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Artwork for The Business of Dance

The Business of Dance

MENINA FORTUNATO
Dance
Dance Industry
Choreography
Social Media Marketing
Talent Agents
Dance Auditions
Mental Health
Networking In Dance
Headshots
Michael Jackson
Dancing
Music
G. Madison IV
Health and Finances
Management Relationships
Direct Bookings
Performing Arts
Confidence
Disney's Snow White
Mariah Carey

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes128Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsArts

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Artwork for The Business of Dance

Latest Episodes

Interview Date: March 22nd, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Menina Fortunato sits down with choreographer and movement director Mark Samuels for a conversation about persistence, timing, and carving out your own path in the dance industry. M... more

YouTube

Interview Date: March 8th, 2026

In this inspiring episode, Jason Williams shares his journey from a curious three-year-old stepping into dance class to becoming a globally recognized performer, choreographer, and creative visionary. He reflects on t... more

Interview Date: March 8th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Jamie Hodgins, Executive Director of the International Competitive Dance Registry (ICDR). Jamie shares his journey fr... more

YouTube

Interview Date: March 1st, 2026

Episode Summary:

Ayesha Orange joins the Business of Dance to share her incredible journey from a late-starting dancer to one of the most versatile performers in the commercial dance world.

Starting as a cheerleade... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Jamie Hodgins
Executive Director, International Competitive Dancer Registry (ICDR)
ICDR
Episode: 125- Jamie Hodgins: International Competitive Dance Registry, Camp Rock 2, Hairspray Tour, and Madonna.
Ayesha Orange
Dancer, choreographer, movement director
Independent
Episode: 124: Ayesha Orange - FAME, Earth Wind and Fire, Austin Powers, Rihanna's Associate Choreographer, Usher and Mariah Carey.
Maycee Steele
Dancer on tour with major artists, former convention kid from Kansas City
Self/Industry client
Episode: 123- Maycee Steele: Tate Mcrae, Maluma, Demi Lavato, Doja Cat, Viral Cuff It Challenge.
Curt Hansen
Broadway performer with a long-running Wicked, Hairspray, and Kinky Boots history
Wicked, Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Big Time Rush
Episode: 122- Curt Hansen: Wicked on Broadway, Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, Kinky Boots, 567 Sing Vocal Coach.
Tony Gonzalez
A casting director, choreographer, creative director, and producer based in Hollywood.
Episode: 121 - Tony G: Bring it On Franchise, Olivia Rodrigo, Brittany Spears, Kids Bop, The Masked Singer and The Birdcage.
Jada Specht
Professional dancer currently on tour with Jason Derulo.
Episode: 120- Jada Specht: Jason Darulo, Teyana Taylor, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Disneyland and HST Alumni.
Sarah Mitchell
A prominent dancer and movement director with experience in multiple high-profile performances.
Episode: 119- Sarah Mitchell: Knicks City Dancer, Christina Aguilera, NFL Patriots Cheerleader, Britney Spears’ Residency, Olivia Rodrigro's Movement Coach.
Rhonda Malkin
Professional dancer, choreographer, and dance coach; former Rockette.
Radio City Rockettes
Episode: 114- Rhonda Malkin: Radio City Rockette, Glee, Beyoncé, & New York City’s Go-To Dance Coach
Carol Borjas Cantrell
Dancer and choreographer with a career spanning decades, known for working with iconic artists like Paul McCartney and Will Smith.
Episode: 108 - Carol Borjas Cantrall - Paul McCartney, Will Smith, Austin Powers , DWTS, Mother of Kylie Cantrall

Host

Menina Fortunato
Host and creator, known for her passion and dedication to empowering dancers through mentorship and insightful discussions.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 625 ratings
  • BEST PODCAST OUT THERE

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Menina helps so so many dancers and this podcast really helps the world understand how incredible this program is!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    its is fine or okay
    United Statesa month ago
  • Great podcast

    Menina hosts so many industry professionals in the dance community. They each have amazing stories and great insight into the career field of dance. Would highly recommend for kids and adults interested in professional dance!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Happadance
    United Statesa month ago
  • Amazing and inspiring

