Francie P
Instructor
Francie graduated with honors from Miami University with a BA in History and a Theatre Minor. She then earned an MFA in Theatrical Costume from Kent State University, and later gained employment in The University of Akron’s costume shop training students in proper wardrobe techniques. During this time, she worked professionally throughout NE Ohio for such companies as The Cleveland Opera, Ohio Ballet and Porthouse Theatre. She was also a member of IATSE, working backstage at Playhouse Square for national tours. Francie still continued her lifelong love of dance during this time… performing while at grad school and in Yerma at Cleveland Play House. In 2005 the bright lights of Broadway beckoned, and she switched paths into theatrical management. First as a Venue Director for the New York Musical Festival (NYMF), and then into Company Management at commercial producers’ offices on such shows as Hairspray, Disney’s Tarzan and The Fantasticks revival. After filling in on the West Coast leg of a cirque tour, she knew LA would be her next adventure! The timing was perfect, as she was recovering from a debilitating stomach ailment and a friend suggested Pilates. Francie had already started a Mat practice in NY, and her knowledge deepened in LA. She received her Comprehensive Classical Certification from The Equinox Training Institute (3rd Gen. Romana), and then began teaching Private sessions at their Beverly Hills and Century City studios. During her 10 years in LA she took every class imaginable: Musical Improv, Italian, Stand Up Comedy, Synchronized Swimming, Fire Dancing… you name it! She also appeared as a backup dancer to the one and only Richard Simmons in his “Hairdo” music video. Born with a rare muscle disease (Central Core), she’s always found her own way to do things and understands others with physical limitations. Francie had to adapt again four years ago when she was told there was a lime-sized brain tumor pressing on her motor strip and needed emergency surgery. Her response? “I have to go to my 80’s dance class tonight, teach my clients tomorrow and THEN I’ll drive myself to the hospital for a craniotomy”. Post surgery, she had to learn to walk again… and the Physical Therapists said she did it faster than anyone they had seen because her core was so strong! That is the “Power of Pilates”… and she wants to share it with you!