With a long career as a professional dancer, Fran Ioannidis has taken her passion for the art of movement to become an invaluable dance teacher to children with special needs.

In 2012, Fran was approached by the Rotary Club of Chadstone/East Malvern to teach the class of Busy Feet's very first program. Today, Busy Feet have expanded to many areas within Victoria, providing weekly dance classes to children with disabilities ranging from various degrees of autism, Down Syndrome, deafness and cerebral palsy. Fran is a big believer in embracing individuality, quoting Dr. Seuss “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”. She describes watching these students of hers perform in front of large audiences at events like the Cheerleading Championships or the Special Olympics Australia, as a real proud moment for her and for her work.

As a Mother to four young adults, Fran describes her joys of motherhood as watching her children grow into thoughtful and caring adults and being able to share many laughs along the way. Similarly to the way in which she has interacted with her own family, Fran aims to provide much happiness and laughter to families with children with special needs.

If you would like to get involved in the work that Fran does, head to http://www.busyfeet.org.au/index.php for more information. There are a range of ways in which you could volunteer your time and skills to assist in a program that has the ability to enhance a child’s self confidence and happiness.