We recently had the chance to connect with Francésca DeCoster and have shared our conversation below.
Francésca, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
When I wake up my day starts with taking my dog Vader for his morning walk and to go potty. Then I’ll eat breakfast and after that I will prepare for my dance classes that will be teaching. I spend my mornings choreographing for the day then I get ready for work. Sometimes what I do on a daily basis varies depending on the day. But on my busiest days I teach from 1pm-8pm.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Francésca. I’m a singer, dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, actress, host and cosplayer. I have been teaching dance in Southern California for the past 25 years, I have choreographed for various high schools and studios for events and competitions. I recently started a program to help young figure skaters develop proper dance technique to incorporate into their ice skating programs. The dance styles that I teach are jazz, hip hop, musical theater, lyrical and contemporary. I also teach all ages. I am currently working on filming a dance project that I choreographed to showcase my work.
I started cosplaying ten years ago and during that time I have cosplayed over sixty different characters that range from comics, to anime, to live action characters. Some of my more recent cosplays include Mary Poppins, Catwoman, Princess Mononoke and most recently the tethered from Us. I have participated in various panels and events at conventions covering photography, modeling and bringing the character to life. Most recently I have hosted, sang and danced in various shows at conventions and the LA County Fair. Last year I competed at Anime Los Angeles for the their Next top star and won the judges choice award. The biggest joy I get out of cosplaying is to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and that cosplay is for everyone.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My first memory from a time in my life that I felt powerful was when I was twelve years old in choir and I found the confidence to audition for show choir. Growing up I had zero confidence and I was so anxious but I really wanted to be up front performing and shining on stage. I decided to push through and go far what I really wanted even though I was terrified to sing and dance in front of people, because at this point in my life i had absolutely no dance experience so my movement was a bit awkward and picking up choreography was quite difficult. Lucky I made it and I became a part of the show choir, I even earned a solo. This was the first time I ever put myself out there to be vulnerable and the reward was big for me. Since that day I have felt so powerful and I know if I believe in myself and put in the work I can achieve anything.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self i say you are beautiful, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. You are going to be called many ugly things and people will try to bring you down with negativity, don’t let them. Ignore the naysayers, continue to shine bright and march to the beat of your own drum.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that family really matters to me. My family is my everything and some of my closest friends have become family to me throughout the years of our friendship.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I definitely feel like I am doing what i was born to do in this life, God has given me multiple gifts and he has blessed me to do what I love each day of my life. My family has always been really supportive of me and encouraging me to go for my dreams no matter how big or small they may be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: francheeezy24_7
- Twitter: Francheezy24
- Facebook: Francheezy Cosplay
- Youtube: MsFrancheezy
- Other: TikTok-ms.francheezy
Image Credits
Michael Greening
David Ngo (Dtjaaaam)
Paper Moon Shoppe
