The Business of Dance

Recorded October 11, 2026

EPISODE SUMMARY

Paul Kirkland is a dancer, choreographer, creative director and director whose career includes touring with Madonna and Christina Aguilera, performing in Burlesque and Battle of the Year, and working behind the scenes with the Backstreet Boys. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Paul moved to Los Angeles at 18 and built a career that expanded from performing onstage to helping shape major productions. In this conversation with Menina Fortunato, he shares how preparation, relationships and a willingness to keep learning opened doors.

Paul takes us inside life on tour, from performing for massive crowds to protecting his body and maintaining relationships while constantly traveling. He explains how a back injury helped prompt his transition into assisting choreographers and learning the details of lighting, staging and production. He also discusses his work on the Backstreet Boys’ DNA tour and Sphere production, plus helping Jaafar Jackson prepare for Michael through ballet and recovery training.

Beyond the credits, Paul opens up about rejection, reinvention and finding opportunities beyond performing. Answering questions from Business of Dance mentees, he shares advice on moving to LA, developing an individual movement style, presenting your work online and adapting your performance for the camera. His story offers dancers an honest look at building a lasting career through curiosity, adaptability and meaningful connections.

SHOW NOTES

(03:09) Starting dance at three and building a foundation in ballet
(04:18) How one audition led to an unexpected first tour
(07:40) Working with Christina Aguilera and touring with Madonna
(10:32) The excitement of touring and performing for massive audiences
(11:57) Protecting your body and making the most of downtime
(13:38) Pivoting from performing to choreography and production
(16:17) Working with the Backstreet Boys and wearing multiple production hats
(17:18) Inside the Backstreet Boys’ immersive Sphere experience
(21:35) Training Jaafar Jackson in ballet and recovery for Michael
(26:01) Handling the disappointment of being released from a film scene
(33:31) Moving to LA young and showing up with confidence
(35:44) Developing your own movement style beyond studio training
(39:25) How social media, agencies and casting platforms help dancers get seen
(41:38) Creating a digital portfolio that makes your work easy to share
(43:06) Adapting your performance from the live stage to the camera

ABOUT PAUL KIRKLAND

Paul Kirkland is a Los Angeles–based dancer, choreographer, creative director and director originally from Jacksonville, Florida. He began dancing at three and moved to LA at 18 to pursue a professional career. His credits include touring with Madonna and Christina Aguilera, performing in Burlesque and Battle of the Year, and choreographing performances for Dancing with the Stars. His work has expanded into production, stage direction and artist development.

CONNECT WITH PAUL

Instagram: @paulkirklandcreative

Recorded October 4, 2026

EPISODE SUMMARY

Misha Gabriel is a dancer, choreographer and actor whose career includes working with Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, rehearsing for Michael Jackson’s This Is It, contributing choreography to Justin Timberlake’s tours, and playing Eddy in Step Up Revolution and Step Up All In. But behind those credits are cancelled tours, devastating rejection and moments when his next chapter was anything but certain. In this conversation with Menina Fortunato, Misha shares what it takes to keep building a career when the opportunities you worked for disappear.

From booking his first tour at 16 to moving to Los Angeles at 17, Misha reveals how training, mentorship and relationships opened doors. He takes us inside the Michael Jackson audition where he was cut, the unexpected second chance that changed his life, and the lessons he learned rehearsing for This Is It. He also opens up about transitioning into acting and creating a European teaching tour instead of waiting for someone else to hire him.

The conversation goes beyond the highlight reel, exploring intentional training, genuine networking, financial preparation and finding your own creative voice. Misha also answers questions from Business of Dance mentees about representation, choreography, moving to LA and handling the emotional highs and lows of the industry. This episode is for dancers, aspiring choreographers and parents who want an honest look at building a sustainable career while protecting the love of dance that started it all.

