06/01/2026
🙏🏻💜🙏🏻Today, the DeFrances Dance family mourns the loss of a very special friend, Toni Richard.
For so many years, Toni and her family were a treasured part of our dance family. We watched her daughter, Kelsey Richard, grow up in our studio from a tiny three-year-old dancer all the way through high school graduation. Kelsey was a proud member of Dance Force and later returned to share her love of dance as a beloved DeFrances Dance teacher.
Toni was there through it all—dance classes, recitals, competitions, national competitions, Mardi Gras balls, celebrations, and countless memories that we will cherish forever. Her kindness, warmth, laughter, and unwavering love for her family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Our hearts are especially with Toni’s sister, Tina Knight, our Prairieville office manager, and with her nieces, Lauren and Rachel Knight, who are such valued members of our staff and our dance family. We are keeping the entire Richard and Knight families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The dance world is built on more than classes and performances—it is built on relationships, friendships, and families that become part of our lives forever. Toni was one of those people. We are grateful for every memory, every laugh, every competition weekend, and every moment we shared together.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
With love,
The DeFrances Dance Family
