ENCORE PERFORMANCE
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 in a local rec center, 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 great praise:
Kirkus Reviews said, “Riordan draws readers in to her deceptively intriguing life.”
Goodreads reviewers highlighted themes of love, family, and perseverance.
Jeffrey Zaslow, New York Times bestselling author of The Girls from Ames and co-author of The Last Lecture said, “ Vicki Riordan writes with a song in her heart, and she taps into all the emotions, joys and challenges that inform women’s lives. Her dance program changes lives; her book will, too.”
Joan Rivers on Vicki’s Tap Pups, “You ladies belong on Broadway!”
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. I produced an original anthem, Chance to Shine, with UK writers/producers Chicks with Hits, complete with a music video that captured the energy and spirit of Vicki’s 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 is not just about dance, but more importantly it’s about rediscovering joy and living fully, no matter your age.
Takeaway
Encore Performance means far more to me than being a published co-author.
My mother recently passed away, and the book now feels like a living collaboration between the two of us. I helped her see the magnitude of what she could build, and in return, she taught me that rhythm, in movement, mindset, and life, can become one of our greatest sources of purpose.
When you find that rhythm, you can carry it through every chapter.
Just like she did.