Menina knows, "Talent is such a small percentage of a dancers success". Ms. Fortunato is a Portuguese and French Canadian, who has been killing it in California since 2001 with an Entrepreneurial spirit and taking every obstacle into an opportunity. She can be seen in several commercials for Pepsi with Britney Spears, and Lux Shampoo with Keira Knightly. She has extensive work behind the camera as well in production, choreography and casting on various projects including AMERICA's GOT TALENT, THE X FACTOR. She is also the CEO of MENINA ENTERTAINMENT that produces music videos, instructional videos, and The Hollywood Summer Tour with the intention to educate, prepare and inspire serious dancers wishing to pursue a career in the commercial dance industry.
Kristina Eustace was a competitive dancer with dreams of taking her training into a professional career, but a medical diagnosis quickly changed her options. Now, Kristina runs a public education Dance Program and has changed the lives of hundreds of dancers and "non-dancers". We talk about how physical health can change your journey, how politics are a part of dance and schools, and how we can advocate for Dance and grow its value within communities.
You may recognize her name from SYTYCD Next Generation as she choreographed Tate McCrae's audition solo, but that is just one of the credits on Michelle Dawley's list of achievements. Michelle has danced in Sonya Tayeh's company, worked on Glee, tours with Empire of the Sun and has danced with Selena Gomez, Pitbull, Kesha, Janelle Monae and more! Michelle talks about her visa process, making a long distance relationship work, and how gratitude can build the best career you could dream of!
In 2014, she completed a certification for dance medicine from the Westside Dance Physical Therapy in New York, where she studied with physical therapists who oversee the health of the New York City Ballet and other prominent professional dance companies. She earned a master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica, emphasizing in consciousness, health and healing; and dual bachelor degrees in dance and communications from California State University, Fullerton. We talk about how to train like an elite dancer, what cross function training can do to build healthier bodies and what we can do to build an even stronger community of dancers and artists!!!
First introduced to Canada on SYTYCD Season 1, Kevin has danced with today's biggest names like Meghan Trainor, Paul McCartney, and Rasta Thomas. Kevin shares how his dance journey has taken him from Cruise Ships, to Broadway, to World Tours with Cirque Du Soleil.
Whether it is in your training or personal life - the stories we tell about ourselves can launch you forward, or pull you back. So, what's your story? Lauren talks about her own experience with stories and sparks some self-reflection moments to get you closer to your truest, boldest, most awesome self.
EMMY Award Winner Tyce Diorio has been a powerful force in the entertainment industry since he was a teenager. Originally from Brooklyn, Diorio moved to Los Angeles to dance with legends like Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Mya, *NSYNC, Kelly Osbourne, Céline Dion and Toni Braxton. In addition to performing on numerous TV shows and films, Diorio also starred in the Tony Award winning Broadway hits Fosse and Chicago. We talk all about finding you VOICE as a dancer, how to have longevity and how to become a master of rejection!
Gia Martello is one of the most recognizable Dance Assistance out there. She stars on the hit show Dance Moms as Abby Lee's right-hand girl. Gia shares how her training with Abby differs from what Maddie, Nia and Kahlani are exposed to. Gia opens up about why she chose to go to Point Park University and not attend the dance porgram as well as what she wishes more people knew about the show and her career.
Ashley Tuttle was invited by Mikhail Baryshnikov to join American Ballet Theatre (A.B.T) at the age of 16. She was a prima ballerina with ABT for 17 years all while joining the acclaimed Twlya Tharp Dance Company in 2000. Ashely received both TONY Award and a Fred Astaire Dance Award nominations for her role with the hit Broadway show "Movin' Out". But what happens when a dancer's roles and contracts end? Ashley talks about transitions, school and humble moments in her journey as a dancer.
What happens when you get a ballet dancer who sings opera? A Bob Fosse dancin, Tony Award winning wonder. Cady Huffman has over 30 years experience in "the biz" and shares her iconic stories. From working with Fosse to agents to sabotage stories, Cady shares it all!!
From Cruise ships to the Can-Can, Cara Lee has created a career that includes hip hop commercial work, show girl spectacles, and tv series. This episode includes everything from changing your name for the industry, to how to prepare for auditions, to what it's like to learn an entirely new style of dance in a brand new country!
Raised in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, Calen Kurka started his training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, and Modern. He moved to NY with big dreams, but few plans or job prospects! Calen shares how his career, and life, have evolved in ways he couldn't have anticipated. He is the founder and Artistic Director of :pushing progress a company, and inspires Dancers at every stage of their career to take a mindful approach to bring their most authentic self into their work and life.
Moe Brody is at the Hub of Vancouver's dance scene. She has a successful commercial dance career, co-owns Harbour Dance Centre and directs one of the best training programs in the city. Lauren and Moe talk about what your first big move away from home can look like, what it's like getting back into dancing, after taking time away from it, and how you can build a community and reputation that support a fulfilling career.
Lauren shares a coaching tool that can transform your performance or training experience in a moment. It's easy, accessible and can provide clarity when you are feeling stuck or are simply craving MORE! This is one for Dancers, dance teachers, and parents!
With twelve years of experience performing around the globe, teaching dance worldwide, and coaching exceptional talent, Gina helps dancers and the dance community recognize that they can be seen, heard, and loved for who they are and what they love to do. From being your own CEO to transitioning with purpose, Gina helps us exude happiness from the inside out!
With 4 consecutive National Championship Titles with HHI, Carlo Atienza is undoubtedly one of Canada's dance leaders. Starting his dance journey at 19 years of age, Carlo shares how his career has grown into teaching Internationally, a YouTube channel with almost 2.8 million views, and the progression of his Artistry as he came into true authenticity.
Side by side with names like Andy Blankenbuehler and Mia Michaels, Logan Epstein shares how she builds relationships, why she chose PACE University, and practical things to do while creating your dance career.
She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre, then hit the NYC audition scene where she booked the first national tour of Legally Blonde. Liberty Cogen had made it! Right? Maybe not. Her dance journey took a few twists, moves and restarts. Listen to find out how Liberty came to be the Barretender podcast host on The Dance Network!
Rachael received her training in Boston and New York City. After attending Oklahoma City University as a Dance & Theatre Major, she moved to Los Angeles and has enjoyed a versatile and non-stop dance career for over 13yrs. Rachael has toured and danced for RIHANNA, KATY PERRY, BEYONCE, PINK, KANYE WEST, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, CHAYANNE, THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS, ALEXANDRA BURKE, and more. She now preps us on how to Audition for a Casting agency and build confidence and community in LA!
Gene Gabriel may not be a trained dancer, but he has transformed hundreds of Dancers into deeper, more diverse, Artists through his acting and improv workshops. With a resume ranging from Broadway to Film to TV - Gene shares how he creates special experiences for Dancers and why Acting can play a pivotal role in a Dancer's career.
From the Young Americans to being a Faculty member on renowned National Dance Conventions - Alex Little shares her struggles with an Eating Disorder and how her mental and physical health has inspired her work. She is also a fellow Podcaster, recently launching The Yankee and Dandy Show with her British fiancé!
With over 35 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, director, and arts executive, Maurice Brandon Curry brings inspiration and perspective on what makes a successful dancer.
Kristin Jantzie has been a Radio City Rockette since 2005 and is currently spending her summer performing the New York Spectacular choereographed by Mia Michaels! Krstin shares her fun Audition story, what it's like being an identical twin in the industry and how to prepare to be a Rockette!
Have you been hearing it too?! There are some magical, consistent, messages from all of the interviewees that are at the heart of what makes this career (and life!) amazing & successful.