SHOW NOTES

(02:45) Growing up in a dance family and discovering hip-hop
(05:45) Booking Aaron Carter’s tour at 16 and moving to LA
(11:33) Choreographing for Justin Timberlake and clarifying his touring credits
(12:36) Working with Janet Jackson and navigating cancelled tours
(17:24) Getting cut from Michael Jackson’s audition, then earning another chance
(22:34) Rehearsing This Is It and rebuilding after Michael’s passing
(26:04) Lessons from Michael Jackson’s preparation, knowledge and attention to detail
(29:39) Landing Step Up Revolution and pursuing an acting career
(33:42) Choreographing for the Sacramento Kings and building a teaching tour
(36:43) Creating opportunities through outreach and treating dance as a business
(38:54) Building genuine relationships, staying connected and leading with value
(48:14) Trusting your creative instincts and finding your choreographic voice
(52:08) Training intentionally and preparing for a move to Los Angeles
(1:03:46) Choreographing for So You Think You Can Dance and handling criticism
(1:09:39) Navigating rejection without tying your happiness to career achievements

ABOUT MISHA GABRIEL

Misha Gabriel is a professional dancer, choreographer, actor and educator. His work includes performing with Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, rehearsing for Michael Jackson’s This Is It, and portraying Eddy in Step Up Revolution and Step Up All In. His choreography credits include contributions to Justin Timberlake’s tours and So You Think You Can Dance. He also teaches internationally, helping dancers develop their artistry and professional skills.

CONNECT WITH MISHA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishagabriel/

Recorded August 3, 2026 | The Business of Dance VIP Day, Los Angeles

EPISODE SUMMARY

Tina Landon and Travis Payne helped create the choreography for Michael and Janet Jackson’s “Scream.” In this live conversation with Menina Fortunato, the award-winning choreographers reunite to share two very different perspectives on the same iconic project—and the career lessons behind it. Recorded at The Business of Dance VIP Day in Los Angeles, this episode brings dancers into the room with two artists whose work has shaped music videos and world tours.

Tina traces her journey from Lancaster, California, to working with Janet Jackson, while Travis shares how his training in Atlanta and a homemade audition video opened the door to Rhythm Nation. Together, they revisit the pressure of creating for Michael and Janet: different movement styles, separate rehearsals, changing production demands, and the challenge of making the choreography feel right for both performers. Their stories reveal how much collaboration, preparation, and adaptability happen before the cameras roll.

The conversation then opens to questions from Business of Dance mentees about career longevity, saving money, artistic identity, and what makes a dancer someone choreographers want to hire again. From attitude and reputation to arriving prepared and continuing to learn, Tina and Travis offer practical lessons for aspiring professional dancers, working performers, and choreographers building careers that last.

SHOW NOTES

00:00 – Preview: dancing with Michael and Janet Jackson
02:46 – Menina welcomes Tina Landon and Travis Payne
07:26 – Tina’s beginnings and her path to Janet Jackson
10:12 – Travis’s journey from Atlanta to Rhythm Nation
16:29 – Creating “Scream”: Tina’s side of the story
23:32 – Choreographing for Michael and Janet’s different styles
26:32 – Travis’s path from Dangerous to “Scream”
30:13 – Separate rehearsals and the secrecy surrounding “Scream”
36:41 – Last-minute sets and the realities of production
42:42 – Why “Scream” continues to connect across generations
46:00 – Mentee Q&A: money and building a dance career
51:33 – Staying true to yourself for a lasting career
1:00:00 – What makes a dancer someone choreographers will hire?
1:02:44 – The qualities that earn repeat bookings
1:06:37 – Advice for dancers who want to choreograph

ABOUT TINA LANDON & TRAVIS PAYNE

Tina Landon is an Emmy-nominated choreographer and creative director whose credits include Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Ricky Martin, and Christina Aguilera. Her work includes Janet’s janet. and The Velvet Rope tours and co-choreography for “Scream.” Raised in Lancaster, California, she moved to Hollywood to pursue dance, performed as a Laker Girl, and appeared in Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” She continues to share her experience with dancers navigating professional careers.

