The Business of Dance

Episode Summary: 

Dance legend Anita Mann shares her remarkable journey, offering insights from her extensive career as a dancer, choreographer, and producer. Menina Fortunato introduces Anita, honoring her as a trailblazer who has received five Emmy nominations, with an impressive array of credits, including Solid Gold, the Muppets, and the Academy Awards.

Anita’s career took off when Elvis Presley, impressed with her work, asked her to assist on his projects. Working with icons like Elvis and Jack Baker provided invaluable experience in choreography and the technical aspects of filmmaking, setting the foundation for her success.

Throughout her career, Anita built opportunities, from creating her own company divisions for cruise ships and casinos to producing television and arena shows. Her work ethic, dedication to learning, and passion for dance propelled her forward, and she actively supports other dancers in their pursuits.

In advice to aspiring dancers, Anita stresses preparation, respect, and persistence in auditions, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with integrity. During a Q&A with mentees, she discusses leveraging social media, her favorite roles, and the transition from performer to business owner.

Anita concludes with a message of gratitude and resilience, emphasizing health and ongoing dedication to dance. She expresses her excitement for the future, including the launch of a new dance hall of fame, inspiring dancers to persevere and keep reaching for their dreams.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Anita Mann has been honored by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as one of America's top five contemporary choreographers. She is the recipient of five Emmy Nominations, one Emmy Award and accolades from every corner of the industry.

Her choreography credits include 5 seasons on the 1980s dance television show, “Solid Gold” (earning her two Emmy nominations), "The Muppets Go Hollywood" (her first Emmy nomination), "The Cher Show", "The Jacksons", "The Academy Awards", "The Golden Globe Awards", "Academy of Country Music Awards", "The Miss America Pageant" (earning her first Emmy Award), "The People's Choice Awards", "The Grammy Hall of Fame", "The Emmy's", "The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon" (earning her another Emmy nomination), "The Great Muppet Caper", "Dick Clark's American Bandstand Live", "Sesame Street Live", "The Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Tour", "Snoopy's World of Magic", "Arthur Live Tour" as well as countless other live, film and television shows including the award-winning show FANTASY, one of the longest running shows in Las Vegas now celebrating 25 years on the Las Vegas Strip! Mann was the Coordinating Producer for the WE Channel TV series, “Dirty Dancing”.

She is the Producer of the pre-school animated musical webisode series, “itty bitty HeartBeats” as well as the President of the Dance Hall of Fame. Anita Mann has danced with and choreographed for Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Cher, The Muppets, Wayne Brady, Julianne Hough, Adam Lambert and countless other stars while maintaining a four-decade relationship with all the major networks.

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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.

Connect on Social Media:

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Episode Summary: 

Menina Fortunato interviews renowned choreographer Alex Magno to explore his inspiring journey from Rio de Janeiro to Los Angeles, where he became an influential figure in the dance world. Menina introduces Alex, celebrating his achievements, including Emmy and World Choreography Awards, and their shared history, as Alex’s scholarship significantly impacted her own dance path.

A turning point came when Alex won a competition sponsored by Paramount Pictures, bringing him to the United States. In Los Angeles, he trained rigorously, embracing diverse dance styles, including tap, and connecting with industry mentors who encouraged his artistic pursuits.

Alex shares career highlights and challenges, from performing in The Nutcracker to working with global icons like Madonna. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, adapting choreography to each dancer’s strengths, and staying disciplined.

For emerging choreographers, Alex advises a focus on collaboration, continual learning, and maintaining a positive, resilient mindset. He underscores the value of authenticity, discipline, and creating a supportive community. Concluding with words of encouragement, Alex urges dancers to remain dedicated to their craft and persevere in pursuit of their dreams.

