Episode Summary: Anastasia Miller Burns offers a captivating narrative of her journey through the dance industry trenches. From her humble beginnings in studio competitions to her tenure as a talent agent and publisher, she shares invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of dance careers. The episode kicks off with Anastasia delving into the nuances of dance industry career development, providing a roadmap for aspiring dancers looking to make their mark. Drawing from her wealth of...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Angela Elgani shares her insights into the dance industry, emphasizing the significance of networking. Starting as an eager newcomer to the dance scene, Angela recounts her journey of attending events and classes to forge key connections. She reflects on the thrilling yet demanding nature of her first tour and provides practical tips for dancers to stand out in auditions, highlighting the necessity of a distinct style or "sauce." Angela speaks candidly...

Olivia Alboher and Avery Gay offer an intimate look into their dance journeys, navigating through the challenges and triumphs of the industry. Olivia's early start in Broadway at 10 and her journey to creating dance content on TikTok gaining popularity and becoming a star. Avery started dancing in mommy class, then trained at the most prestigious ballet schools and competed on NBC’s World of Dance and So You Think You Can Dance.    As the conversation unfolds, insights into So You Think You...

Episode Summary: Clifford McGhee shares his remarkable journey from a dancer with no formal training to performing with icons like Usher, Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Genuwine and Will Smith. Despite facing challenges such as lack of family support and financial resources, McGhee's determination propelled him forward. He recounts his own struggles in pursuing a dance career, including a 36-hour one way bus ride to LA in pursuit of his dreams. He emphasizes how...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Business of Dance podcast, host James Coons, a senior agent at Bloc Talent Agency, delves into his personal journey and insights into the dance industry. Coons reflects on his transition from a sports-oriented upbringing in Kentucky to discovering his passion for musical theater in high school, leading him to extensive travel with Disney and eventually to a fulfilling career as a dance agent. Throughout the episode, Coons emphasizes the importance of...

Episode Summary: Professional dancer and choreographer Anthony Carr shares insights from his career journey. Anthony's dance path began at age four, guided by his mother's influence as a dancer. He transitioned from ballet to hip hop, finding solace and freedom in the latter despite initial setbacks.  He reflects on his experiences in various dance schools and becoming an associate choreographer of The Wiz in NYC, emphasizing the role of mentors and support in his journey.  His story...

Episode Summary: In this Business of Dance podcast episode, Mic Thompson, shares his extensive career journey. Starting with ballroom dancing, Thompson progressed to TV shows, Las Vegas performances, and a memorable impromptu gig in South Africa.  He recounts his path from working with Debbie Allen on the tv show “Fame” to becoming a main choreographer after starting as a Disney performer. A key episode highlight is Thompson's 1993 Michael Jackson audition, leading to a lasting...

Episode Summary: On "Business of Dance," Amy Allen details her journey from Britney Spears's audition hopeful to celebrated choreographer for A-listers like Usher. Starting as a Laker girl at 17, she swiftly broke into the LA dance scene. Her fusion of ballet with commercial dance catapulted her to tour with Beyoncé and later to choreograph for major acts. Allen opens up about the hurdles of injury and the importance of self-care and creative vitality. She champions continuous learning and...

Episode Summary: In this engaging podcast, Menina Fortunato interviews Brandon Sierra about the nuances of professional dancing. Brandon, with his extensive background, discusses the crucial role authenticity plays in a dancer's career, particularly when finding representation. He addresses the difficulties for families who can't afford the costs of auditions and the importance of following instructions for self-tape submissions. Brandon underscores the importance of networking, suggesting...

Episode Summary:   In this enlightening podcast episode, Vincent Paterson narrates his illustrious career, detailing his collaborations with Michael Jackson and Madonna. He reminisces about being cast as the gang leader in Jackson's "Beat It" video and their subsequent partnership. Vincent highlights the creative liberties Jackson afforded him, which culminated in the iconic "Smooth Criminal" lean and revolutionized the Super Bowl halftime show. Vincent recounts his initial tense...

Episode Summary: In this enriching podcast episode, we explore the dance world with Tammy To, a seasoned performer with a family legacy in dance. Tammy shares her personal dance journey, from formative family influences to the hurdles she's overcome in her extensive career. Tammy highlights the critical role of mentorship, describing the significant impact her mentors had on her development and how she now mentors upcoming talents. The conversation turns to dance's business aspects, where...

