The Business of Dance

Interview Date: March 23rd, 2025

Episode Summary:

This episode spotlights Robert Garland, Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH)—former principal dancer, DTH’s first resident choreographer, and a Juilliard BFA graduate. Beyond the concert stage, Garland’s work spans New York City Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Oakland Ballet, and commercial projects from Sesame Street to Nike and the NAACP Image Awards.Garland traces DTH’s roo...

Interview date: March 9th, 2025

Episode Summary:

Melissa McGhee, Head Coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team and owner of Lineage Dance Company. With 13 national championships and nearly two decades of experience, Melissa is a leading figure in the collegiate dance world.

Melissa shares her journey from a young studio dancer in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming OSU’s head coach right after graduation, and later, a studio owner. She off...

Interview Date: February 16th, 2025

Episode Summary:

This episode features Khalid Freeman—body percussionist, choreographer, and field team director—known for merging musicianship and movement. A veteran of STOMP (nine years), Cirque du Soleil, and five Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Khalid translates drummer-level musicality onto the body, treating the performer as the instrument itself.

Khalid retraces his path from tap (inspired by Gr...

Interview Date: February 2nd, 2025

Episode Summary:

Jason Pickett, a dance educator, choreographer, and the creator of the No Starving Artists brand. Jason shares his unique journey, from starting his dance career at 14 by self-teaching and getting inspired by YouTube and movies, to now traveling the world teaching at conventions and judging competitions.

He emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships, networking, and ...

Interview Date: January 26th, 2025

Episode Summary:

Rebecca Lampiasi, a dance agent at CESD in New York City. Rebecca shares her journey from growing up in a family of artists in New Jersey to discovering her true passion for supporting artists during her time at NYU Tisch. Initially involved in theater and acting, Rebecca shifted her focus to agency work, starting at a commercial casting office before joining CESD. She discusses her...

Interview Date: January 5th, 2025

Episode Summary:

Larke Hasstedt, a talented dancer who transitioned from classical ballet to the commercial dance world. Larke, who was born into a dance family, began her training at a young age and eventually joined prestigious ballet companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theater. However, her journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in commer...

Interview Date: September 17th, 2023

Episode Summary:

Megan, a former rhythmic gymnast turned dancer, actress, and stunt performer. Megan’s journey from a national-level gymnast to a successful career in entertainment showcases the power of leveraging one’s skills in unexpected ways. Starting with rhythmic gymnastics at the age of nine, Megan became a national silver medalist before transitioning into dance while pursuing a business ...

Interview Date: October 1st, 2023

Episode Summary: Christie Lee Manning, a versatile dancer, choreographer, actress, and educator. Christie shares her journey from growing up on the West Coast of Canada to moving to London, where she established herself in both the commercial and theater dance scenes. With notable projects like Wicked, Dance Monsters, and her work with House of Jazz, she discusses the unique opportunities London...

Interview date: October 29th, 2024

Episode Summary:

Nika Kljun, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and life coach, to discuss her extraordinary journey from Slovenia to Hollywood. Nika shares insights on her humble beginnings in her parents’ dance studio and how her early success in Europe led to major international opportunities. She talks about her experience working with A-list artists like Beyoncé, JLo, and Britney Spears, and the...

Interview date: May 19, 2025

Episode Summary:

Dan Galpern, CEO of Dance One, and Mike Minery, VP of Dance One. They discuss the creation and growth of Dance One, a leading organization in the dance industry that produces over 500 events annually through 21 brands. Dan shares how his background as a dance dad led him to invest in the dance industry, culminating in the formation of Dance One, which combines competition events, conventi...

Interview date: December 8, 2024

Episode Summary:

Liz Imperio, a renowned choreographer, director, and educator with an extensive career working with superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Gloria Estefan. Liz shares her personal journey from a young dancer struggling with body image in ballet to becoming a leading figure in the dance industry. She discusses pivotal moments, including her discovery of flamenco, working alongside...

Interview date: July 16, 2023Episode Summary:

Bobby Amamizu, a seasoned dancer, educator, and choreographer. Bobby shares his inspiring journey from a competitive dancer at Irvine Dance Academy to working with top choreographers and performing in high-profile productions like Dancing with the Stars. He talks about his early years in the dance industry, including the pivotal moments that shaped his career, such as performing in the F...

Interview date: January 20, 2025

Episode Summary:

Noah Lands, the visionary behind some of the dance industry's biggest platforms—including Kids Artistic Review (KAR), Rainbow Dance Connection, the Industry Dance Awards, and Dancers Against Cancer (DAC). 

Noah discusses the growth of his businesses, the evolution of dance competitions, and the creation of Rainbow and Ultra Dance, as well as the prestigious Industry Dance Awards, w...

Interview date: February 9, 2025

Episode summary:

Alex Wong, a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and social media influencer with over 4 million followers. From his early training in Vancouver to becoming a principal dancer at Miami City Ballet, Alex’s journey spans ballet, Broadway, commercial dance, and TV/film work. He opens up about his time on So You Think You Can Dance, his transition into commercial dance, overcoming injuries, an...

Interview date: March 16, 2025

Episode Summary:

Mfoniso Akpan, Artistic Director of Step Afrika, shares her unique journey from a science student at Stony Brook University to leading a renowned dance company. With training in various dance styles, she combines creativity with analytical problem-solving, using skills from her science background to enhance her choreography.

She discusses her extensive travels with Step Afrika, performin...

Interview date: November 17, 2022

Episode Summary:

Kyle Ponte, a dancer, choreographer, and international model who started his journey as a competitive dancer in Massachusetts. Kyle shares his incredible story, from winning a scholarship to the Hollywood Summer Tour at 17 to becoming a professional dancer in Los Angeles. He opens up about his experiences working with artists like Alicia Keys and touring with Lady Gaga, as well as hi...

Interview date: October 9, 2022

Episode Summary:

Menina Fortunato speaks with longtime friend and professional dancer Shirlene Quigley, who was touring with Lizzo at the time of taping The Business of Dance Podcast. Shirlene shares her inspiring journey from a late starter in dance to booking major gigs with artists like Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and Rihanna. She talks about the challenges she faced, including body image issues and ind...

Episode Summary:

Alisha Tallarico, a dancer, model, creative director, and producer who has worked with top artists like Jennifer Lopez, TLC, and the Pussycat Dolls. Alisha shares her inspiring journey from Vancouver to Los Angeles, where she began as a dancer and model before shifting into creative production. She discusses her experience assisting industry legends like Robin Anton and Nappy Tabs, which opened doors to opportunitie...

Episode Summary:

Juliana Spicoluk, a former dancer turned global wellness influencer. Juliana's journey from rhythmic gymnastics in Ukraine to the entertainment world and eventually to creating the Boho Beautiful brand is a testament to resilience, passion, and reinvention.

Juliana shares her personal story, from her beginnings in gymnastics and dance to her breakthrough with Boho Beautiful, which now boasts millions of subscribers a...