Show Notes:

Biography:

ALEXANDRE MAGNO is an Emmy and a WCA (World Choreography Awards) nominated Choreographer, director, and Producer, best known for his work with MADONNA (Girlie Show and Drowned World Tours), BRITNEY SPEARS, JENNIFER LOPEZ, THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS, THE ACADEMY AWARDS, MTV MUSIC AWARDS, , SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (FOX), DANCING WITH THE STARS (ABC) , YANNI VOICES (PBS and TELEVISA TV SPECIAL), NEODANCE (A Tango Project, Featuring GRAMMY WINNER NESTOR TORRES), BENISE (EMMY WINNER Nights Of Fire PBS Special, along with two other shows: The Spanish Guitar, and FUEGO The Spirit Of Spain - PBS TV Special) ONYX LULLABY (Experimental Dance Film featuring ANNIE LENNOX & DAVID ALLAN STEWART'S Iconic Music: SWEET DREAMS (Are Made Of This) - LIDO DE PARIS (Lido La Tourné), BALLET HISPANICO, MAAPshowseries, and DEEP SLEEP FOR Beat FreaksUTY (A Fashion Dance Show, Presented and Produced by JUSTONEEYE; based on a Fairytale Book created by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, as part of LOUBOUTIN'S new collaboration (The Capsule Collection) with Indian Couture Designer SABYASACHI And more….

Drawing on a variety of styles, disciplines, and cultural influences, Mr. MAGNO infuses his work with powerful drama, beauty and sensuality. As a Dance Educator: Mr. Magno is known worldwide, for his unique Latin, cool, sensual fused dance style; and for training today's top dancers, celebrities and choreographers; such as Carrie Ann Inaba, Christina Applegate, Jenna Elfman, Elizabeth Berkley, Carlos Gomes, Brian Friedman, Gil Duldulao, Mandy More, Bobby Newberry, Jillian Meyers, Tony Testa, Jason Parsons to name a few.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates over three decades of the extraordinary career of Alex Magno and further solidifies his status as a leading figure in the world of dance and choreography, sharing this honor among esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award previous recipients like Toni Basil, the Nicholas Brothers, Debbie Allen, Jamie King, Adam Shankman, Vincent Paterson, Janet Jackson, Gene Kelly, Nappy Tabs, Travis Payne, and Twitch.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/alexmagnoofficial

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https://www.alexmagno.com/

Episode Summary: 

Menina Fortunato interviews Miller Daurey, discussing his remarkable journey from early dance days to a comeback later in life. Miller began dancing at 14, inspired by supportive family members, and soon achieved success with his sister as a dance duo on Star Search, launching his career. His early professional experience includes working with Paula Abdul, winning a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet, and performing in major brand commercials. Despite his achievements, Miller eventually transitioned from dance to acting in search of longer-term career stability and better working conditions, a path that led him to New York and Los Angeles.

Returning to dance in his 40s, Miller describes the changes in today’s dance environment, from the focus on social media and class filming to the reduced emphasis on warm-ups. He shares the physical challenges of dancing later in life, especially with injuries, but credits dedicated rehabilitation, yoga, and support from fellow dancers for his continued progress. Miller reflects on the importance of community, noting how others’ encouragement helped him adapt to new styles and techniques.

He offers invaluable advice for young dancers: prioritize self-care, be open to learning, and don’t take life too seriously. Miller’s journey serves as a reminder to stay true to one’s passion, value every experience, and trust that setbacks and successes alike contribute to one’s growth. His story exemplifies resilience, encouraging dancers to focus on their “why” and to embrace dance as both a career and a lifelong joy.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Miller Daurey is a former professional teen dancer who quit dance at 19 — just when his career was really taking off. In his docuseries, Back To Great, he explores returning to dance training 3 decades later and all that entails. It’s his hope to inspire and remind others… it’s never too late to go back to something you once loved.

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Episode Summary: 

Kim McSwain, a passionate dancer and teacher with a career spanning from her early beginnings to founding her own dance agency. Kim began dance at age three, developing a strong foundation through intensive ballet training and competitive tap. At age 24, she moved to Los Angeles, navigating financial struggles while working multiple jobs to support her career. Her breakthrough came with high-profile projects for artists like Britney Spears and Michael Jackson. Eventually, Kim transitioned to teaching, which she found deeply fulfilling, especially in inspiring young dancers.