Travis Payne is an Emmy-nominated choreographer and director who began touring with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 World Tour. His extensive work with Michael Jackson includes the Dangerous and HIStory tours, “Scream,” and This Is It. His collaborators also include Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Usher. The founder of Travis Payne Productions, he has earned MTV and American Choreography Awards for his work. His career spans live performance, music videos, concert production, and film, bringing a broad perspective to developing and sustaining a career in entertainment.

CONNECT WITH TINA LANDON
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtinalandon/

CONNECT WITH TRAVIS PAYNE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travispayne1/
Website: https://www.travispayne.com

THE BUSINESS OF DANCE
https://www.bizofdance.com/thepodcast
Subscribe and leave a review to help more dancers discover the show.

Recorded September 20, 2026

EPISODE SUMMARY

Chad Geiger, a Los Angeles talent agent with The Movement Talent Agency, joins Menina Fortunato to explain what helps dancers get noticed, earn representation, and build lasting careers. Drawing on his own work with Dua Lipa, Dolly Parton, and James Corden, he shares what he understands now from the other side of the audition table—and what he wishes he had done differently as a performer.

Chad traces his unexpected path from gymnastics in Texas to dance classes in college, professional work in Los Angeles, and an agency internship during the pandemic. He recalls how following directions helped him book a Dua Lipa music video and how embracing his personality changed his approach to auditions. He also explains why training with intention means seeking growth, building relationships, and getting into rooms with working professionals.

The conversation turns to the business habits that support a dance career: clear communication, updated materials, availability, and a reputation for reliability. In a mentee Q&A, Chad discusses agency submissions, dance footage, specialty skills, working outside major markets, and the patience needed to develop a career. This episode is perfect for aspiring professional dancers, dancers seeking an agent, and represented performers who want a stronger partnership with their agency.

SHOW NOTES

(00:00) – Introducing Chad Geiger and his dance career

(02:10) – From Dallas gymnastics to discovering dance in college

(06:59) – Booking Dua Lipa and embracing your individuality

(13:18) – Training with intention and building industry relationships

(18:22) – From MTA dancer and intern to talent agent

(27:00) – Agent communication, updated materials, and book-out dates

(36:00) – Building a strong agency submission and dance reel

(42:19) – Understanding opportunities at a boutique talent agency

(46:47) – Seeking representation while living outside major markets

(52:38) – Using tap skills to create a distinctive career

(54:24) – Professional habits that help dancers get booked again

(56:52) – Submission timing, referrals, and making a strong impression

(66:15) – Patience and building a professional career over time

(69:02) – Why reply-all matters when communicating about jobs

(73:42) – How to connect with Chad and MTA

ABOUT CHAD GEIGER

Chad Geiger is a Los Angeles-based talent agent with The Movement Talent Agency and has more than a decade of experience in the dance industry. As a performer, he worked with Dua Lipa, James Corden, Dolly Parton, Meek Mill, and Miguel, with appearances on Carpool Karaoke, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and the BET Awards.

Originally from the Dallas area, Chad trained as a gymnast before discovering dance in college. After building experience in Texas, he moved to Los Angeles and signed with MTA as a dancer. An internship during the pandemic later led to an assistant position and, eventually, a move into talent representation. Having experienced the industry as both a dancer and an agent, Chad is passionate about helping the next generation prepare for professional opportunities. His approach emphasizes intentional training, clear communication, strong submission materials, and helping dancers recognize and develop the qualities that make them distinctive.

CONNECT WITH CHAD GEIGER

Instagram: @chad_geiger

Instagram: @mtaagency

Recording / Interview Date: October 20, 2025

EPISODE SUMMARY

What helps a dancer build a career that lasts? Join Menina Fortunato on the red carpet at Avalon Hollywood for the 2025 Industry Dance Awards, where conversations with performers, choreographers, educators, and industry leaders go beyond the spotlight to explore the work, relationships, and resilience behind a life in dance.

