Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2025) – In honor of National Dance Day on September 20, The Fitzgerald of Palisades is celebrating the inspiring journey of Margy Pastor, a lifelong dancer, educator, and advocate for the expressive power of movement. Though dance is often seen as an art form limited by age, Margy, a member at The Fitzgerald of Palisades, continues to embody its spirit with grace and curiosity.
From the grassy fields of Ann Arbor, Michigan to the vibrant dance scenes of Southeast Asia, her life is a testament to how movement can shape identity, bridge cultures, and awaken the soul—at any stage of life. Pastor’s earliest inspiration came from her mother, a musical spirit who taught Hawaiian dance to her Brownie troop using hula skirts and leis, and who hummed and whistled while hiking with her children. That joy of movement and rhythm became the foundation of Pastor's lifelong relationship with dance.
“Dance changed my perception of what the human body could express,” Pastor reflects. “It was cathartic, but my ability to express emotion through movement was shaped by my exposure to the other arts.”
Pastor began with ballet as a child, recalling the discomfort of toe shoes in the grass, but it was modern dance that truly captured her heart. At George Washington University, she studied under Maida Withers, a pioneering choreographer known for her daring performances in unconventional spaces from churchyards at night to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Withers’ work with the Maida Withers Dance Construction Company blended dance, technology, and media in collaborative, experimental ways that deeply influenced Pastor’s own artistic vision.
Another key figure in Pastor's journey was John Bailey, her dance partner and a muralist whose artistic sensibilities transcended boundaries. Together, they explored movement inspired by music and visual art, creating performances that defied convention and celebrated emotional depth.
Pastor taught modern dance to students of all ages but found her greatest joy in evening classes with women from all walks of life. These dancers brought rich life experiences, emotional depth, and musical intuition to their movement. Many had studied different styles, some had danced before, and others simply carried a natural rhythm and curiosity. Together, they formed a vibrant and expressive community that reinforced Pastor’s belief that dance is for everyone, regardless of background, training, or age. Though offered a studio during this time, she chose to remain focused on the art itself: “I liked to just dance,” she says.
Margy’s story is a beautiful reminder that passion doesn’t fade with age, it evolves,” says Alphonso Westley, general manager at The Fitzgerald of Palisades. “Her ability to connect people through movement reflects the kind of vibrant, purpose-filled living we strive to support every day at our community.”
Pastor’s travels later in life, especially to Vietnam and Saigon, revealed the global evolution of dance. She was moved by performances that told the stories of Vietnamese history through movement and music, reinforcing her belief in dance as a universal language.
Pastor’s academic journey also shaped her approach to movement and education. She received a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Stanford University, a master of arts in anthropology/sociology from Washington University in St. Louis, and a master of arts in dance/education from George Washington University. These areas of study deeply influenced her philosophy of dance as a tool for cultural understanding, emotional expression, and lifelong learning.
Margy’s advice to young dancers today is simple yet profound, “Dance, like the world of books, opens up the body and the mind to the diversity and opportunity of life. Seize it.”
Now in her later years, Pastor sees dance in nature, in the sway of trees, the rhythm of waves, and the quiet choreography of life itself. For her, National Dance Day is a chance to witness the many forms of expression that dance takes, wherever we are.
Pastor has lived a life rich in exploration from political work in Atlanta to Fulbright adventures in Mexico, and travels across the globe. Her late husband, Robert Pastor, served as U.S. Ambassador to Panama and was a respected voice in international affairs. Their legacy continues through the Robert and Margaret Pastor Lecture in International Affairs at Lafayette College.
ABOUT THE FITZGERALD OF PALISADES
Nestled in the lush Palisades, one of Washington’s most desirable neighborhood enclaves, The Fitzgerald is a boutique residence where urbane style meets small-town tranquility. Designed from the ground up for worldly, highly educated seniors, the art deco–inspired community captures the spirit and elegance of the 1920s through imaginative interiors, world-class dining, tailored service, and a zest for living each day to its fullest. A destination for meaningful connections and rich cultural experiences—many delivered through exclusive partnerships with D.C.’s most respected institutions—The Fitzgerald offers incredible living in one of the world’s greatest cities.
ABOUT KISCO SIGNATURE SENIOR LIVING
Kisco Senior Living, headquartered in Carlsbad, California, manages 32 diverse senior communities in nine states and the District of Columbia. The company recently launched its Signature Communities portfolio, premium locations that offer enhanced hospitality and services. The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, MD is the first of these in the Northeast, followed by The Newbury of Brookline in Brookline, MA, and The Fitzgerald of Palisades in Washington, D.C, joining other noteworthy sites like Crestavilla in Laguna Niguel, California, and The Cardinal North Hills in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a history spanning over 30 years, Kisco's unique approach is now anchored by Life Enrichment, a holistic wellness philosophy focusing on intellectual, physical, and emotional wellbeing. This program offers residents a variety of tailored activities and resources to support a fulfilling, active lifestyle. For further information, call (760) 804-5900 or visit kiscosignature.com.