Kim discusses her work with KM Agency, which includes dance programs like The Movement and Blake Stanley Technique, designed to elevate studio standards and support dancers' growth. Her dedication has led her business to success, especially by supporting dance studios recovering post-COVID. Kim emphasizes that proper training for teachers is essential for the industry’s future.

Throughout the episode, Kim advises dancers to pursue their passion, monetize their skills, and persist through challenges. She emphasizes the long-term potential of a dance career, countering the notion that it’s short-lived. During a Q&A, Kim answers questions on breaking into the industry, finding teaching roles, and handling transitions from studio to professional life.

Show Notes:

Biography:

From an early age, Kim's passion for dance was undeniable. Beginning her training at the tender age of three, she dove into the world of dance with a focus that belied her years. By eight, Kim was dedicating thirty hours a week to ballet, a testament to her dedication and love for the art. Her talent was unmistakable, leading her to clinch third place nationally at a prestigious tap event by the age of twelve, an event sponsored by the renowned tap virtuoso, Gregory Hines. Hines, struck by Kim's exceptional skill, personally visited her studio in Dallas to offer a private lesson, a rare honor that highlighted her early promise.

As Kim turned 24, her journey took her to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. There, her career flourished as she found herself sharing stages and film sets with icons such as Britney Spears, N’Sync, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck. Despite her success in the performance world, Kim felt a compelling draw towards education, choosing to channel her energies into nurturing the next generation of dancers.

Kim's teaching career began with Adrenaline on the convention circuit, quickly escalating to her joining the ranks of JUMP, the world's largest dance convention. Over six years, Kim imparted her knowledge in a variety of styles, from ballet to hip-hop, to thousands of eager students weekly. Her journey continued as she took on the role of Children’s Director at NUVO, focusing on technical excellence and personal growth, earning acclaim for her ability to inspire not just outstanding performers, but outstanding individuals.

Kim's contributions to dance education have been celebrated in notable publications such as Dance Media and Dance Teacher Magazine. Beyond the convention circuit, Kim has lent her expertise as a coach for the DANCE STUDIO OWNERS ASSOCIATION, further cementing her role as a pivotal figure in the dance community.

In a bold move, Kim shifted her focus to the KM Agency, home to the transformative Changing Lives program, and now owns 5 companies: THE MOVEMENT, THE MOMENT, THE METHOD, and CLEAN & CRITIQUE, and BLAKE STANLEY TECHNIQUE. 

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https://www.instagram.com/kimmcswain

Episode Summary: 

Kelly Sweeney, a Mexican-American dancer with an impressive career that began at 15. Kelly shares how she transitioned from musical theater and gymnastics to dance after an ankle condition led her to focus on training seriously at age 10. By 15, she had signed with the MSA agency, launching her professional career.

Kelly talks about completing the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) at 16 to work as a legal adult, allowing her to balance her dance career and academics. She also highlights how her bilingualism and dual citizenship have helped her connect with students and colleagues in places like Argentina and Costa Rica. Kelly describes how her choreography for Disney's Descendants Red went viral, attracting attention from music labels and increasing her social media following. She shares her experiences working with Disney and attending the Descendants premiere.

Kelly answers questions about her creative process, favorite jobs (such as performing at the Oscars and working with Shakira), and overcoming creative blocks. She emphasizes the importance of mental health breaks and finding inspiration in music and visuals. Kelly shares the biggest lessons she's learned, including being your own teacher and managing time wisely. She also highlights what she looks for in a dancer—technique, attention to detail, and performance balance.

Kelly praises Jennifer Lopez's work ethic and shares her aspirations for choreographing more music videos and movies. She also talks about the importance of using social media to motivate and inspire others. Kelly discusses how her Latina heritage has played a significant role in her career, advising dancers to embrace and showcase their cultural identity. She emphasizes the importance of practicing choreography retention and the value of ballet in her dance development.

