The Business of Dance

Interview Date: April 26th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Karynn Hough, Director of Millennium Dance Complex Nashville and founder of Fresh Talent Group, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a dance career outside of the traditional LA/New York path. Karynn shares how her daughter’s professional journey helped spark her desire to create more opportunities for Nashville dancers, eventually leading her to launch an agency rooted in mentorship, relationships, and genuine care for talent.Karynn opens up about the growth of Nashville’s entertainment scene, the power of collaboration between agencies, and why dancers should never limit themselves to one box. From casting Emmy-winning commercial work to seeing choreography land inside Fortnite, she reminds dancers that authentic work, strong preparation, and being visible can lead to unexpected opportunities.Throughout the conversation, Karynn gives practical advice for young dancers pursuing representation: follow instructions, keep training, clean up your Instagram, build an EPK, research the people in the room, and be kind to everyone. She also emphasizes the importance of improv, professionalism, persistence, and creating your own opportunities, especially for dancers from smaller cities or nontraditional markets.Show Notes:(00:41) Karynn’s early dance roots and family inspiration(03:27) Why Nashville needed its own talent agency(04:50) How Solace helped inspire Karynn’s career path(06:00) Fresh Talent Group meets Millennium Dance Complex(09:40) Millennium becomes Nashville’s creative rehearsal hub(12:17) Representing dancers, singers, actors, and influencers(14:05) Why Karynn refuses to box dancers in(16:38) Emmy-winning work from authentic creative passion(20:23) Advice for international dancers pursuing American agencies(32:00) Instagram presence matters more than dancers realize(35:20) Why every dancer needs a strong EPK(40:01) The biggest teen mistake: ignoring instructions(42:23) Improv reveals smart, castable dancers quickly(47:00) Auditions begin before entering the room(1:26:58) Small-town dancers need perseverance and uniquenessBiography:Karynn Wright-Hough is an Emmy Award–winning talent agent, entrepreneur, and Founder of FreshTalent Group, a boutique agency representing dancers, choreographers, actors, singers, and specialty talent. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she combines her background in journalism, marketing, and design with a passion for developing artists and building lasting careers.Inspired in part by watching her daughter Solace pursue her own professional path, Karynn launched FreshTalent Group in 2016 to create a trustworthy, family-centered approach to talent representation. She is known for guiding artists holistically — from development and branding to booking and long-term strategy — always prioritizing longevity over quick wins.Under her leadership, the agency has worked with major networks and award-winning artists across country, pop, gospel, and hip-hop. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karynn is a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, enjoys crocheting and crafting, and is most proud of the community and culture she has built through mentorship, integrity, and heart.Connect on Social Media:Website: www.freshtalentgroup.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshtalentgroup/

Interview Date: December 14th, 2025.In this episode of Business of Dance, Menina sits down with veteran performer and powerhouse industry staple Sarah Mitchell, who joins the conversation nine months pregnant and still glowing (literally). Sarah takes us back to her beginnings in Western Massachusetts—starting dance at two-and-a-half, falling in love with NYC after seeing the Rockettes at age nine, and boldly moving to New York City with limited money but unstoppable determination. From becoming a Patriots cheerleader in high school (and earning a Super Bowl ring) to landing the Knicks City Dancers through a Good Morning America public vote, Sarah breaks down how dance teams can be a career-launching network, training ground, and built-in community for dancers moving to major markets.Sarah shares a full-circle story that shaped her career: after moving to LA with no plan besides “I have to be here,” she booked American Gladiators—only for the dance cast to be cut. That “loss” led directly to her booking a Jell-O commercial, meeting Jerry Slaughter, and soon finding herself dancing with Christina Aguilera—the same artist she once watched from the audience dreaming of being on stage. From there, the episode dives into Sarah’s long-running work with major artists and productions, including Christina Aguilera (spanning roughly 2007/2008 to 2024), Britney Spears’ Vegas residency, Burlesque, and the realities of auditioning, touring, and navigating the emotional highs and lows of a freelance performance career—especially as life expands into marriage and motherhood.