The Business of Dance

Episode Summary:  Host Menina Fortunato interviews the multifaceted Sheldon Robins, whose extensive career encompasses film directing, producing, acting, and dancing. Sheldon begins by recounting his early days in New York, where he immersed himself in block parties and street dancing. This involvement led to his first significant break with LL Cool J and eventually prompted his move to Los Angele...

Episode Summary:  UK-based professional dancer Serena McCall shares valuable insights from her diverse career in ballet and contemporary dance. The episode begins with Serena discussing her early training, including her experiences at the Royal Ballet associate scheme and Elmhurst Ballet School, which paved the way for her professional journey. Serena reflects on her recent role in Disney's li...

Episode Summary:  Choreographer and influencer Tricia Miranda shares her journey in the dance industry, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that shaped her career. Tricia discusses her early passion for dance, starting ballet at four, and transitioning to hip hop at 19. Despite facing rejection and initial struggles, her move to LA marked the beginning of a dynamic career, including a signifi...

Episode Summary:  Louise Hradsky, an acclaimed choreographer and former performer, delves into her extensive experience in the dance industry. Louise, who has been nominated for MTV Movie and Emmy Awards, discusses her work on major film and TV projects such as Godzilla and The Descendants. She reflects on her early passion for ballet, which was redirected toward contemporary dance after facing re...

Episode Summary:  Liz Ramos, a distinguished professional dancer and choreographer, shares her inspiring journey and invaluable industry insights. From her early days in McAllen, Texas, to making significant marks in Los Angeles and New York City, Liz’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the dance world. Host Menina Fortunato introduces Liz, highlighting her impre...

Episode Summary: Teya Wild, a dynamic Canadian-born dancer and choreographer now based in Los Angeles, shares an engaging overview of her expansive career. From her early days at Dance Co. in Vancouver to her current successes in LA and abroad, Teya's journey is marked by her adaptability and commitment to her craft. Menida Fortunato introduces Teya, highlighting her impressive resume which in...

Episode Summary: Christian Vincent, an Emmy-nominated choreographer and dancer with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, shares his professional journey. From his early beginnings in Ontario, Canada, to working with iconic artists like Madonna and Prince. Christian delves into the early influences that shaped his career, such as his pivotal encounter at Joe Tremaine's dance conv...

Episode Summary:  Melena Rounis provides a comprehensive overview of her journey in the dance industry, from overcoming early challenges to achieving notable success on renowned stages like Cirque du Soleil. Starting her dance career later than most and facing initial setbacks including familial pressure to pursue a conventional university degree, Melena’s resilience shines through as she navigate...

Episode Summary:  Angelica Stiskin, a distinguished artistic director and choreographer, offers a deep dive into her multifaceted dance career and her educational initiatives at the Joffrey Ballet School. From her early beginnings in New Jersey to becoming a global force in dance, Angelica shares the trajectory of her career, including her mentorship under Billy Larson and her innovative work in c...

Episode Summary: Tiana Gandelman shares a riveting journey through her dance career, from humble beginnings to notable successes alongside iconic pop stars. The episode dives into Tiana's experiences and insights on navigating the evolving landscape of the dance industry. Tiana's career took off when she moved to Los Angeles after being selected for Britney Spears, "I'm a Slave 4...

Episode Summary:  Renée Marino provides an engaging and insightful discussion about her journey in the entertainment industry, touching on themes of communication, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. Renee began dancing at the age of 3 and continued to nurture her passion for the arts through college, eventually landing her first professional role as a lead singer and dancer in a casino show. Desp...

Episode Summary:  Susan Salgado, a seasoned casting director and producer, offers a wealth of knowledge on navigating the dance industry from her initial steps in the Philippines to her influential role in Los Angeles. Susan's journey, marked by a transition from dancer to industry insider, highlights her 10-year career in casting for reality TV shows and her efforts to bridge opportunities fo...

Episode summary: Jayme Rae Dailey provides a captivating look into her life and career trajectory from Montreal to Los Angeles, where she established herself as a top commercial dancer. Having worked with A-list celebrities like Chris Brown, Demi Lovato, and Jennifer Lopez, Jayme shares her transformative experiences in the dance world, including her audition for "You Think You Can Dance Cana...

Episode Summary: Meisha Goetz, a seasoned professional and current director of the dance department at Clear Talent Group, shares her comprehensive journey and insights into the dance industry. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Meisha started dancing at the age of three and eventually transitioned from a performer to a significant player on the business side of dance. Throughout the episode, Meisha...

Episode Summary: Lucas McFarlane, a seasoned dance professional, shares his journey from Calgary to becoming a prominent figure in London's dance scene. Lucas discusses his early training in Calgary, his move to London at 18 without connections, and his rapid ascent, including winning a “Got to Dance” - a TV show that propelled him to fame in the UK. The conversation highlights the unique oppo...

Episode Summary: Heather Laura Gray recounts her evolution in dance, tracing back to her family's influence and the decisive moments that shaped her path. Heather shares tales of overcoming adversity and self-doubt during her rigorous ballet training and the subsequent transition to a broader performing arts career in Toronto.  Emphasizing the power of versatility, Heather discusses expanding...

Episode Summary: We explore the journey of JJ Villar, a dancer turned motivational speaker and life coach. JJ recounts how dance served as a sanctuary and later became his driving force, and how he now applies his understanding of the human psyche to help others achieve greatness. JJ imparts crucial advice about self-worth and integrity in one's career, highlighting the value of investing in m...

Episode Summary: Jessica's story begins with her humble & late start in New York City at 19, where she discovered her passion for dance and forged meaningful connections within the dance community. Despite initially navigating the industry without an agent, Jessica's talent and perseverance led her to work with esteemed choreographers like Tina Landon and Hi Hat, paving the way for her...

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, pro...

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 au...

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 D...

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...

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...

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 choreog...

 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...