From embracing your individuality to asking for help and protecting your reputation, this special episode brings together practical lessons for dancers, parents, teachers, and dance-industry professionals. Guests reflect on setbacks, creative opportunities, social media, and the importance of being someone others want to work with. Ian Eastwood champions uniqueness, Travis Wall speaks about seeking support, and Denise Wall shares perspective on learning through challenges.

At the heart of the evening is Dancers Against Cancer. Tia Stokes, Jocelyn Basham, and Noah Lands bring the conversation back to community, compassion, and supporting dance families affected by cancer. Alongside career advice and personal stories, these interviews capture the projects and priorities guests shared on the night of the event.

Whether you work in dance or simply love the art form, step behind the awards for an honest look at what sustains this community: purposeful work, human connection, and the courage to keep growing.

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Red carpet highlights and welcome

01:59 Tia Stokes: Authenticity and resilience

03:31 Jocelyn Basham: The power of human connection

07:09 Enola Bédard: Enjoying the journey

12:40 Protecting yourself as an artist

15:10 Travis Wall: The courage to ask for help

18:03 Noah Lands: The story behind Dancers Against Cancer

22:29 Denise Wall: Learning from setbacks

32:04 Why your reputation matters

32:59 Brooke Lipton: Dance and television

45:24 Social media as your future résumé

47:15 Ian Eastwood: Embracing your individuality

54:38 Blake McGrath: Family and purpose

1:03:37 Building a lasting dance career

1:10:55 Bringing character to your movement

ABOUT INDUSTRY DANCE AWARDS

The Industry Dance Awards celebrates the people shaping dance and supports Dancers Against Cancer. This red carpet special brings together artists, educators, and advocates to share career lessons and highlight the importance of supporting dance families affected by cancer.

CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY DANCE AWARDS & DANCERS AGAINST CANCER

Industry Dance Awards: https://www.industrydanceawards.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/industrydanceawards/

Dancers Against Cancer: https://imadanceragainstcancer.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imadanceragainstcancer/

The Business of Dance: https://www.bizofdance.com/thepodcast

Follow The Business of Dance on Spotify and share this episode with a dancer, dance parent, teacher, industry colleague, or dance fan.

Interview Date: September 13, 2026

EPISODE SUMMARY

Vancouver-born dancer, choreographer, and teacher Travis Lim joins Menina Fortunato to share his journey from childhood competitions and Michael Jackson-inspired solos to UCLA and professional dance work in Los Angeles. With credits including Lisa of BLACKPINK and Hollywood Arts, Travis offers an honest look at the artistic growth, relationships, and practical skills involved in building a career beyond the competition stage.

Travis reflects on the value of his UCLA dance education while explaining what it did not teach him about the business of working professionally. He discusses his family’s investment of approximately $400,000 CAD and the difference between developing as an artist and preparing to earn a living. The conversation also explores how he uses AI in his creative work, moves through perfectionism and comparison, and approaches projects with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning.

During the dancer Q&A, Travis shares his perspective on networking, direct bookings, choosing an agency, communicating with agents, and showing up confidently in auditions. He also discusses developing an individual style, making choices about competition and professional work, and finding time to recover. This episode is perfect for aspiring professional dancers, dance parents weighing college options, and competition dancers ready to understand what comes next.

