Episode Summary: 

Teresa Espinosa, a celebrated dancer and choreographer, joins the conversation to share her incredible journey and insights on building a dance career. Menina Fortunato introduces Teresa, known for her extensive work with icons like Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber, as well as her Emmy-nominated choreography on Janet’s “Velvet Rope” special.

Teresa recounts her early inspirations, sparked by icons like Michael and Janet Jackson. After graduating from Cal Arts, her career took off through connections she made at the Roxbury club in Dallas. She recalls her first major break with Janet Jackson’s tour, underscoring the importance of resilience through the emotional ups and downs of auditioning.

As her career progressed, Teresa embraced the power of positive affirmations and manifesting her dreams, which she credits for landing key roles like Britney Spears’ tour. She encourages dancers to believe in themselves and not rely solely on external validation for confidence.

Teresa details her creative process, where improvisation and flexibility allow for authentic expression. Working with Miley Cyrus, she found value in collaborative choreography, showing how openness to others’ ideas enhances creativity.

For young dancers, Teresa emphasizes enjoying the journey, letting go of perfectionism, and trusting their abilities. She concludes with uplifting advice to stay grounded in their love for dance, reminding them they are enough, which she believes is key to success and fulfillment in the industry.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Teresa Espinosa is a proud native of Dallas, Texas. After graduating from CalArts, she has been working professionally as a dancer and choreographer for over 2 decades.

Teresa, who early on in her career at the age of 24, was nominated for an Emmy Award for contributing choreography to Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope HBO Special, and traveled the world as one of her dancers. This auspicious start was a telling sign of a very successful and exciting career.

Teresa’s extensive list of accomplishments includes working with many of the renowned artists of our time, such as Prince, Britney Spears, Missy Elliot, Mariah Carey, Pink, Rihanna, Limp Bizkit, Usher, Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Hailee Steinfeld, and Sofia Carson.

Her work as a dancer and choreographer have also appeared in numerous television shows, award shows, commercials, and films.

Some of these credits consist of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen, The X Factor, America’s Best Dance Crew (Beat Freaks), Good Morning America, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Billboard Awards, American Music Awards, Kid’s Choice Awards, Old Navy, Nike, You Got Served, End of Watch, Barbie: The Princess & The Popstar, Magic Mike, and Magic Mike XXL.

She also has worked on the hit TV show, Lip Sync Battle: Channing Tatum vs. Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt vs. Anthony Mackie.

Espinosa’s was an Associate Director/ Choreographer for Magic Mike Live is currently playing at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

She was also Co-owner of Debbie Reynold’s Dance Studio in North Hollywood, CA.

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