The Business of Dance

Interview Date: June 7th, 2026Episode Summary:This episode dives into Sienna Morris’s journey from a dedicated young dancer to a working professional in Los Angeles, highlighting the mindset, preparation, and initiative required to succeed in today’s dance industry. From choosing dance over gymnastics at an early age to navigating a short-lived opportunity in Monaco, Sienna demonstrates the importance of trusting your instincts and making bold decisions that align with your long-term goals. Her transition into the LA scene, including joining Ballet Red, marked a pivotal shift into the professional world and set the foundation for her evolving career.Throughout the conversation, Sienna emphasizes the power of self-advocacy, networking, and consistency. She shares how introducing herself in rooms, building genuine relationships, and staying visible have directly led to opportunities. A standout mindset she lives by is her “24-hour rule” for handling rejection—allowing herself time to process before moving forward with clarity and focus. She also speaks on the importance of versatility, expanding into acting and performance, and developing multiple skill sets to remain competitive in a fast-paced industry.The episode also explores preparation and personal branding. Sienna discusses how having strong materials—reels, a professional website, and a clear online presence—helped her enter the LA market with confidence. She reflects on mentorship through Business of Dance, landing brand deals, and learning to confidently negotiate her worth. Ultimately, her story reinforces that success in dance goes beyond talent—it requires ownership, resilience, and strong relationships. Her message is clear: the dancers who take initiative and build connections are the ones who create lasting careers.Shownotes:0:01 – Introduction and Sienna Morris full-circle journey2:57 – Mentorship experience and early career reflections 4:05 – Early training and choosing dance path 6:37 – Monaco opportunity and trusting your instincts 9:42 – Moving to LA and Ballet Red experience 10:22 – Networking, visibility, and self-advocacy 14:12 – Handling rejection with “24-hour rule” 17:45 – Building versatility across dance and acting 18:48 – College path versus going professional early 23:00 – Preparing materials before entering LA market26:44 – Business of Dance impact on branding 30:00 – First brand deal and negotiating value32:20 – Social media strategy and consistency 41:34 – Agents vs self-submissions and ownership49:55 – Relationships matter: contacts equal contractsBiography:Sienna Morris is an LA-based dancer, actor, model, choreographer, and educator whose work blends contemporary ballet with the versatility of today’s entertainment industry. Known for combining the control of classical ballet with the musicality and storytelling of contemporary movement, she moves seamlessly between concert dance, commercial performance, film, and live entertainment.Her credits include work with Halsey, Evanescence, Derek Hough, and Mark Ballas, as well as collaborations with leading creatives such as Marguerite Derricks, Kyle Hanagami, and Chris Scott. She has appeared in campaigns for FP Movement, Gap, and Jo+Jax.A defining milestone in her career was her appearance on the Star Search, expanding her reach to an international audience. Most recently, she served as associate choreographer on My Boyfriend Is a Demon, continuing to grow her work in choreography, movement direction, and film.Alongside performing, Sienna teaches, choreographs, and mentors the next generation while building a career centered on proving that contemporary ballet can thrive within commercial entertainment and mainstream media.Connect on Social MediaWebsite: www.Sienna-morris.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DW9cGlQFhHX/?img_index=1

Interview Date: January 11th, 2026Episode Summary:In this special two-part episode of The Business of Dance, Menina Fortunato sits down with rising professional dancer Jada Specht for an honest, real-time look at what it truly takes to build a career in today’s commercial dance industry. Joining the conversation directly from rehearsals and then again from home, Jada shares her journey from small-town beginnings to touring internationally with Jason Derulo, highlighting the discipline, adaptability, and mindset required to stay booked—and stay sane—on the road.Across the Q&A, Jada offers practical insight into transitioning from the competition world into professional work, emphasizing diversified training, research, and preparation. She breaks down what actually makes a dancer valuable to major artist teams—beyond technique—including professionalism, kindness, reliability, and being someone others want to spend long days with on tour. The conversation also dives into audition strategy, how she got signed by an agent, the realities of re-auditioning while already on tour, and why showing up—even when not “picked”—can change everything.The episode wraps with candid advice on finances, side hustles, self-care, recovery, and longevity. From warm-ups and flexibility to mindset, consistency, and treating your dance career like a full-time job, Jada’s story is both motivating and grounding. This episode is especially valuable for dancers preparing to move to LA, navigating auditions, or learning how to sustain momentum when bookings feel uncertain.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome + guest introduction(4:52) – Behind rehearsals: re-auditioning while on tour(7:30) – Transitioning from competition to professional dancer(10:22) – Researching choreographers, artists, and decision-makers(15:16) – What she’d change: training earlier, broader styles(17:35) – What makes dancers valuable on major tours(21:40) – Moving to LA: fear, readiness, and mindset shift(29:58) – LA checklist: agent, headshots, demo reel, profiles(36:34) – Side hustles, finances, and surviving between bookings(45:43) – Recovery, self-care, and protecting your bodyBiography:Dancing for over 17 years and recently moving to LA to pursue her dreams, Jada Specht has assisted and trained under many industry choreographers that has led her to where she is today. She is currently on tour with Jason Derulo and has worked with artists such as Teyana Taylor, Nelly, Busta Rhymes.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadaspecht/

