Loading...

PODCAST

The Business of Dance

MENINA FORTUNATO

Welcome to the "Business of Dance" with your host Menina Fortunato. Tune in as we dive into insightful interviews with industry experts, sharing personal journeys and career advice for aspiring pro dancers. This podcast is your key to turning your dance dreams into reality.

arts performing arts

All Episodes

00:42:58

53 - Christina Ricucci: 8x National Champion, Disney...

The Business of Dance ·

2025/01/19

Episode Summary:Christina Ricucci, a dynamic artist who blends singing, songwriting, acting, dancing, and choreography. Christina shares her journey from starting dance at age two to competing and training rigorously, achieving national titles, and landing performances featured in Disney projects. She reflects on how Lyme disease, diagnosed in her teenage years, drastically shifted her career, leading her to explore music and acting. This illness ultimately led to the release of her first

en-us

01:02:13

52 - Shawn Byfield: (Hairspray, Bojangles, Blues...

The Business of Dance ·

2025/01/12

Episode Summary: Shawn Byfield, an accomplished Canadian performer, choreographer, MC, and author. With an extensive career spanning film, television, and live performances, Shawn shares his personal journey, starting from a hyperactive child to becoming a seasoned dance professional. He recounts how his passion for dance ignited after watching the legendary Gregory Hines perform tap dance on television, leading him to pursue a diverse range of dance styles and eventually transition into the

en-us

01:01:02

51 - Traci Reszetylo: Leading the Line as Rockette...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/12/22

Episode Summary:Menina Fortunato interviews Traci Reszetylo, a 22-year veteran of the Radio City Rockettes, to discuss her incredible career and journey in the dance world. Traci reflects on her early dance training in Pittsburgh, her move to New York, and her audition experiences for the Rockettes, eventually landing the role on her second attempt. She shares the challenges and rewards of performing with the Rockettes, including her experiences on tour, in prestigious events like the Macy’s

en-us

01:11:29

50 - Bloc Agent: Stephanie Landwehr: "Navigating the...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/12/15

Episode Summary:Menina Fortunato interviews Stephanie Landwehr, a seasoned professional in the dance industry, who has worked with top artists such as Cher, Tina Turner, Jessica Simpson, and Macy Gray. Stephanie now works as a dance agent with Block Talent Agency, helping dancers advance their careers. Stephanie shares her journey from a competitive dancer to a choreographer and, eventually, to an agent. She provides invaluable insights into how dancers can advance their careers by building

en-us

01:24:10

49 - G Madison IV (Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Mariah...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/12/08

Episode Summary: Menina Fortunato interviews the accomplished G Madison IV, a dancer, choreographer, and creative director with a career spanning continents and industries. G shares his journey from self-taught beginnings in San Diego to performing alongside global icons like Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar. Now based in Australia, he reflects on transitioning into musical theater and balancing family life with a thriving career. G emphasizes the importance of mindset, clarity, and

en-us

01:37:57

48 - Anita Mann: Dance Legend (Elvis Presley, Solid...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/11/24

Episode Summary: Dance legend Anita Mann shares her remarkable journey, offering insights from her extensive career as a dancer, choreographer, and producer. Menina Fortunato introduces Anita, honoring her as a trailblazer who has received five Emmy nominations, with an impressive array of credits, including Solid Gold, the Muppets, and the Academy Awards. Anita’s career took off when Elvis Presley, impressed with her work, asked her to assist on his projects. Working with icons like Elvis and Jack

en-us

00:59:47

47 - Teresa Espinosa: Touring with Janet Jackson &...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/11/17

Episode Summary: Teresa Espinosa, a celebrated dancer and choreographer, joins the conversation to share her incredible journey and insights on building a dance career. Menina Fortunato introduces Teresa, known for her extensive work with icons like Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber, as well as her Emmy-nominated choreography on Janet’s “Velvet Rope” special. Teresa recounts her early inspirations, sparked by icons like Michael and Janet Jackson. After graduating from Cal Arts, her

en-us

01:17:16

46 - Alex Magno: Madonna, J Lo, Britney, DWTS, SYTYD...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/11/10

Episode Summary: Menina Fortunato interviews renowned choreographer Alex Magno to explore his inspiring journey from Rio de Janeiro to Los Angeles, where he became an influential figure in the dance world. Menina introduces Alex, celebrating his achievements, including Emmy and World Choreography Awards, and their shared history, as Alex’s scholarship significantly impacted her own dance path. A turning point came when Alex won a competition sponsored by Paramount Pictures, bringing him to the

en-us

00:55:20

45 - Miller Daurey: From Star Search Fame to a...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/11/03

