|
Congratulations to Elaine Terranova, Ms. Florida Senior America, 2008. Elaine has had a very exciting life. Her career began at the age of 4, when her cousin Sarah entered her into a beauty pageant. She won the title of "Little Miss Buffalo" in 1942.
Elaine began her dance career in 1943, from her first dancing lesson. It was love at first tap.
Growing up Elaine remembers her mother saying "keep them busy and they will stay out of trouble", so - from the age of 7 to the age of 19, every summer the family lived and worked on a farm, worked from sun up till sun down in the fields. At that time it was called helping the family get ahead. Now, they are called migrant workers.
During the fall and winter months she studied; Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Russian Character & "Afro-Cuban". Elaine has studied dance with some of the best, including; Peter Genaro, Matt Mattox, June Taylor, Royal Academy of Ballet and Sylvia Ford. She is especially proud of having danced with "Michael Bennett" creator and choreographer of "Chorus Line". Elaine is also a member of Dance Master, Nada and Agva.
At 6 years old Elaine started performing at VA hospitals & numerous theaters. She has performed in such shows as; The Gary Moore Show, Red Stocking Review, Two Girls North & The Fabulous Florida Follies. Still her real passion is teaching. Elaine feels there is nothing more rewarding and satisfying then to teach. Currently she is teaching a tap and jazz technique class and her students (ages 55-80) just love her.
Elaine had dance studio's in Buffalo, Brooklyn, South Carolina and Florida. She has been choreographing The Fabulous Florida Follies in Brevard County, Fl. for the past 5 years, a non-profit organization where all of the proceeds are given to young people to further their education. She also organized a group that travels all over Brevard County entertaining at senior centers, adult communities, nursing homes and assisted living communities. The performers range in ages from 55-95. All proceeds going to children organizations including the "Ronald McDonald House".
Elaine began her volunteering at the age of 10. She would help her grandma Senia care for many of the neighbors. As a teenager she volunteered at the hospital.
Update: she still cares for several people and belongs to many charitable organizations. Elaine's goal is to reach as many seniors as possible, and get them moving. After all, they were the "movers and shakers" of our time. And yes, they still have so much to offer to the world.
 |  |
| Elaine Terranova, Ms. FL Senior America 2008, as a beautiful child | Elaine has blossomed from that child into a beautiful "Queen". |
|
|
The Ms. Senior
America Pageant is the world's first and foremost pageant to
emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the "Age of
Elegance." It is a search for the gracious lady who best
exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all
senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based
upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America,
and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge,
experience and resources that the younger generation has the
opportunity to build a better society.
|