Interview date: December 7th, 2025Episode Summary:Brooke Lipton—Emmy-nominated choreographer and longtime Hollywood Vibe faculty member—joins Business of Dance to share her journey from booking her first professional job at 12 to building a lasting career in dance, television, and choreography. She reflects on moving to Los Angeles at 18, training relentlessly, learning how to care for her body, and developing the discipline needed to survive in a competitive industry.Brooke opens up about touring with Britney Spears, becoming a young mother, and making the pivotal transition from performer to choreographer. She breaks down how assisting, understanding life on set, and respecting every department shaped her leadership style and allowed her to create healthier, more sustainable environments for dancers.In the Q&A, Brooke delivers honest advice on confidence, comparison, and work ethic—urging dancers to go “full out,” attack their weaknesses, stay adaptable, and remember that joy and resilience are essential to longevity in this industry.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome + introduction to Brooke Lipton(6:10) – Career overview: tours, TV, choreography credits(9:46) – Phoenix beginnings + first job at 12(12:30) – Moving to LA at 18, full-time training(14:29) – Health, body awareness, and longevity(17:28) – The haircut moment: identity and visibility(21:54) – Britney Spears tours + touring realities(25:49) – Touring while pregnant, life balance(31:52) – Transition into choreography via Glee(34:33) – Hiring dancers and creating opportunities(45:37) – Advice: fundamentals, weaknesses, discipline(1:17:50) – Closing message: confidence, joy, resilienceBiography:Brooke Lipton’s energy is contagious. Originally known as an exceptional natural dancer, she is now an accomplished choreographer who thoroughly understands the requirements of dramatic TV photography and production.A native of Phoenix, AZ, Brooke was already a rising star in the LA dance scene at the age of 12. She moved to LA to pursue her dream of being a professional dancer, and has since worked with artists including Madonna, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Paula Abdul. Brooke toured the world with Britney Spears for over eight years, including the “Dream Within A Dream” Tour, “The Onyx Hotel” Tour and “Circus” promo tour.Later, she was a key member of the choreographic team on the mega-hit Fox TV series “Glee”, starting as Associate and rising to Choreographer over the show’s six seasons, during which the team created more than 750 musical numbers as well as the show’s two live-performance world tours, plus “The Glee Project” unscripted series and “Glee Live 3D The Movie”.Brooke’s work has also been featured on many other major TV series including “Dr. Odyssey”, “9-1-1: Lone Star”, “Dancing with the Stars”, “Lucifer”, “National Treasure”, “Bones”, and “American Horror Story”. Most recently, she choreographed seasons 1 and 2 of the magnificent new Apple+ series “Palm Royale”.As a choreographer, Brooke has worked with such iconic stars as Shirley MacLaine, Carol Burnett, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Chenoweth and Ricky Martin, and has two Emmy nominations in Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming one for “Lucifer” and the other for season 1 of “Palm Royale”.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke_lipton/

Episode Summary:In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Eddie Garcia takes listeners on a journey through his extraordinary dance career—from a tap-dancing kid earning scholarships at Dupre’s to becoming one of the youngest dancers ever selected by Michael Jackson. Eddie reflects on the discipline and versatility that shaped him early on, blending classical training with emerging street styles that positioned him perfectly for the explosion of music videos in the 1980s.He shares behind-the-scenes stories from iconic projects including Smooth Criminal, the Bad and Dangerous World Tours, and his early work with Janet Jackson under Paula Abdul. Beyond the glamour, Eddie opens up about legal emancipation, learning professionalism at a young age, navigating rejection, and understanding the unspoken rules of auditions and touring life.Throughout the conversation, Eddie emphasizes the importance of humility, preparation, financial responsibility, and soul over tricks. He offers invaluable wisdom on longevity, leadership, and why relationships—not just talent—sustain a career. The episode closes with Eddie’s passion for mentorship and giving back through teaching and Camp MIA, reminding dancers that true success comes from authenticity, gratitude, and staying connected to why you fell in love with dance in the first place.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome, introductions, and session overview(9:30) – Early training: tap roots, Dupre’s scholarships(13:10) – Style fusion: breaking, jazz, ballet foundations(16:40) – First break: Janet Jackson via Paula Abdul(19:45) – Emancipation and preparing for adult responsibilities(21:15) – Michael Jackson audition and Smooth Criminal booking(26:40) – Touring young: Bad & Dangerous World Tours(31:00) – Lessons from Michael: timing, presence, musicality(44:00) – Auditions, rejection, resilience, and professionalism(1:49:00) – Teaching legacy, Camp MIA, giving backBiography:Eddie Garcia is an accomplished director, choreographer, dancer and multi-faceted entertainer with a solid reputation for choreography built upon decades of performing internationally alongside many of today’s most celebrated stars. At just 16 years old, Eddie’s incredible dancing style and technique delivered him to the world stage via many projects with Janet Jackson. He danced in some of her most iconic videos and performances of all time, including “Nasty”, “What Have You Done For Me Lately”, “When I Think of You” and the classic “Control” on the American Music Awards.By the time Eddie turned 17, “The King of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson, hand picked Eddie to join him. This began with “Smooth Criminal” and continued with other well known videos like the “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Speed Demon”. Eddie spent the next five years dancing with Jackson on the record-breaking and internationally acclaimed “Bad” and “Dangerous” tours.It was during those invaluable years of touring and working on countless sets where Eddie fine-tuned his innate ability to direct, produce and choreograph. He has since lent his talent as a dancer and choreographer to many well known artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande. Eddie Garcia artistic fingerprint that has made him one of the most sought after names within the world of dance. He continues to enjoy engaging in new creative endeavors.

