomechanics and cardiovascular benefits of social dance in accessible terms. Plus, she knows the real challenges older adults face — stiffness, confidence, finding the right community.

Dace personally taught at five different dance schools across Rīga and established the first dedicated mature-adult dance program in Sigulda in 2018. That program now serves over 150 active students. What drives her professionally is witnessing the confidence and community that emerges when older learners master their first bachata steps or complete their first salsa sequence. She's seen shy people become dance enthusiasts. She's watched people improve their balance, coordination, and posture within weeks.

Her teaching philosophy is straightforward: age is never a barrier to learning. It's only the beginning of a new chapter. Whether someone's 45, 55, or 75, they've got the capacity to learn. The key is finding instruction that respects their body, matches their pace, and celebrates their progress.