February 09, 2025

56 - Aliya Janell: Going Viral with ½ Billion Views, Touring with Beyonce, Brand Deals, Recording Debut & Opening the Stu LA

1 hour 11 minutes

Episode Summary:

Aliya Janell, a dancer, choreographer, and influencer who has made a major impact in the dance world. Known for her viral choreography videos, Aliya has worked with top artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Nicki Minaj. She takes us through her journey from a young hip hop dancer in L.A. to becoming an online sensation with millions of views on platforms like YouTube.

Aliya discusses her early days training at Millennium Dance Complex, her transition from dancer to choreographer, and how she overcame imposter syndrome. She also shares the importance of social media consistency, building a brand, and balancing creativity with business. Aliya talks about the highs and challenges of tour life, particularly with Beyoncé, and the importance of diversifying your career. From teaching to opening her own studio, Aliya Janell has truly expanded the definition of what it means to be a successful artist in the modern dance world. She offers valuable advice to aspiring dancers on how to navigate their careers, manage their personal lives, and embrace the journey with authenticity and confidence.

Show Notes:

(0:00) - Introduction to Aliya Janell: Dancer, Choreographer, and Dance Influencer

(3:10) - Aliya’s Early Dance Journey: Starting at 5 Years Old

(7:30) - Transitioning from Dance Hobby to Career: The Realization of Making Dance a Living

(12:50) - Teaching & Choreography: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Her Voice

(18:30) - Going Viral: Level Up with 40 Million Views

(22:00) - The Role of Social Media: From Posting to Collaborating with Celebrities

(26:10) - Evolving into a Business: Managing Brand Deals and Developing the Entrepreneurial Side

(33:30) - The Importance of Consistency and Strategy in Social Media

(36:20) - Aliya’s Beyoncé Audition Experience: From the DM to the Stage

(42:00) - The Reality of Tour Life: Balancing Career and Personal Life on the Road

(47:30) - The Stew Los Angeles: Opening a Studio and Building a Creative Space

(52:40) - Music Artist: Aliya’s New Path in Music and the Importance of Monetizing Content

(57:20) - Managing Multiple Business Ventures: Advice for Aspiring Dancers with Diverse Interests

(1:03:00) - Aliya’s Advice to Aspiring Dancers: Embracing the Journey, Staying True to Yourself, and Being a Good Person

(1:08:30) - Final Words: Trusting Your Own Journey and the Power of a Supportive Team

(1:12:00) - Q&A with Business of Dance Mentees: Questions on Balancing Career and Personal Life, Building Confidence, and More

Biography:

Aliya Janell is an LA based choreographer, dancer, and content creator. Since the viral success of her dance masterclasses in 2017, Aliya earned herself over 2 million followers on her social media. Making high energy, sexy, athletic choreography her signature she created her own brand Queens N Lettos. Since then, she’s choreographed and danced alongside artists like Beyoncé (Renaissance Tour), Nicki Minaj (Queen Album), Jennifer Lopez (It’s My Party Tour), and many more.

Understanding the importance of social media Aliya continued to grow her platforms and has landed partnerships with Gatorade, Fitbit, Shoedazzle, Coca Cola, Viacom and many more. As demand for her QNL classes grew around the world she’s found a new purpose to show dancers to “create their own” and be in the forefront of their own careers as Aliya did. Just this year, Aliya made the biggest move yet and opened up her very own dance studio with partner and celebrity choreographer, Chuck Maldonado. Even with all the accomplishments the past 8 years, Aliya is nowhere near done.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/thealiyajanell

https://www.youtube.com/@AliyaJanell

https://www.tiktok.com/@therealaliyajanell

Website

https://thestulosangeles.com/

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By MENINA FORTUNATO

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