    This podcast is nothing short of amazing. We started out not sure our direction for the future and this podcast has opened our eyes to so many opportunities and connections we never would have made. I love the diversity of the guests and there is always something we take away from every call. You must listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anonymousbobcat1
    United States2 months ago
  • Best Informative Podcast for Dance Business

    This podcast brings so much information to a wide variety of people. Menina brings quality guests to her podcast and each one of them have new information to share. I feel like there has never been an episode that was “too similar” to another, each episode gave me information about different files within dance. She is honest and I can feel her passion for sharing her knowledge through her words!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kelly Bottini
    United States2 months ago
  • The Most Educational Podcast Ever

    I listened to “102- Bre Traver” and it gave me so much insight on how dancers get signed and get their name put out there in the dance world. I loved the Q&A at the end!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    alliekho
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host is praised for authenticity and for fostering a supportive environment for aspiring dancers.
Parents appreciate the insights offered about navigating dance careers for their children.
Listeners find the podcast incredibly insightful, often noting the informative and diverse guests.
Many reviews highlight the practical advice shared by guests, making it essential for anyone in the dance industry.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

124: Ayesha Orange - FAME, Earth Wind and Fire, Austin Powers, Rihanna's Associate Choreographer, Usher and Mariah Carey.
Q: What was your pivotal moment when you realized you could make a living as a dancer?
Getting Fame The Musical in Germany at around 20 years old and then moving into Earth, Wind & Fire marked the shift from local gigs to sustained professional work; it showed she could support herself through a career in dance.
125- Jamie Hodgins: International Competitive Dance Registry, Camp Rock 2, Hairspray Tour, and Madonna.
Q: What first inspired you when you moved to Toronto and started pursuing big opportunities?
The drive to perform, the willingness to take unpaid or low-paid early work to prove value, and leveraging relationships to transition into production and directing roles.
125- Jamie Hodgins: International Competitive Dance Registry, Camp Rock 2, Hairspray Tour, and Madonna.
Q: Did you have any type of backlash when you started your program or any negativity?
Yes, the world is personal and sometimes harsh, but staying professional, focusing on worth, and not burning bridges helped navigate it; the broader point is to build a governance or standard that protects dancers.
122- Curt Hansen: Wicked on Broadway, Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, Kinky Boots, 567 Sing Vocal Coach.
Q: What practical tips do you give young dancers about auditions?
Be open to all opportunities, prepare a go-to audition song you can crush, and view auditions as performances rather than just tests; also, manage expectations and control what you can (practice, presentation) while recognizing what you cannot control.
122- Curt Hansen: Wicked on Broadway, Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, Kinky Boots, 567 Sing Vocal Coach.
Q: What is 567 Sing and why did you start it?
567 Sing started as a way to help dancers learn how to sing alongside their dancing, initially sparked by a need to provide a more complete toolkit for triple-threat performers, and grew into a mentorship program emphasizing audition readiness.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Business of Dance

What is The Business of Dance about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers a wealth of insights into the dance industry, focusing on the personal journeys and professional experiences of a variety of guests, including prominent dancers, choreographers, and industry experts. Episodes explore topics such as dance auditions, training, career progression, and the challenges of navigating the business side of dance. Listeners can expect to hear heartfelt stories, practical advice, and unique perspectives that highlight both the struggles and successes that define a career in dance. The engaging narratives shared by guests provide inspiration and guidance, making it a valuable resource for aspiring dancers and those already immersed in the performing arts.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Business of Dance?

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How many listeners does The Business of Dance get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Business of Dance?

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How many subscribers and views does The Business of Dance have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Business of Dance?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Business of Dance:

1. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
2. Khloé in Wonder Land
3. SmartLess
4. Deux U
5. Therapuss with Jake Shane

How many episodes of The Business of Dance are there?

The Business of Dance launched 2 years ago and published 128 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Business of Dance?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Business of Dance?

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What guests have appeared on The Business of Dance?

Recent guests on The Business of Dance include:

1. Jamie Hodgins
2. Ayesha Orange
3. Maycee Steele
4. Curt Hansen
5. Tony Gonzalez
6. Jada Specht
7. Sarah Mitchell
8. Rhonda Malkin

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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