Barbara began her career as a mathematics instructor at a small college. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland’s School of Education and a Master’s degree in mathematics education. Subsequently, she worked in a family business that published annual editions of a Tax Guide for College Teachers. But she has been a full-time Latin dance teacher in the DC area for over 20 years.

It may seem like a big jump to start a career teaching math and end it teaching dance. But they are surprisingly similar—both require helping students feel comfortable with the subject, as well as a lot of drill to become proficient. Barb had a deep love for music starting in early childhood, and she studied Modern Dance as a child and Foreign Folk Dance, Ballroom, and Latin dance as an adult.

Since establishing her company, Danceintime, Barbara has run private and group Latin dance classes, Hispanic Heritage Month programs, and Salsa Bootcamps. She has taught workshops at events in DC, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, San Juan, Dublin and many other cities.

Barb has trained people for competitions modeled after “Dancing with the Stars” and taught wedding dance preparation to couples. She’s also taught credit dance classes at the University of Maryland, George Mason University, George Washington University, and American University and coached dance teams at other colleges.

Over the years, her dance company performed at an array of venues including the Kennedy Center, DC’s Capital One Arena, and World Bank Red Carpet Galas. The dance team has been featured on ABC News, the WTTG Morning News, Telemundo, and the Voice of America. Barb produced a short documentary film on the worldwide popularity of Rueda de Casino and a CD on “Rhythm and Timing.” But most important of all, she likes to think her dance classes (danceintime.com/classes) are a lot of fun!