Throughout the episode, Kelly provides valuable insights and advice for aspiring dancers, stressing the importance of persistence, creativity, and self-discipline.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Born in Mexico and raised in L.A., Kelly Sweeney began her professional dance and choreography career at 15. Since then, she has danced and choreographed for major performing artists, including Jlo, Bebe Rexha, Lil Uzi, Neyo, Shakira, and Nick Jonas. 

She has also worked in motion pictures, music videos, NBA teams and award shows. Kelly’s very passionate about her teaching, and has fixed teaching slots at Millenium and Playground LA studios as well as major national and international dance conventions.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/kellysweeney1/

Episode Summary: 

Menina interviews Swoosh, who began dancing at age four, inspired by Michael Jackson. He recalls teaching himself dance through TV, as dance wasn’t as accessible in the UK during the 80s. His passion grew through family performances and school talent shows. Encouraged by a school teacher, Swoosh started taking dance seriously after a successful school talent show performance. He pursued formal training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz, expanding his skills and understanding of dance technique, which shaped his professional journey.

Swoosh formed Flawless, a now-famous dance group, starting as a boys-only club at his school. He valued mentality over ability in selecting members. Flawless trained hard, won their first UK championship, and continued to excel in international competitions, including the USA vs. UK championship. Swoosh reflects on Flawless’ rise to global fame after their appearance on Britain's Got Talent, which led to sold-out tours and a larger fanbase. Flawless has since expanded from a core group to an academy, training the next generation of dancers.

Swoosh embraced TikTok during the pandemic, growing his following by bulk-creating content and collaborating with celebrities. He highlights the importance of using social media strategically to build a personal brand and advises dancers to focus on their unique qualities. Swoosh encourages dancers to embrace their individuality and purpose. He emphasizes building consistent content for social media, using personality to stand out, and staying true to oneself in auditions.

Swoosh closes with words of encouragement, urging dancers to stay authentic and focused on their purpose. Menina thanks him for his insights, concluding the episode on a hopeful note for future collaborations.

Show Notes:

Biography:

International Artist, Dancer, Choreographer, and entrepreneur Marlon “Swoosh” Wallen born and raised in London has been making footprints in the dance world for over 20+ years! In addition to helping some of the biggest names in the industry, Swoosh is the founder of the Britains Got Talent Stars Flawless, who shot to fame starring in Street Dance Movies 1 & 2 , traveling the world, inspiring people of all ages to love the way they move. Some of Swoosh’s credits include: Founder of FLAWLESS UK Hip Hop Champion IDO World Hip Hop Champion HHI Hip Hop Champion USA VS UK Champion Britain’s Got Talent Queens Diamond Jubilee Madonna, French Montana , Kylie Minouge, Spice Girls, Chip, Giggs, Skepta, Emilie Sandi Swoosh continues to make waves in 2024 with Flawless Performances, Teaching, Judging, Mentoring internationally.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/swooshflawlessuk

Webpage

www.flawlessofficial.com

Episode Summary: 

Tiffany Maher shares her extensive career in dance, from her early beginnings to her success in the industry. Tiffany started dancing at age three and transitioned from a competitive dance kid to a faculty member at the Tremaine Dance Convention, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication.

She pursued a Bachelor's of Science degree while balancing her dance career, showcasing the significance of time management. Tiffany took a semester off to compete on So You Think You Can Dance and later completed her degree online while living in Los Angeles.

Tiffany stresses the value of professionalism and maintaining a strong mindset, especially when facing rejection in the dance industry. Her experiences on So You Think You Can Dance opened doors to new opportunities, leading to work on projects like Rock of Ages and Step Up Revolution.

The episode highlights the growing role of social media and brand deals for dancers, as Tiffany shares her success with platforms like TikTok, emphasizing the need for dancers to be treated as athletes and paid fairly for their work.