Interview Date: November 9th, 2025Episode Summary:In this episode, Menina sits down with Rhonda Kaufman Malkin to unpack how a competition kid from Irvine turned a packed schedule of AP classes, UCLA coursework, the UCLA Dance Team, and three seasons as an LA Laker Girl into a long-term professional career. Rhonda shares how she balanced college with high-level pro work, why she switched from a dance major to sociology, and how booking five jobs in a row her senior year convinced her to go “all in” on dance after graduation.She walks listeners through her journey to Radio City—getting cut from her first Rockette audition, training herself between Disney shows, then booking the tour just before 9/11 and spending 12 seasons with the Rockettes (nine in NYC), seven of those as a swing, memorizing 36 tracks.Now the founder of Fusion Exercise, Rhonda has coached 75 dancers into the Rockettes and trains performers for Broadway, NFL/NBA teams, and precision work worldwide. She breaks down what makes precision dance different (counting, spacing grids, eye-high kicks, stamina), how the current three-day Rockette audition works, and why cross-training, professionalism, and genuine love of dance are non-negotiable. Shownotes:(8:52) Menina’s intro: Rhonda’s journey from UCLA to Rockettes.(14:03) Early life: ballet beginnings, competition team roots.(17:07) Balancing UCLA Dance Team and Laker Girls.(21:55) First agent wins; persistence through audition setbacks.(26:18) Rejection lessons: casting “type” and mindset shifts.(32:07) LA highlights: commercials, Academy Awards with Robin Williams.(37:44) Booking Rockettes post-9/11; touring and NYC seasons.(47:12) Precision dance breakdown: spacing, counting, eye-high kicks.(53:36) Fusion Exercise coaching and modern Rockette audition processBiography:Rhonda Kaufman Malkin is a 1996 honors graduate of Woodbridge High School in Irvine, CA. Rhonda was the first student from WHS to "crack Disney" and win the Outstanding Dancer Award for the Disneyland Creativity Challenge, a competition open to Orange County performing arts students. Her 13 years of dance training lead to a 17-year professional dance career in Los Angeles and New York City. While attending UCLA as a Sociology major, Rhonda performed as a Los Angeles Laker Girl for 3 years and received a championship ring for the 2000 inaugural season at Staples Center. After graduating UCLA in 2000, she attended seminary at Neve Yerushalayim and started her journey into Orthodox Jewish life. She continued dancing professionally, teaching dance, and choreography on the side while being a Radio City Music Hall Rockette for 12 years performing in multiple cities across America as well as Radio City Music Hall in the “Christmas Spectacular.” Rhonda was a Rockette Swing (memorizing all 36 Rockette dance tracks) for 7 of those years. Rhonda developed her famous FUSION EXERCISE fitness method and has trained celebrities including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Karlie Kloss and others. Rhonda’s choreography talents lead her to choreographing for numerous live stage and livestream productions in NYC for Jewish artists Bracha Jaffe and Devorah Schwartz. She was Head Choreographer for Camp Mayor for 8 years, recently taught at the prestigious FAME school—La Guardia High School of the Arts, and Manhattan High School in Manhattan as Head Choreographer and Physical Education Department instructor. She recently choreographed for the Rockette Alumnae Association in “Talent is Timeless” performing off-Broadway at the United Palace Theater in NYC.As a Professional Dance Coach, she is honored to mention that 75 of her students have become Radio City Rockettes and was recently featured on NY’s PIX11 News. This is Rhonda’s 32nd year as a dance educator. She is a wife and mom to 3 kids.Connect on Social Media:TikTok:@fusion_exercise Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fusion_exercise/