SHOW NOTES

• (00:51) – Introducing Travis Lim and his journey into professional dance
• (03:44) – Childhood training, early competitions, and Michael Jackson’s influence
• (07:29) – Moving to Los Angeles and choosing UCLA for dance
• (13:43) – What his dance degree did not teach about the industry
• (17:48) – Reflecting on a $400,000 CAD education investment
• (22:01) – Using AI to support creative work and organize ideas
• (28:46) – Working through perfectionism, comparison, and hesitation to create
• (34:36) – Dancing with Lisa of BLACKPINK and learning from her professionalism
• (36:28) – Behind the scenes of A Week Away and Hollywood Arts
• (42:49) – Why networking and relationships matter for direct bookings
• (45:59) – Choosing MSA and building communication with your agents
• (50:49) – Standing out in auditions with confidence and personal strengths
• (52:50) – Developing your own style while learning from other dancers
• (59:24) – Weighing competition dance against a growing professional career
• (62:36) – Recovery, downtime, and maintaining a life outside dance

ABOUT TRAVIS LIM

Travis Lim is a professional dancer, choreographer, artist, and teacher from Vancouver, Canada, based in Los Angeles. He began as a competitive dancer and freestyler, earning international recognition through the competition circuit and appearances on NBC’s World of Dance and Canada’s Got Talent. He moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance before continuing to build his professional career.

His film and television experience includes Hollywood Arts, A Week Away: The Series, and Lego Friends: The Musical with Kenny Ortega. Travis has also danced with artists including Lisa of BLACKPINK, Victoria Justice, Machine Gun Kelly, DPR IAN, Paris Hilton, and AJ McLean. Alongside his professional work, he teaches and shares his approach to training, choreography, and artistic development. Drawing on his background in freestyle, crew training, and choreography, he encourages dancers to develop their individuality while continuing to learn from different styles and experiences.

CONNECT WITH TRAVIS LIM

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travylim/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travylim

Interview Date: August 30, 2026

Episode Summary

In Episode 149 of The Business of Dance Podcast, host Menina Fortunato sits down with Los Angeles-based choreographer, movement director, and performer Noelle Marsh. Noelle traces her path from a small dance studio in North Carolina to the world stage, beginning with dance at age three, competing nationally, and appearing on So You Think You Can Dance, which became her gateway into the industry. She opens up about assisting Mia Michaels, being mentored by Brian Friedman, and choreographing and later performing alongside Tate McRae. Noelle also shares what it was like dancing in the Thriller sequence of the Michael Jackson biopic and the emotional weight of stepping into that legacy. The conversation explores her transition from performer to creative lead, moving fluidly between dancing and choreography, the fear and freedom of rejection, and why she believes people feel your thoughts more than your words. The episode closes with a mentee Q&A about authenticity, standing out in the room, building connections, and navigating today's social-media-driven industry.

Shownotes

• 00:50 – Introducing guest Noelle Marsh
• 03:10 – Growing up dancing in small-town North Carolina
• 04:33 – Getting the call to assist Mia Michaels
• 07:00 – Moving to Los Angeles with no plan and no backup
• 10:33 – First booking: the Oscars with Adam Shankman
• 12:42 – Building a relationship with Brian Friedman
• 15:07 – Choreographing and later dancing for Tate McRae
• 19:20 – Dancing in the Thriller sequence of the Michael Jackson biopic
• 24:04 – Transitioning from performer to choreographer
• 27:00 – Winning Every Single Step and gaining creative confidence
• 29:48 – Balancing dancing and choreography today
• 32:37 – Authenticity, thoughts over words, and reframing rejection
• 36:56 – Mentee Q&A: connections, standing out, and social media's role today

Biography

Noelle Marsh is a Los Angeles-based choreographer, movement director, and performer whose career moves across contemporary dance, pop culture, film, television, and brand work. After growing up in North Carolina, she appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, assisted Mia Michaels, and became part of the original company of Shaping Sound.

As a performer, Noelle has worked with artists including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, Tate McRae, Halsey, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, and Katy Perry. Her choreography and movement-direction work includes projects for Tate McRae, The Voice, and campaigns for Bose, McDonald's, Motorola, and DSW.

