ENCORE PERFORMANCE
Turning a Local Dance Class into a National Movement
As co-author and business partner, I helped my mother transform her local tap program into a national celebration of second acts. We published Encore Performance with Atria Books (Simon & Schuster), created integrated multimedia content, and launched a tour featured on CBS Sunday Morning. The project became a cultural celebration of reinvention, rhythm, and joy at any age.
Billy Elliot Meets The Golden Girls
Encore Performance, published by Atria Books (Simon & Schuster), tells the inspiring true story of my mom Vicki’s transformation — proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. What started as a weekly dance class became a national movement and a multimedia book project that sparked conversations about aging, joy, and second chances.
I co-authored the book and helped guide the brand from day one. At 62, Vicki wasn’t slowing down, she was just getting started.
A Book That Moved With You
We were approached by top literary agents Christy Fletcher and Grainne Fox at Fletcher & Company, and after several major publishers expressed interest, we signed with Atria Books. Vicki felt an instant connection to the team, and the deal was especially meaningful since Atria also published her favorite author, Jude Deveraux.
The book received glowing praise:
Kirkus called it “deceptively intriguing.”
Goodreads reviewers highlighted themes of love, family, and perseverance.
CBS Sunday Morning said, “Vicki took what life gave her and put on a show.”
Each chapter included QR codes linking to more than 20 minutes of integrated video content, allowing readers to meet the dancers and see them in action. We even wrote and produced an original song, Chance to Shine, with UK producers Chicks with Hits — complete with a music video that captured the energy and spirit of the story.
More Than a Book: A Movement
The Encore Performance tour included events and signings at Barnes & Noble in NYC and Harrisburg, live performances, and speaking engagements across the East Coast. Vicki’s story inspired audiences far beyond the dance world. The book wasn’t just about tap, it was about rediscovering joy and living fully, no matter your age.
Takeaway
Encore Performance wasn’t just a memoir, but rather it was a living collaboration between a mother and son who believed in each other. I helped my mom understand the magnitude of what she built, and in return, she reminded me that rhythm — in movement, in mindset, in life — is one of our most powerful sources of purpose.
When you find that rhythm, you can carry it through every chapter. Just like she did.