Dancing in the Kitchen: How Hannah Romanowsky Blends Movement, Music, and Meals to Nourish Body and Soul
Written by Heather Anderson
Hannah Romanowsky has been dancing for over 40 years, but her movement practice doesn’t stop at the studio. She infuses dance, music, and the magic of healthy, home-cooked meals into everything she does. Through her signature Dance & Dish events, in-home healthy cooking shows, and upcoming television show, Hannah is redefining the way we think about food and movement. We sat down with her to explore how the healing arts of dance, music, and nourishing food are intertwined—and how families can embrace them in their own kitchens.
What inspired you to blend the healing arts of cooking and dance in your unique approach to wellness?
I specialize in dance traditions from the Silk Road, the Near East, and the Middle East, and I was initially drawn to them because they felt so healing and heart-opening. As I studied these art forms, I discovered a deep historical connection between dance, music, and food preparation. Dance wasn’t just for performance—it was an integral part of life, including the kitchen. In many traditions, people danced while cooking, using utensils as instruments, and engaging in communal meal preparation as a joyful, nourishing ritual.
This resonated with me because the kitchen has always been the heart of the home, a place of gathering and connection. Unfortunately, modern life has separated us from these traditions, replacing shared meals with TV dinners and fast food. My goal is to bring back that interconnectedness, helping people rediscover the joy of cooking and eating as a sensory, celebratory experience.
Can you share a memorable story from one of your Dance & Dish events? What exactly are these events, and who can book them?
The first Dance & Dish event happened organically. I was preparing a meal for a gathering, and I instinctively started dancing as I cooked. My guests lit up with delight—they laughed, smiled, and felt the energy shift in the room. That’s when I realized the power of combining food, dance, and entertainment.
Dance & Dish events are immersive experiences where I combine healthy, colorful food with music, dance, and education. Guests get a vibrant, interactive presentation that inspires them to think about their meals in a whole new way. I host these events for corporate team-building, social gatherings, and private in-home experiences. Whether it’s a Lunch & Learn-style event or an intimate dinner party, I tailor each experience to the group, sometimes even getting guests up to dance with me!
“When you prepare meals at home, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re engaging in a sensory experience, teaching the next generation about nourishment, and fostering connection.”
How do you believe healthy, home-cooked meals can transform a family's health and lifestyle?
Cooking at home is one of the most powerful things a family can do for their health. I grew up on TV dinners and fast food, and I know firsthand what it feels like to be disconnected from food. When you prepare meals at home, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re engaging in a sensory experience, teaching the next generation about nourishment, and fostering connection.
There’s also a science to it. When we touch, smell, and see our food as we prepare it, our bodies begin the digestion process before we even take a bite. This helps us absorb nutrients better and fosters a deeper appreciation for what we eat. Cooking together strengthens family bonds and instills lifelong healthy habits in children.
Can you share a simple recipe that families can easily prepare at home?
Salads are my specialty! People often think of salads as boring, but they can be vibrant, nutrient-dense, and deeply satisfying. I love creating colorful salads packed with textures, flavors, and medicinal spices.
One of my favorite Persian-inspired salads features pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy citrus dressing. It’s refreshing, full of antioxidants, and perfect for getting more raw veggies into your diet. [Click here to download my free Persian-Inspired Recipe Guide!]
I know you host in-home healthy cooking shows. What exactly is that, and how can someone book one?
I offer in-home healthy cooking shows where I demonstrate how to prepare a six-course meal in just 35 minutes using innovative, health-conscious cooking techniques. I teach guests about preserving nutrition, cooking efficiently, and making delicious meals that nourish the body.
These events are hands-on and interactive—I cook, share tips, and show guests how to test their own cookware for hidden chemicals or heavy metals. If you’re interested, reach out to me through my website, and we can schedule a show in your home or community space.
Where is your home base, and how far do you travel for in-person cooking events?
I’m based in Petaluma, California, and I primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area, including Sonoma, Marin, Alameda, and Napa counties. I also offer virtual kitchen consultations for those outside this area.
Tell us more about your Foodture Community Recipe Classes—what are they, and what are the benefits?
I’m part of the Foodture Cooking for a Healthy Future school in Windsor, California. We offer free community cooking classes to inspire people to embrace home cooking. These classes provide hands-on learning, delicious recipes, and practical tips for making nutritious meals. I love helping people rediscover the joy and health benefits of cooking from scratch!
What kind of feedback have you received from families who have attended your Dance & Dish events?
People leave feeling inspired, energized, and deeply nourished—not just from the food but from the experience itself. Guests often tell me they feel more connected to their meals and their bodies. Many attendees book me for additional events because they want to share the experience with their loved ones.
Tell us about your recently launched TV show. What does it focus on, and what excites you most about it?
I’m thrilled to share that my TV show has officially launched! It’s a vibrant mix of dance, music, and cooking, featuring guest experts in health and wellness. The goal is to make cooking fun, joyful, and accessible while also highlighting the rich cultural traditions behind food. This show is unlike anything else—full of movement, artistry, and inspiration, bringing together the healing power of food and dance in an engaging, dynamic way.
What is your grand vision for the future of your business?
I want to expand my platform so I can inspire more people without relying solely on in-person events. My focus is shifting toward my TV show and virtual programs, allowing me to reach a larger audience and make a greater impact. I’m passionate about spreading the joy of food and movement on a larger scale.
We know you also still perform non-cooking dance on the side. If someone is booking a celebration or wedding, what does that look like?
I perform elegant and culturally rich dances for Persian, Afghan, Tajik, and Uzbek weddings, as well as women's retreats and special events. I also offer interactive dance experiences where guests can participate and experience traditional women’s dances firsthand.
How can people get started with you?
Visit hannahromanowsky.com to book a complimentary call, join my email list, or download my free recipe guide, Five Persian-Inspired Recipes. You can also sign up for my upcoming four-week virtual course on healthy cooking, launching this fall!
Connect with Hannah Romanowsky on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram or Facebook.
You can also find her on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.