ALL DOLLED UP...

We loved seeing our favorite Regulars in their school clothes and every day dance wear, but when we got to see them "all dolled up" it was a special treat. I know for me that is one reason I loved the Christmas party shows, as they were all so beautiful in their formals. To get pictures of them dressed for dates was more rare and especially fun, as we have here with Frani Giordano awaiting her date. We wonder where she was heading...to a prom? to a dance club? And was her date Freddie? Throughout the gallery pages, you will find many of the Regulars dressed to their best--like Carole Scaldeferri, Barb Levick, Justine Carrelli, Janet Hamill, and many others.

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Frani is healthy and happy with a family that is still continuing to grow. She has 4 children and 10 grandchildren as of now :) ! She spends a lot of time caring for mother Emma as well.
Hi M, so good to see your post and update. I remember Emma so well, gorgeous as her daughter Frani is. I wrote her once asking what Frani would like for Christmas and she wrote back 'size 10 slacks'. I have so many good memories 50+ years later. Frani had her hair styled the same way and had the same dress on for a special dinner/gathering after the dance contest. Emma was seated at the table and had the fur stole on. Seems might be from the same night, photo above and seen elsewhere.
Watching more TV coverage, saw some of the kids and spotted beautiful Frani in the audience watching Jerry Lee Lewis. I imagine there have been many more photos that I missed of course and of the other wonderful AB dancers. Did catch Bunny dancing up a storm to Little Richard singing and playing the piano. Still a shock thinking about this wonderful human being.
Meredith, sadly watching coverage of Dick Clark's passing, got to see one of my most favorite photos of your grandma. She and I believe a gal named Angel standing with Dick Clark. That is when she had one of my most favorite has styles, long, long and wavy. I am sure she feels devastated too by Dick's passing.
Meredith, WELCOME. Your grandmom and I corresponded via mail, she took photos for me, and we talked on the phone several times. Her last letter to me was she and Freddy had gotten married and would not be on AB, I was devastated. To this day, her inpact on me is still there. Rare when you can remember and admire someone so many years later. I look at the sites to see photos and videos to this day. I respect her request for privacy, I think she looks the same and is recognized.
Meredith, How nice to see your post. We all "loved" your grand-mom. Frani (and Carole) set the style for fashion and hair. Please let her know she is still thought very fondly today by many and give her our very best.
It was great to read the post from Meredith ! Frani was so lovely and one of my favorite regulars. I hope we hear more from Meredith about her famous grandmother !
She is my grandmom. My great-gramps, Frani's father Joseph owned the produce store on the italian market. Still run by family
Hello Meredith...It was so great hearing from you about your "grandmom" and we hope you will be able to share more with us. It would be wonderful if Frani would contact us because she has so many fans who remember her like yesterday. I imagine she is sad like the rest of us right now to hear of the passing of Dick Clark on Wednesday (yesterday).
One of my favorite Frani photos. She was gorgeous! Her wardrobe must have been huge, whenever she dolled up, one new outfit after another. Does anyone know what her Dad did for a living? I believe Mom, Emma, was a stay at home Mom.
Hello Jeanne...Hadn't seen you in a while on the site. Yes, that's a beautiful picture of Frani and her wardrobe was very extensive. The family had money from all I have read and been told. My understanding is that the Giordanos had a family business in Philly--produce market. I have heard that their Sea Isle summer home did burn down. Many summers were spent there by Frani and family and many of the AB Regulars were invited. Some of the pictures are in my galleries.
Thanks Marsha for the info. I WISH we could see her today. From what I have heard, she was as nice as pretty, just like my other favorite blonde Justine.
Jeanne...Since she was so well liked, I felt certain she was someone who was great with her friends. I have heard that she was liked so much on the show and off. She is still beautiful to this day.