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome(7:01) – Full intro: Sarah Mitchell’s career highlights(11:40) – Early beginnings: Western MA, Rockettes inspiration(12:30) – Patriots cheerleaders, Super Bowl ring, early confidence(13:17) – Knicks City Dancers + Good Morning America vote(17:01) – Cross-country move to LA, starting from scratch(20:26) – American Gladiators canceled → pivotal career shift(22:28) – Booking Christina Aguilera through Jerry Slaughter(30:15) – Burlesque stories: doubles, endurance, golden time(50:37) – Q&A wisdom: preparation, mindset, longevity, balanceBiography:A dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience, Mitchell has toured and performed with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Dua Lipa. She co-starred on the E! Network’s The Dance Scene and has had featured appearances in films such as Burlesque, La La Land, and Music and Lyrics. Sarah performed with Britney Spears in her Las Vegas residency “Piece of Me” for five years, and has appeared on numerous television and award shows including The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, American Housewife and Oprah. For the last decade, Sarah has worked with the NFL and choreographed for the NBA, including multiple NBA All Star Game performances. She recently worked as movement director for Olivia Rodrigo, Christina Aguilera’s new perfume campaign and Aveda. Sarah is also a producer as well as an editor and a mother.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahmitchell/

Interview date: November 30th, 2025Episode Summary:In this Business of Dance interview, Shanie Blais—Montreal-born, LA-based dancer—shares how her career evolved from a small-town studio kid into a working professional with major credits including the Wicked film, the Wicked live performance special, and a stadium/world tour with Karol G. Shanie walks listeners through her early training, her decision to leave Montreal to pursue bigger opportunities, and how she tested both New York and LA in “three months at a time” visits before fully committing.A major focus of the conversation is the O-1 visa journey: what “deal memos” actually are, how relationships and credibility build a strong case, and why being physically present in the market (classes, events, consistent visibility) matters. Shanie emphasizes that success today looks different than past generations—less open calls and more direct booking—meaning dancers must treat social media as their resume while still doing the real-world work of training and networking.Throughout the Q&A, Shanie offers grounded advice on staying versatile, building confidence and social skills, and protecting mental health in an industry that runs in seasons of highs and lows. From navigating London as a newcomer on Wicked to learning how to balance training with rest, her biggest message is clear: show up, be kind, plant seeds without expectations, and trust timing—because when it’s meant for you, it will align.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome + Wicked introduction(4:20) – Montreal roots & competition beginnings(11:31) – Choosing LA over New York(14:59) – O-1 visa strategy & deal memos(22:22) – Signing with an agency in LA(24:17) – First LA booking: Camila Cabello(26:35) – Booking Wicked without audition(30:00) – Direct booking era & social media resumes(37:11) – Touring with Karol G: stadium life(56:19) – Mental health, balance, and longevityBiography:A professional dancer, born in Montreal and based in Los Angeles for the past five years, I live my passion for dance by collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. I recently toured the world with the renowned Latin artist KarolG and worked on one of the greatest films,, Wicked. Throughout my international career, I have performed alongside artists such as Doechii, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello, Olivia Rodrigo, and Shania Twain. For me, dance is a way to tell stories, connect, and inspire.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanie_blais/

Interview Date: November 16th, 2025Episode Summary:In this insightful conversation, internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, scholar, and educator Anabella Lenzu shares the remarkable journey that shaped her 35-year career. Born in Argentina and classically trained in the prestigious Teatro Colón, Anabella traces her evolution from early flamenco lessons to mastering ballet, modern dance, and dance theater across Argentina, Italy, Chile, London, and New York. She opens up about immigrating with limited English, navigating cultural transitions, and building dance companies on multiple continents—including her current artistic home in Brooklyn.Anabella explains how her life as a choreographer, educator, writer, and mother intertwines into one seamless identity, offering dancers powerful lessons on artistic responsibility, lineage, and self-discovery. She breaks down why understanding dance history is essential, how to develop presence and technique beyond “steps,” and the courage required to create your own opportunities—including producing her own solo shows and