Connect with Noelle

Instagram — @noellemarsh

Interview Date: February 15, 2026

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with New York City-based dancer and content creator Melissa Becraft to unpack the persistence, creativity, and unexpected opportunities behind her career. Melissa shares how she started dancing at 12, moved from South Carolina to New York City at 18, and spent four years auditioning while booking only one professional dance job before finally landing a spot with the NBA Brooklynettes. That opportunity became a major turning point, leading to six seasons with the team, including four as captain.

When the pandemic paused live performances, Melissa turned to social media as a creative outlet. What began as a TikTok account with zero followers quickly exploded, reaching 950,000 followers in eight months. She shares how recreating movie scenes, music videos, characters, and decades helped her build a recognizable creative identity and eventually turn dance content into a viable business through brand partnerships. She also gets candid about influencer rates, from early $500 videos to a $35,000 short-form campaign, while comparing the earning potential of content creation to traditional professional dance jobs.

Throughout the episode and mentee Q&A, Melissa offers practical advice on confidence, versatility, performance quality, audition preparation, social media safety, time management, and overcoming comparison. Her story is a reminder that success rarely happens overnight—and that dancers do not have to be the “best” person in the room to build a thriving career.

SHOW NOTES

02:47 – Melissa’s dance journey from South Carolina
03:28 – Moving to New York at eighteen
04:40 – Four years of auditions and rejection
06:20 – Auditioning for the NBA Brooklynettes
07:05 – Six seasons and becoming team captain
09:08 – Pandemic sparks Melissa’s social media journey
10:48 – Reaching 950,000 followers in eight months
13:31 – Turning social media into paid partnerships
15:45 – Breaking down influencer income potential
18:10 – Performing with BLACKPINK at the VMAs
21:07 – Q&A: Building confidence and overcoming comparison
24:32 – Q&A: Why tricks don’t define dancers
29:22 – Q&A: Creating safe, professional dance content
33:26 – Q&A: Performance quality that books jobs
39:08 – Turning your dancing into a business

ABOUT MELISSA

Melissa Becraft is a dancer and content creator based in New York City. She began her career with the NBA Brooklynettes, later becoming captain and choreographer. Her credits include the VMAs with BLACKPINK, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. She has built an audience of more than 3.5 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube and created dance content for Disney, Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Kate Spade.

CONNECT WITH MELISSA

Instagram — @melissabecraft

Interview Date: August 16th

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Los Angeles-based performer, choreographer, acrobat, and educator Joey Vice to explore the unconventional path that took him from a young competitive dancer in Ohio to performing his dream role with Cirque du Soleil. Joey shares how he transitioned from soccer to dance, developed a strong technical foundation in ballet and jazz, and independently expanded into contemporary and acro. By 12, he had already set his sights on Cirque, studying its artists, training methods, and performance style in preparation for the career he wanted.

That preparation paid off when Cirque du Soleil contacted Joey at just 18 years old and ultimately cast him in KOOZA. He opens up about the elaborate makeup process, the physical demands of touring, performing up to 10 shows per week, and developing the acting, improvisation, stamina, and versatility required of a Cirque artist. After two years on tour, Joey chose to step away from his childhood dream job to explore the broader dance industry and eventually relocated to Los Angeles.

Joey also takes listeners behind the scenes of his transition into television and commercial work, including being discovered through social media for BalletRED and appearing on Netflix’s Star Search. During the mentee Q&A, he shares advice on strengthening acro technique, overcoming fear, researching who you audition for, embracing individuality, and continuing to train. His message throughout the episode is to stay curious, work hard, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who are pursuing similar goals.