Episode Summary: In this captivating episode, we delve into the vibrant career of Jamal Sims, a celebrated choreographer whose beginnings were sparked by "The Wiz," leading to a breakthrough gig with Michael Jackson. Jamal emphasizes that a dancer's distinct spark—the "It Factor"—is crucial in auditions, a trait that transcends technical prowess. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at choreography, highlighting the extensive research involved and the dynamic energy and charisma he seeks in...

Episode Summary: Join Lisa and Terry Lindholm as they provide an insider's guide through the intricate talent industry of Hollywood. From the fundamental aspects of the business to the essentials of financial and social media strategy for dancers, they cover what it takes to flourish in the competitive landscape. They also touch on the evolving nature of auditions, the significance of agency relationships, and the crucial elements of representation. Show Notes: 00:01:28 Introduction to...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the captivating journey of Enola Bedard, a talented dancer who has successfully carved out her own unique path in the dance industry by leveraging the power of social media from 0 to 21 million followers. From her humble beginnings in Quebec to her collaborations with top artists, Enola's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and seizing opportunities in the digital age. Get ready to be inspired as we explore Enola's...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Carmit Bachar, a multi-talented artist who has made her mark in dance, music, and beyond. We kick things off by exploring her early life, her initial foray into rhythmic gymnastics, and how she transitioned into dance. Carmit opens up about the challenges she faced, including dealing with a cleft lip and how it shaped her both personally and professionally. As we move along, Carmit shares invaluable insights into the...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the podcast, host Menina Fortunato sits down with Stacey Tookey, an esteemed director, choreographer, and dancer known for her work on stages and screens globally. Stacey delves into her dance-filled upbringing in Edmonton, where her mother's dance studio served as her nursery and first stage. Her story of overcoming severe stress fractures at 17 underscores her resilience, highlighting the importance of a strong mental attitude in recovering from...

Episode Summary: In the "Business of Dance" podcast, Menina Fortunato converses with Paul Becker, known for choreographing "The Last of Us," and "Disney Descendants." Paul shares his evolution from breakdancing to choreography, starting when an unexpected chance to choreograph a commercial fell into his lap. The discussion provides insight into Paul's collaborative efforts with Kenny Ortega on "Descendants," turning it from a straightforward film into a celebrated musical. His talent for...

Episode Summary: We delve into the life of Sophia Lucia, a prodigious dancer who started her journey at just two years old. Sophia has danced on prestigious stages, acted in a Hallmark Christmas movie, and even set a Guinness World Record for 55 consecutive pirouettes at age 10.   However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Sophia shares the challenges she faced in the ballet world, from intense pressure to issues with body image. Despite these hardships, she acknowledges that her time in...

Episode Summary:   In this episode, we delve into Brian Friedman's journey as a dancer, choreographer, and mentor. Brian discusses the delicate balance between personal ambitions and helping others, emphasizing the power of narrative in dance. He examines his own education and advocating for arts-specialized schools. Brian reveals his drive for projects with devoted teams and his secret to longevity in the competitive dance industry—constant reinvention without limits. He shares his...

Episode Summary: Host Menina Fortunato talks with Alex Wong about his evolution from tap to ballet to a standout on "So You Think You Can Dance." Alex recounts his reluctant start in ballet, his win at the Prix de Lausanne competition, and his tenure with prestigious ballet companies. The discussion also covers his successful pivot to TikTok during the pandemic, contrasting his traditional dance roles with the more profitable social media sphere. The episode concludes by exploring the...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Business of Dance podcast, host Menina Fortunato takes us on a journey through her illustrious career in dance and the business side of it. The episode culminates with the birth of the Business of Dance podcast, aimed at helping aspiring dancers navigate the complexities of a professional dance career. Throughout the episode, Menina's passion for dance and business shines through, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to make a mark in the dance...

The Business of Dance" podcast, hosted by the seasoned dance professional Menina Fortunato, is your go-to resource for dancers and parents of aspiring dancers, providing essential insights to navigate the complex world of dance careers.
 In each episode, Menina engages in candid conversations with industry experts, delving into the multifaceted dimensions of the dance world. Together, they shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked business aspects of pursuing a dance profession.
 With a clear...