writing two major books that took over a decade to complete.Listeners will walk away with deep insight into pedagogy, creative research, international work, the reality of running a school, and how to sustain a long-term career anchored in purpose—not trends. This episode is perfect for dancers, choreographers, educators, and anyone seeking to build an artistic life with depth, cultural awareness, and global perspective.Shownotes:(0:00) – Intro & welcome to Anabella Lenzu(1:20) – Early life in Argentina & first training(9:51) – Teatro Colón, ballet roots & modern shift (13:30) – Global travel shaping artistic identity (15:00) – Visa challenges & moving to New York (16:40) – Running a studio, family legacy in Argentina (23:16) – Scholarship, research, and importance of dance history (28:32) – Creating solo shows & artistic self-production(33:14) – Teaching at NYU & curriculum breakdown (37:40) – Her new book: 11 years of researchBiography:Anabella Lenzu, originally from Argentina, is a dancer, choreographer, scholar, and educator with 35 years of international experience across Argentina, Chile, Italy, and the USA. She is the founder and director of Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama, a New York–based company known for thought-provoking, historically conscious dance-theater. Since 2006, she has created 15 works and presented over 400 performances worldwide. Her award-winning dance films have screened in more than 200 festivals. Recognized by NDEO and NYSDEA for her innovative pedagogy and leadership, Lenzu continues to shape the field of dance education. She is the author of Unveiling Motion and Emotion(2013) and Teaching Dance Through Meaningful Gestures (2025), exploring the body as a vehicle for expression and philosophy.Connect on Social Media:Website: www.AnabellaLenzu.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anabellalenzu/

Interview Date: October 26th, 2025Episode Summary:In this uplifting episode, UK-based choreographer, educator, and West End performer Ryan Jenkins shares his extraordinary journey from a late-starting dancer at 14 to performing in some of London’s most iconic productions. Known for his work on Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Wicked, Cabaret, Kismet, Phantom of the Opera, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dance Moms UK, Ryan reflects on how perseverance, professionalism, and positivity turned early setbacks into defining milestones.Ryan opens up about the rollercoaster moments that shaped his career—from working retail in London to suddenly joining the original West End cast of Wicked within days, learning the entire show in three days flat. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the ballet world, musical theatre, and TV, offering practical insights into casting, mindset, and time management. As a teacher and mentor, Ryan now directs the Elite Associates Program with the Acosta Dance Foundation, founded by ballet star Carlos Acosta, where he helps the next generation of artists reach their full potential.Whether you’re a dancer chasing your first contract or a professional redefining your career path, this conversation is packed with motivation, humor, and heart. Ryan’s message is clear: stay kind, stay ready, and never stop believing in your own timing—because the job meant for you won’t pass you by.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & introduction to Ryan Jenkins and his West End legacy(7:34) – Joining the original Wicked cast with Idina Menzel(14:37) – Late start in dance at 14 and training at Bird College(16:56) – Making West End debut in Swan Lake with Matthew Bourne(19:22) – From “spritzing perfume” to Wicked in one week(20:30) – Balancing Cabaret, Kismet & Wicked simultaneously(22:21) – Competing on So You Think You Can Dance & Got to Dance(25:17) – Transitioning to choreography and Dance Moms UK(26:19) – Launching Acosta Dance Foundation’s Elite Associate Program(28:44) – Biggest lessons: likability, professionalism, and mindsetBiography:Ryan has worked with the biggest creatives in the world including; Matthew Bourne, Arlene Philips, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joel Schumacher, Peter Darling and Ashley Wallen. He has also shared the stage with stars such as; Kerry Ellis, Idina Menzal, Adam Cooper, Miriam Margolyes, and Adam Garcia. 2025 Ryan worked for Simon Cowell as casting specialist for Britain’ s got talent. The only teacher in the world to have taught the dancers from the hit US T.V show Dance Moms for Abby Lee Miller and as choreographer for UK TV version Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison. Most notably known for appearing as a finalist in the top 20 in series 2, So You Think You Can Dance and Got to Dance, before this he had a flourishing career in London’s West End but not before gaining his first job at 19 in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Ryan was appointed as Dance Captain for Grease The Musical UK and European Tour, choreographed by Arlene Philips. Original London cast of Wicked, ENO (English National Opera)- Kismet , London Coliseum. Cabaret' musical Lyric theatre, by Javier de Fructos. Featured dancer - Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera the movie, directed by Joel Schumacher and choreographed by Peter Darling.Most recently started a new dance programme with Acosta dance foundation founded by Ballet star Carlos Acosta called Elite Associates. In 2025 he choreographed the music video 'The blossom and the mountain' which has been nominated all over the world in film festivals and won awards.Connect on Social Media:Website: https://www.ryanjenkins.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realryanjenkins/