Shownotes:

03:56 – From soccer player to passionate dancer

06:00 – Building his unique acro-contemporary style

09:06 – Training specifically for a Cirque career

12:08 – Booking his dream job at eighteen

14:23 – Learning Cirque’s elaborate makeup process

19:13 – Inside life performing with Cirque

25:03 – The unexpected realities of touring young

28:54 – Transitioning from Cirque to Los Angeles

29:20 – Social media opens the Star Search door

30:37 – Eight months preparing for BalletRED

33:26 – Behind the scenes of live television

43:03 – Q&A begins with aspiring dancers

46:59 – Q&A: Strengthening and improving acro technique

53:39 – Q&A: Research who you audition for

1:03:32 – Final advice: Keep training and asking questions

Biography:

Joey Vice is a versatile performer and choreographer who has been making waves in the dance industry since his teenage years. At just 18, his exceptional talent and dedication led him to become the lead role in Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA.

Now based in Los Angeles, Joey works as a freelance choreographer, teacher, and performer, creating innovative choreography and jaw-dropping tricks. His career has included performing in music videos for artists such as 070 Shake, Marina, and Vana, and most recently appearing on Netflix’s Star Search with BalletRED.

Joey is currently on faculty at Millennium Dance Complex and has worked as a teacher and choreographer for Joffrey Ballet School. Joey’s mission is to push the boundaries of dance while inspiring the next generation of artists through creativity, athleticism, and passion for performance.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeythedancer/

Interview Date: August 9th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Canadian choreographer Alex Francoeur to trace the journey that took him from a nine-year-old boy reluctantly entering his first hip-hop class in Quebec to building a full-time career across performance, choreography, television, live production, and entrepreneurship. Alex shares how early professional opportunities showed him that dance could become a real career, eventually leading him from Montreal to Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, relationships, O-1 visa journey, and willingness to take risks that shaped his path.

Alex also opens up about the major turning points that redirected his career, including Révolution, receiving a Golden Buzzer on France’s Got Talent, and discovering his voice as a choreographer and creative leader. He explains why genuine relationships matter just as much as talent, how assisting choreographers for years unknowingly prepared him to lead, and why defining success on your own terms can completely change your trajectory.

The conversation dives into one of Alex’s biggest projects yet: serving as head choreographer for the Opening Ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the massive audition and rehearsal process behind the production. During the Q&A, Alex shares valuable advice about auditions, skeleton crews, networking, personal branding, leveraging opportunities, and treating yourself like a business. Above all, he encourages dancers to enjoy the journey, stay curious, build meaningful relationships, and recognize that every experience is preparing them for what comes next.

Shownotes:

00:42 – Starting dance at nine in Quebec

05:09 – Discovering dance could become a career

10:28 – Relationships that led to FIFA World Cup

15:14 – Taking a one-way chance on Los Angeles

18:04 – Révolution performance changes Alex’s career

20:11 – Becoming his own brand and business

22:29 – Unexpected transition from dancer to choreographer

25:51 – Building an international dance convention company

28:21 – Defining success on your own terms

32:09 – Choreographing FIFA with 125 dancers

35:16 – Inside the massive FIFA audition process

54:04 – Q&A: Why skeleton crews create opportunities

57:43 – Q&A: Receiving the life-changing FIFA call

1:05:13 – Q&A: Treating yourself like a business

1:11:16 – Final advice: Believe and enjoy the journey

Biography:

Alex Francoeur is a Canadian choreographer who creates large-scale movement for the world’s biggest stages — from sold-out arenas to global broadcast events reaching millions of viewers.

With more than 100 television episodes to his name and live productions staged before crowds exceeding 100,000 spectators, Alex has built a reputation for choreography that merges precision, storytelling, and raw emotional impact. His work doesn’t just fill a stage — it commands it.

His international profile surged after receiving a Golden Buzzer on France’s Got Talent, a breakthrough that brought his singular artistic vision to audiences far beyond Canada. That vision — rooted in authenticity and human connection — is what consistently earns him trust from the industry’s most demanding productions.

Alex has recently served as the Head Choreographer for the Opening Ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026, cementing his standing among the elite creators shaping how the world experiences live performance. His work spans productions across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_francoeur/

Website: https://alexfrancoeur.ca/