A Day Through Alex Francoeur’s Eyes
by Optoplus / July 2024
A professional dancer for over 15 years, choreographer and movement visionary, Alex Francoeur is a true enthusiast who never stops. In addition to commissions for Netflix, En Direct and La Voix, Alex is also the face of the latest OPTOPLUS campaigns as well as a patient at OPTOPLUS in Repentigny.
Copyright: Instagram @alex_francoeur
Mornings
At 6:30 a.m. The alarm goes off and Alex starts his day by making himself a nice latte, then wakes up slowly with 15 minutes of reading. He’s currently reading Robin Sharma’s latest book, which helps him refocus. Breakfast is always the same: 3 eggs, cheese and toast.
While the dancer and choreographer is a creature of habit, he also likes to take his friends’ recommendations and discover new brunch spots. His only criterion when it comes to the menu, “As dirty as possible! (giggles)”
Copyright: Instagram @antipodemtl
Seeing the Day in a Good Light
Alex Francoeur wears his glasses diligently, whether he’s driving or commuting to work, reading or watching TV – all of which he admits he spends far too much time in front of. He admits that he has never had the courage to try contact lenses, so he chooses frames that are an extension of his personality, “The eyes are literally a means of communication, so it’s important to me that they are a fashion accessory and not a sign of a disability.”
Copyright: Instagram @alex_francoeur
At Work
9 :30 a.m. Alex arrives a little early in the rehearsal room and takes advantage of this quiet moment to warm up with some abdominal exercises and a series of push-ups before stretching from head to toe. He then prepares the music and his notes to lead his troupe.
10 a.m. The dancers arrive. His current project? Choreographing the Fête nationale shows in Montreal and Quebec City! This huge mandate is particularly stimulating for Alex, who sees it as an opportunity to celebrate Quebec music through dance, “I have the chance to work with a large number of artists from completely different worlds and to dive right in!”
Copyright: Instagram @alex_francoeur
Lunch
12 p.m. Between calls and emails, Alex Francoeur prefers a quick lunch of hummus with cheese, crackers and cold cuts. A simple meal that he never neglects, however, “Eating well is the basis of my work to keep my body and mind healthy, creative and active.”
Copyright: Instagram @bar.renard
Dinner
5 to 7 p.m. Rehearsals end. Alex admits he’s not a great cook, but he’s fond of pasta alla carbonara or a good tartare in a restaurant. He also likes to share a meal with his parents, whom he tries to see as often as possible. And then there are the quiet dinners with friends, a simple pleasure that helps him unwind in the company of the pillars present, despite his schedule’s hectic pace.
Copyright: Instagram @larrys.gram
Evening Routine
Alex loves his work and devotes many hours to it every day, which is why finding time for himself is such a big challenge! But he still tires to fit some relaxing time into his buys schedule – in the morning, before work, and in the evening before bed. His latest hobby, he admits, is his new passion for building vintage LEGOs. After a little leisure time, he relaxes with a bath and some Epsom salt, “It’s the key to relaxation! And off to bed for a good night’s sleep after dancing all day.”
Copyright: Instagram @alex_francoeur
His Advice for a Healthy, Balanced Life
Alex credits a large part of his daily motivation to the people he works with on his projects: inspiring artists, showbiz professionals who constantly surpass themselves, in short, incredible friendships created through a shared passion. Of course, making his passion his work has not been an easy task, but the choreographer’s friends, who know him very well, know better than anyone how to get him to slow down and enjoy life, “If you want me to take a day off, you can coax me with a hike in the forest followed by an afternoon at the spa!”
Copyright: Instagram @alex_francoeur
However, according to Alex, the key to an active and balanced life is to know your own limits and listen to yourself, “Everyone has their own rhythm, and it is important to make healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices – not just for a few weeks. Be gentle with yourself!”
Clearly, the hours are flying by for this passionate man. Of course, life is imperfect, but even if every day is a race, the secret to happiness for Alex Francoeur is the wisdom he has inherited, “Where there’s a dream, there’s life. That’s something my mother has always said to me. Believe in your dreams, and above all else, look far ahead in life!”
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