Interview Date: October 12th, 2025Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, international choreographer, performer, and TV judge MELCHARLOT shares her powerful journey from Montreal to the global stage. Known for her work with Lizzo, Beyoncé, Cardi B, and her Broadway debut in Holler If You Hear Me, MEL opens up about the challenges, sacrifices, and growth that shaped her as both an artist and mother.She reveals her evolution from competitive dancer to world tour performer, her experiences assisting industry legends like Tanisha Scott, and the life-changing opportunities that led to her judging roles on Révolution and Danse avec les Stars. MEL’s story blends passion with purpose as she discusses her commitment to mentorship, cultural representation, and balancing career with family.Listeners will take away invaluable insights on confidence, leadership, artistic identity, and creative process—from managing time and mental health to trusting your path even when it doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re a student, professional, or aspiring choreographer, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the business of dance.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro to MELCHARLOT and her global career(6:54) – From Montreal roots to working with Beyoncé & Lizzo(13:21) – Landing Broadway’s Holler If You Hear Me(22:45) – Becoming a judge on Révolution & Danse avec les Stars(41:31) – Performing on the Lizzo World Tour & family support(49:00) – Lessons on leadership, humility, and teamwork in dance(53:40) – Rejection, perseverance, and full-circle So You Think You Can Dance moment(58:30) – Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a dance career(1:06:26) – Creative process: how MEL builds choreography from emotion(1:53:12) – Closing inspiration: mentorship, gratitude & never stop being a studentBiography:Mel Charlot is a respected choreographer, creative director, and celebrated television judge on Révolution (Canada’s #1 dance show) and Danse avec les Stars (Dancing with the Stars in France). Born and raised in Montreal, Canada in a Haitian household filled with music, she discovered her passion for movement at a young age—a passion that has carried her across stages and screens worldwide.Her career has spanned over two decades, evolving from competitive dancer to professional performer, Broadway artist, and now a sought-after choreographer and visionary in the entertainment industry between Canada, US and Europe. Charlot has worked with global icons such as Lizzo, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, P. Diddy, Kanye West, Faith Evans, Omarion, and many others. She has also been featured in major campaigns with Jordan/Nike, L’Oréal, and Makeup Forever, and has choreographed on hit television productions including So You Think You Can Dance, Lip Sync Battle,The Masked Singer and more…A World Choreography Award and UKMVA nominee, Mel Charlot continues to push creative boundaries while mentoring the next generation of dancers and choreographers. She brings a unique blend of artistry, professionalism, and authenticity to every project—whether on stage, on screen, or in the studio.Beyond her career, Mel is a proud wife and mother whose resilience and passion inspire others to live and move with purpose, power, and grace.Connect on Social Media:Website :Www.melcharlot.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/melcharlot/

Interview Date: September 28th, 2025Episode Summary:Strength & conditioning coach and dance athleticism specialist Karl Flores joins the Business of Dance for a science-meets-studio deep dive. Karl traces his path from competitive dancer to Equinox trainer to founder of Movement Society in Los Angeles, explaining how structured training, recovery, and style-specific programming extend dancers’ careers. He unpacks the “artist-athlete” mindset, common conditioning mistakes, injury-prevention fundamentals, and a practical training pyramid (aerobic base → strength → power). In Q&A, Karl tackles motivation, off-season vs. in-season “microdosing,” hypermobility strategies, rehab priorities, and genre needs—from ballet posture to breakers’ shoulder stability—closing with how dancers can work with him online.