Episode Summary: Menina Fortunato interviews Miller Daurey, discussing his remarkable journey from early dance days to a comeback later in life. Miller began dancing at 14, inspired by supportive family members, and soon achieved success with his sister as a dance duo on Star Search, launching his career. His early professional experience includes working with Paula Abdul, winning a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet, and performing in major brand commercials. Despite his achievements,

en-us

00:57:26

44 - Kim McSwain: Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, KM...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/10/27

Episode Summary: Kim McSwain, a passionate dancer and teacher with a career spanning from her early beginnings to founding her own dance agency. Kim began dance at age three, developing a strong foundation through intensive ballet training and competitive tap. At age 24, she moved to Los Angeles, navigating financial struggles while working multiple jobs to support her career. Her breakthrough came with high-profile projects for artists like Britney Spears and Michael Jackson. Eventually, Kim

en-us

01:16:52

43 - Kelly Sweeney: Descendants: Rise of Red,...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/10/20

Episode Summary: Kelly Sweeney, a Mexican-American dancer with an impressive career that began at 15. Kelly shares how she transitioned from musical theater and gymnastics to dance after an ankle condition led her to focus on training seriously at age 10. By 15, she had signed with the MSA agency, launching her professional career. Kelly talks about completing the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) at 16 to work as a legal adult, allowing her to balance her dance career and academics

en-us

00:52:27

42 - Swoosh (Flawless UK, Britain's Got Talent,...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/10/13

Episode Summary: Menina interviews Swoosh, who began dancing at age four, inspired by Michael Jackson. He recalls teaching himself dance through TV, as dance wasn’t as accessible in the UK during the 80s. His passion grew through family performances and school talent shows. Encouraged by a school teacher, Swoosh started taking dance seriously after a successful school talent show performance. He pursued formal training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz, expanding his skills and understanding of

en-us

01:08:00

41 - Tiffany Maher: So You Think You Can Dance, Step...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/10/06

Episode Summary: Tiffany Maher shares her extensive career in dance, from her early beginnings to her success in the industry. Tiffany started dancing at age three and transitioned from a competitive dance kid to a faculty member at the Tremaine Dance Convention, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication. She pursued a Bachelor's of Science degree while balancing her dance career, showcasing the significance of time management. Tiffany took a semester off to compete on So You Think

en-us

01:10:59

40 - Nellie Bethel: Denmark to USA - J Lo, MJ One &...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/09/29

Episode Summary: Nellie Bethel, a dynamic Danish dancer who moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She begins by sharing her early dance experiences in Denmark, where she started dancing at the age of 10, focusing on MTV-style classes. Her first professional role was in a street dance rendition of "The Nutcracker," which ignited her desire to travel to New York and delve into the roots of hip-hop. However, an encounter with a friend who offered her a place to stay in LA shifted her

en-us

01:03:15

39 - Sheldon Robins: Self-Taught Street Dancer with...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/09/22

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 Angeles. A pivotal moment in his career was auditioning for the Reebok City Jam series, where he was selected

en-us

00:49:29

38 - Serena McCall: UK Ballet / Contemporary Dancer...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/09/15

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 live-action Snow White movie, where she worked alongside prominent choreographers like Mandy Moore,

en-us

01:20:48

37 - Tricia Miranda: Beyonce Tour dancer,...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/09/08

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 significant break working with Beyoncé as a tour dancer. Tricia emphasizes the importance of resilience,

en-us

00:57:28

36 - Louise Hradsky: Canadian Cirque du Soleil Dancer...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/09/01

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 rejection from a prestigious ballet school. This redirection led her to a successful career in

en-us

00:55:15

35 - Liz Ramos: Creating a Bi-Coastal Dance Career in...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/08/25

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 impressive collaborations with icons like Earth Wind & Fire, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, and Will Smith

en-us

01:01:35

34 - Teya Wild: Creating a dance career in both...

The Business of Dance ·

2024/08/18

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 includes roles in TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" and Disney's

en-us

154 results

Similar Podcasts

BroadwayRadio

BroadwayRadio

The Quilter on Fire Podcast

Brandy

The Creative Process · Arts, Culture & Society: Books, Film, Music, TV, Art, Writing, Creativity, Education, Environment, Theatre, Dance, LGBTQ, Climate Change, Social Justice, Spirituality, Feminism, Tech, Sustainability

Mia Funk

The Unstoppable Singer

Danielle Tucker

Landscape Photography World

Grant Swinbourne