Yes, I was that kid.
The one that would dance & lip sync to 8 track tapes for my parents and sisters. With a contagious, kooky, dynamic, joyful spirit, I loved to explore my creativity and entertain family and friends whenever I could convince them to watch.
I loved it so much, I made a career of it for 35 years.
I had a blast singing and dancing in musicals like Cats in Toronto, as well as performing at Shaw Festival and Stratford Festival, before moving to Germany. Continuing my performing adventures, I worked on amazing musicals all over Germany like Cats, Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever, Sister Act, and Mamma Mia!
Then I found a new love,
creating and re-creating shows as a choreographer and as a director, collaborating with creative teams to support actors, singers, and dancers with their creative talents so they could shine on stage. My spirit from my early days continues and is a huge part of how I support others.
After over 25 extraordinary years working throughout Europe, it was time to begin a new act. I moved back to Toronto. My Mom is living with Alzheimer’s, and I wanted to offer more support as a family member. My Dad is a phenomenal caregiver, committed to keeping Mom safe, comfortable and happy at home. Mom and Dad have the wonderful support of four very special caregivers who alternate coming into their home and my sisters and I round out the team supporting Mom and also Dad on this very challenging journey.
Throughout their 67 years of marriage,
my parents have always loved to dance and they are known for their smooth as silk partner work and their effortlessly cool style on the dance floor. Until recently, Mom and Dad would dance to their song- Moonlight Serenade in the kitchen after dinner.
When Covid hit,
Mom, like so many others, lost her day program community. I wondered how we could animate and entertain Mom at home. Knowing Mom responds beautifully to music playing in the house, I began experimenting with music and seated dance to make her laugh and to get her body moving. The twinkle in her eyes, her smile and her laughter, were proof this was bringing joy to her day.
Could I inspire other older adults to move their bodies, possibly sing along to a tune they love, stimulate their minds, their bodies, and their funny bone? All that and more, while feeling a sense of connection and community?
And so Feel Frantastic was born. Short, fun, dynamic, uplifting dance routines, to some excellent tunes- all rolls into one- a Feel Frantastic Dance Party.
As difficult as virtual programs for seniors can be, Frances makes this lively experience with our clients and staff so seamless! Her program continues to be the highlight of our week in the virtual world we are living in now. She brings so much fun and joy in these dark times of COVID to many older adults and their families.