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro to Coach Karl Flores and his expertise(5:49) – Karl’s journey from collegiate dancer to strength coach(9:05) – “Artist-Athlete” mindset: merging creativity and physicality(11:55) – Common dancer mistake: not strength training consistently(13:58) – Injury prevention through structured programs and recovery(15:36) – Ballet vs. breaking: training by style and muscle focus(17:30) – The three-tier pyramid: endurance, strength, power(20:23) – Mindset, confidence, and aligning body with intention(23:13) – Longevity: how training extends dance careers(34:12) – Off-season vs. in-season “microdosing” workout strategyBiography:Karl Flores is a Los Angeles–based strength and conditioning coach with over 10 years of experience, specializing in bridging the gap between athletic performance and dance. With a background in competitive dance, kinesiology, and exercise science, Karl is passionate about helping others unlock their fullest potential and achieve the best version of themselves through movement.Over the course of his career, Karl has worked with professional dancers, world tour performers, freestyle battle champions, and Grammy Award–winning music artists. His expertise spans injury prevention, musculoskeletal rehab, functional training, and optimizing both athletic and dance performance.Training Specialties:Injury PreventionMusculoskeletal RehabFunctional TrainingAthletic & Dance PerformanceStrength & ConditioningEducation & Certifications:B.S. in Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Physiology Minor)Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)DBC Level 1Functional Movement Screen Level 1Kettlebell AthleticsTriggerpoint TherapyViPRPrecision Nutrition Level 1 (Pn1)Progressive Bodyweight TrainingDynamic Sports Performance Certified CoachKettlebell Coach University L1Functional Range Conditioning (FRCms)Functional Range Assessment (FRA)Karl’s mission is simple: to empower artist-athletes with the tools, science, and confidence to perform at their highest level, while building longevity in their craft.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karl.flrs/

Interview Date: August 24th, 2025Episode Summary:In this captivating conversation, Juliet Prowse, author of Born to Dance, joins The Business of Dance Podcast to share the untold story of her legendary aunt, the late Juliet Prowse — a trailblazing British-South African dancer and actress who conquered Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Broadway.From performing alongside Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in Can-Can and G.I. Blues to headlining her own million-dollar Vegas residency, Big Juliet redefined what it meant to be a female entertainer in a male-dominated era. Little Juliet takes listeners behind the scenes of her research journey — discovering a red suitcase of letters, interviewing former collaborators, and piecing together the life of a woman who never waited for permission to shine.The discussion unpacks the discipline, athleticism, and business savvy that made Juliet Prowse one of the highest-paid performers of the 1970s, plus stories of her engagements to Sinatra, her friendship with Elvis, and her unstoppable work ethic that kept her dancing until her final days.This episode is perfect for dancers, musical-theatre artists, and history-minded creatives who want to learn from one of the greats — and be reminded that success is built on grit, artistry, and courage to create your own opportunities.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & introduction to Juliet Prowse interview(3:00) – Little Juliet shares the story behind her famous name(13:18) – Discovering a red suitcase & inspiration to write Born to Dance(16:00) – Big Juliet’s early Hollywood years & Vegas debut(21:03) – Athleticism, costuming, and Bob Mackie’s extravagant designs(25:39) – Breaking barriers: creating her own Las Vegas show(31:22) – The million-dollar Desert Inn contract & Vegas legacy(36:29) – Life, love & rumors — Sinatra, Elvis, and beyond(41:23) – Performing through illness & leaving a lasting impact(1:03:00) – Lessons for today’s dancers: hard work, creativity, & legacyBiography:Juliet Prowse never intended on becoming an author, but when she spotted a little red suitcase in her parents’ attic, filled to the brim with articles about her famous aunt, the dancer/entertainer Juliet Prowse, she felt she just had to tell this story.As a seasoned communications professional, Juliet was used to writing, but to ensure the authenticity of her first book, Juliet waded through over 1 000 newspaper articles and letters, largely written by her dancing aunt to her mother (the author's grandmother), and spoke to over 20 people who had performed with Juliet. Known as Big Juliet and Little Juliet in the Prowse household, Little Juliet inherited her aunt’s athleticism and became a South African runner, but she was never as graceful as her famous aunt who was born to dance.Juliet has an MBA from the University of Cape Town and a science degree from the University of Nebraska. She lives in Cape Town where she is an avid theatregoer and sports lover.Connect on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572702340283Website: www.julietprowse.com