Tybee Afra (Brascia)

Tybee Afra (Brasica) was one of the prolific dancers who opened the film with a spectacular dance piece, and yet is uncredited? She also was a national dance personage, as she paired with John Brascia to form Brascia and Tybee in the 50's and 60's, and opened for the Rat Pack and often with Frank Sinatra, even accompanying him on his tours of Europe. Tybee was on a flight over the Alps in a storm with Sinatra and the band when the lights went out and the plane plunged, but she remained calm. When all was restored she was asked how did she stay so calm and not fear crashing, and she replied, "This Frank's plane, he won't allow it." She was married to Brascia for a number of years and developed cancer. She was in the hospital for the last time and Sinatra came to visit her. He sat with her, and talked all about an upcoming tour and how he wanted her to open the show. Tybee smiled, and said, "Thanks Frank." He gave her a hug and a kiss and she died soon after.