The Business of Dance

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 hu...

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 followin...

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 "Sm...

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 an...

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-scen...

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 r...

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...

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 b...

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...

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 collaborativ...

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 inten...

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 lon...

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 tradition...

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 a...

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 sh...