Taryn T. Francis, a former child star and Star Search phenom is now the dance world’s go to choreographer. Taryn was the only Junior and soloist dancer to ever win the Star Search Overall Grand Champion title. Taryn is a notable dancer & choreographer who has worked with Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson, and Kenny Ortega. Taryn can be seen on TLC’s My First Home. She is starting her own non-profit “Dances with Heart,” the Taryn T. Francis Foundation to serve underprivileged children who have a desire but not the means to have a career in dance.
For all her fans out there, you must read Women Fitness’ exclusive interview with Taryn T. Francis.
Namita Nayyar:
Though you began dancing at age 2 and doing gymnastics at age 4. What was the final inspiration behind making dance a full-time career?
Taryn T. Francis:
I really feel like I was born to dance! As far back as I can remember, everything to do with movement, rhythm, and music interested me, and I knew dance was something I never wanted to live without. Once my dance career took off from a very young age professionally, and presented such amazing opportunities, I knew I was hooked!
Full Interview Continued On Next Page
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All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
What challenges did you face along this path?
Taryn T. Francis:
It definitely hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve had to overcome many obstacles along the way. My family endured financial hardships while I was growing up and affording my training/travel and the long list of expenses that came along with it was never easy- my dad worked multiple jobs to make things work, and we all made compromises along the way.
My natural born genetics have also presented benefits as well as challenges for me. (I am a FIERCE 4″11″) I have always been naturally petite- which was great for my gymnastics but not so great for my dance career. Being strong and petite is ideal for a gymnast whereas long lean lines are more ideal for a dancer. I’ve always said I am a dancer in a gymnast’s body. Though I am classically trained in ballet/pointe, I never fit the “ideal” tall frame, skinny, long-legged stereotypical ballerina body. As a result, I grew up with body image issues, ridicule/bullying, and industry rejection- all for things I had absolutely no control over. Even in my adult years, I struggled with this. I have been rejected numerous times in my industry based solely on my height/image, having nothing to do with my talent. I do believe the things that test our character and challenges us the most make us all stronger, thus I have been able to persevere and shine through my unique differences. I strive to continue breaking barriers and society stereotypes.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you think dance can be incorporated into a woman’s healthy lifestyle?
Taryn T. Francis:
Dance is so amazing for everyone and presents wonderful health benefits such as improved mind/body coordination, muscle tone, flexibility, endurance, balance, social and psychological well being, and is great for your heart and lungs, on top of being FUN!
Namita Nayyar:
What is the role of fitness and healthy eating in your life?
Taryn T. Francis:
Since my younger years, I have always been focused on leading a healthy lifestyle. As an athlete and dancer, I learned discipline and the importance of giving your body what it needs to function at its best. I strive to maintain a balanced lifestyle of eating healthy and staying active. Since I love great food, I am not a fan of deprivation, but rather try to health conscious choices and watch portion control. I also enjoy staying fit thru walking, hiking, outdoor activities, dancing, and playing with my dog-babies!
Namita Nayyar:
What is your favorite kind of dance form and why?
Taryn T. Francis:
I truly love everything about dance and value all dance forms. Personally, I love Jazz because there are so many different styles of Jazz dance to enjoy. I can be technical, stylized, or a mix of both, and can incorporate my training of different dance styles to create something very unique.
Namita Nayyar:
What tracks are on top of your workout playlist?
Taryn T. Francis:
1) Good To Be Alive (Meghan Trainor)
2) Light My Body Up (David Guetta, Nicki Minaj)
3) Never Give Up (Sia)
4) Warrior (Havana Brown)
To name a few… 😉 I love music and am always switching it up!
Namita Nayyar:
What message do you wish to convey through “Dance with Heart” Foundation, that you have started to serve underprivileged children who have a desire but not the means to have a career in dance?
Taryn T. Francis:
Through my Dance with Heart Foundation, my goal is to share the gift of Dance with people all over the world. Working with and positively influencing our Youth has always been a passion of mine. Dance should not be discriminatory, it is for everyone with the desire. I hope to help inspire others in an all-inclusive way with hope, passion, and dreams for a positive bright future thru Dance. I am eager to collaborate with other charitable organisations to reach a greater audience in an effort to achieve these goals on a larger scale.
Namita Nayyar:
5 tips for upcoming dancers who are inspired by you?
Taryn T. Francis:
- Own Your Uniqueness! Being different isn’t a bad thing, it is a gift. Own it and create your own unique story.
- Don’t Give Up! The path to your success may not be easy- don’t give up when faced with adversity; let it fuel you to become stronger and better, making the journey well worth it.
- Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated.
- Don’t Compete With Others, Your Biggest Competition Is You.
- Stay Humble, Stay Grounded, and Stay True To Who You Are.
I’d love to get to know you all as well! Please stay in touch and follow my journey:
- IG & FB @taryntfrancis
- www.TarynTFrancis.com
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness