The Business of Dance

01:15:23

152 – Chad Geiger: Dance Agent at The Movement Talent...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/10/04

Recorded September 20, 2026EPISODE SUMMARYChad Geiger, a Los Angeles talent agent with The Movement Talent Agency, joins Menina Fortunato to explain what helps dancers get noticed, earn representation, and build lasting careers. Drawing on his own work with Dua Lipa, Dolly Parton, and James Corden, he shares what he understands now from the other side of the audition table—and what he wishes he had done differently as a performer.Chad traces his unexpected path from gymnastics in Texas to dance

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01:15:53

151 - Industry Dance Awards 2025: Red Carpet...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/09/27

Recording / Interview Date: October 20, 2025EPISODE SUMMARYWhat helps a dancer build a career that lasts? Join Menina Fortunato on the red carpet at Avalon Hollywood for the 2025 Industry Dance Awards, where conversations with performers, choreographers, educators, and industry leaders go beyond the spotlight to explore the work, relationships, and resilience behind a life in dance.From embracing your individuality to asking for help and protecting your reputation, this special episode brings

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01:07:00

150 - Travis Lim: Lisa from Blackpink, Hollywood...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/09/20

Interview Date: September 13, 2026EPISODE SUMMARYVancouver-born dancer, choreographer, and teacher Travis Lim joins Menina Fortunato to share his journey from childhood competitions and Michael Jackson-inspired solos to UCLA and professional dance work in Los Angeles. With credits including Lisa of BLACKPINK and Hollywood Arts, Travis offers an honest look at the artistic growth, relationships, and practical skills involved in building a career beyond the competition stage.Travis reflects on the

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00:48:19

149 - Noelle Marsh (So You Think You Can Dance, Tate...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/09/13

Interview Date: August 30, 2026Episode SummaryIn Episode 149 of The Business of Dance Podcast, host Menina Fortunato sits down with Los Angeles-based choreographer, movement director, and performer Noelle Marsh. Noelle traces her path from a small dance studio in North Carolina to the world stage, beginning with dance at age three, competing nationally, and appearing on So You Think You Can Dance, which became her gateway into the industry. She opens up about assisting Mia Michaels, being mentored

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00:42:15

148- Melissa Becraft: Brooklynettes, Blackpink,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/09/06

Interview Date: February 15, 2026EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with New York City-based dancer and content creator Melissa Becraft to unpack the persistence, creativity, and unexpected opportunities behind her career. Melissa shares how she started dancing at 12, moved from South Carolina to New York City at 18, and spent four years auditioning while booking only one professional dance job before finally landing a spot with the NBA

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00:59:41

147 - Joey Vice: Cirque De Soleil’s KOOZA, BalletRED,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/08/30

Interview Date: August 16thEpisode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Los Angeles-based performer, choreographer, acrobat, and educator Joey Vice to explore the unconventional path that took him from a young competitive dancer in Ohio to performing his dream role with Cirque du Soleil. Joey shares how he transitioned from soccer to dance, developed a strong technical foundation in ballet and jazz, and independently expanded into contemporary and

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01:14:40

146 - Alex Francoeur: Head Choreographer FIFA World...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/08/23

Interview Date: August 9th, 2026 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Canadian choreographer Alex Francoeur to trace the journey that took him from a nine-year-old boy reluctantly entering his first hip-hop class in Quebec to building a full-time career across performance, choreography, television, live production, and entrepreneurship. Alex shares how early professional opportunities showed him that dance could become a real career,

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00:45:19

145- Angelica Valente: Creative Director of VALENTE,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/08/16

Interview Date: July 26th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato reconnects with Hollywood Summer Tour alum Angelica Valente, whose journey has taken her from competitive dancer in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to an LA-based director, producer, fashion designer, and creative entrepreneur. Angelica shares how an early trip to Los Angeles changed the trajectory of her life, eventually inspiring her to move to LA at 17 to study dance. While pursuing a

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01:20:34

144 - Ivan FLIPZ Velez: You Got Served, 3X World...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/08/09

Interview Date: August 2nd, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary B-boy, choreographer, creative producer, and three-time World Champion Ivan “Flipz” Velez for a conversation about building a career that lasts.Ivan shares his journey from discovering breaking and pursuing his passion in New York to becoming a professional dancer, touring internationally, working across major dance films, performing at the Olympics, and

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00:59:01

143: Brandon Henschel - Director of AWAKENING,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/08/02

Interview Date: July 19th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Brandon Henschel shares his journey from discovering dance at age 12 after being inspired by Michael Jackson to building a successful, decades-long career as a performer, choreographer, director, and educator. He reflects on breaking into the entertainment industry in the 1990s, landing one of his first major opportunities in a Michael Jackson music video, and commuting from San Diego to Los Angeles for auditions and professional

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01:04:47

142: Tanya Jane - Founder of The School of Dreams,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/07/26

Interview Date: July 12th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Tanya Jane shares her journey from a young professional dancer in Australia to building a thriving career in Los Angeles—and ultimately transitioning into a seven-figure success energetics coaching business. After moving to LA at just 19, she navigated visas, broke into the industry without connections, and built a decade-long career performing on some of the world’s biggest stages alongside major artists.Tanya opens up about the

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00:53:31

141: German Morales- Founder of MGMT Artists, iPop!,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/07/19

Interview: July 5th, 2026 Episode Summary:In this episode, German Morales—talent agent, manager, producer, and founder of MGMT Artists—shares an inside look into the entertainment industry and what it truly takes to build a sustainable career as a performer. With over 20 years of experience, German walks through his unconventional journey from aspiring actor to becoming a leading talent representative, highlighting how his background in business and passion for entertainment ultimately shaped his

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00:47:50

140- Tina Oleff: MSA LA, MSA Education, Leader of MSA...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/07/12

Interview Date: June 28th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Tina Oleff, agent at MSA Talent Agency, shares her dynamic journey through the dance industry—from her early days as a competitive dancer in Ohio to building a multifaceted career across performance, production, broadcasting, and talent representation. She highlights how there is no single path to success, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and trusting your instincts when navigating a career in dance.Tina gives an

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01:04:42

139- Jeff Thacker: Emmy Nominated Executive Producer...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/07/05

Interview Date: June 21st , 2026 Episode Summary:In this powerful and expansive conversation, Jeff Thacker—executive producer of So You Think You Can Dance—shares his journey from an untrained school dancer to one of the most influential figures in global dance entertainment. He walks through each stage of his career evolution—from performer to choreographer to producer—emphasizing that longevity in the industry comes from adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to start over at the bottom of a

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01:02:28

138 - Gala of The Stars: Gala of The Stars w/Menina...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/06/28

Interview Date: October 20th, 2025Episode Summary:This special red carpet episode of The Business of Dance Podcast takes you inside the Gala of the Stars at the Beverly Hilton, a powerful evening supporting Dancers Against Cancer. Host Menina Fortunato interviews some of the most influential names in dance and entertainment, capturing real-time insights, career advice, and heartfelt moments from industry legends, rising stars, and changemakers.Throughout the episode, guests like Debbie Gibson, Abby

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00:57:04

137- Julian Mireles: Founder of BodyTech...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/06/21

Interview Date: June 14th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Julian Mireles shares his unconventional journey into dance, beginning with a background in martial arts and overcoming early physical limitations. Starting later than most, Julian developed a deep curiosity for movement, leading him to study anatomy, biomechanics, and performance science to accelerate his growth and prevent injury.Julian breaks down how his personal struggles shaped the creation of the BodyTech Method—a system built on

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01:16:51

136 - Sienna Morris: Netflix’s Star Search,...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/06/14

Interview Date: June 7th, 2026Episode Summary:This episode dives into Sienna Morris’s journey from a dedicated young dancer to a working professional in Los Angeles, highlighting the mindset, preparation, and initiative required to succeed in today’s dance industry. From choosing dance over gymnastics at an early age to navigating a short-lived opportunity in Monaco, Sienna demonstrates the importance of trusting your instincts and making bold decisions that align with your long-term goals. Her

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00:47:25

135 - Alison Stroming: Alberta Ballet, Kendrick...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/06/07

Interview Date: May 31st, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode, Alison Stroming shares her inspiring journey from classical ballet training to building a dynamic career across concert dance, commercial work, teaching, choreography, and entrepreneurship. She reflects on her early training at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre’s JKO School, the challenges of rejection, and the career-defining opportunities that led her to dance with Alberta Ballet, Ballet San Jose, and Dance

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00:46:49

134 - Kelly Sweeney: Disney’s Descendants: The Rise...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/05/24

Interview Date: August 4th, 2025Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Kelly Sweeney shares her journey from starting dance at age 10 to becoming one of the busiest teachers, choreographers, and creatives in Los Angeles. Originally from Mexico and raised in LA, Kelly talks about growing up bilingual, moving quickly through the competition world, and making an early shift into commercial dance and hip-hop training. She reflects on getting signed young, building her teaching

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01:10:58

133- George Jones JR: JLO, Nicki Minaj, Britney...

The Business of Dance ·

2026/05/17

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, George Jones Jr. shares his unconventional path into the dance industry, from starting dance at 17 to building a successful commercial career working with artists like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, and Usher. He opens up about coming from a musical theater foundation, teaching himself hip-hop through culture and observation, and learning how to navigate the industry by staying adaptable, observant, and open to unexpected

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