Throughout the episode, Tiffany offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers, including the importance of building connections, managing time effectively, and staying true to oneself. She encourages dancers to focus on their craft and maintain a positive mindset, despite the challenges and uncertainties of the industry.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Tiffany Maher is Season 9 runner up on SYTYCD. She has appeared as Devil Girl Christine for three seasons on Hit VH1 & BET Drama Series Hit The Floor. Tiffany has danced on ABC Family’s hit show The Fosters, The Voice, Glee, Mr. Iglesias, America’s Greatest Hits, Days of Our Lives, Sex Life of College Girls, and on Disney Channel shows Girl Meets World, Just Roll With It, Austin and Ally, Shake It Up, Liv and Maddie, Walk the Prank, and K.C. Undercover. She has also appeared on many awards shows including The American Music Awards, The Video Music Awards, The Billboard Music Awards, The Teen Choice Awards, and The Latin American Music Awards.   

She has worked with many artists including Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, Pitbull, Charlie Puth, Kelsea Ballerini, Natasha Bedingfield, Zendaya, Jordan Fisher, Carly Rae Jepsen, J Balvin, Neyo, Todrick Hall, Becky G, Ozuna, CNCO, Prince Royce, Kool & The Gang, Flo Rida, Prince Royce, Andrea Boceli, Alvaro, Wisin & Yandel, Karol G, Anuel, Nodal, Dollar, Tini, Nacho, Ludacris, James Franco, and more.

Her favorite performance with an artist was performing with JLO in the 2020 SuperBowl. Tiffany has been seen in the films Trolls, Rock of Ages, Valley Girl, and Step Up Revolution. You can also find her in the Hallmark movie Merry Ex-Mas acting playing Rockstar Discrete, and in short film Shake It Off. She also appeared in a 2014 Ford SuperBowl Commercial, 2017 Target Commercial, and a Reebok Industrial. Tiffany recently entered the digital world over the pandemic leading her to brand deals through Tik Tok with Home Goods, Pepsi, Nike Air Max, HypeRice, Normatec, Show Me Your MuMu, Bullet Proof, and many more. 

Connect on Social Media:

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https://www.facebook.com/Dance9Tiffany

Episode Summary: 

Nellie Bethel, a dynamic Danish dancer who moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She begins by sharing her early dance experiences in Denmark, where she started dancing at the age of 10, focusing on MTV-style classes. Her first professional role was in a street dance rendition of "The Nutcracker," which ignited her desire to travel to New York and delve into the roots of hip-hop. However, an encounter with a friend who offered her a place to stay in LA shifted her plans, leading her to fall in love with the vibrant house dance scene in the new city.

Nellie discusses the challenges she faced in obtaining a U.S. visa, highlighting the cultural differences between Denmark and the United States. Accustomed to the modesty of Danish culture, she found it difficult to promote herself assertively—a necessity in the American visa process. 

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Nellie navigated the competitive dance industry, initially grappling with auditions and adapting to the commercial dance style, including performing in high heels. She shares pivotal moments in her career, such as being booked for a Super Bowl performance with Madonna but being released due to her height. Undeterred, she later secured a long-term collaboration with Jennifer Lopez for her Las Vegas residency. 

Concluding the interview, Nellie expresses profound gratitude for the support she's received throughout her journey and reaffirms her commitment to inspiring others. She acknowledges both the challenges and rewards of the dance industry, urging dancers to embrace their unique paths, remain dedicated, and persistently work towards achieving their dreams.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Nellie Bethel, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a dynamic and versatile dancer whose passion for movement knows no bounds. Her artistic journey began at Flow Dance Academy, where she received a comprehensive education and honed her skills to perfection. At the age of 18, Nellie took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, where she embarked on a remarkable path that led her to achieve her biggest dreams.

Nellie's dance credits include collaborations with some of the most prominent music artists of our time. From sharing the stage with icons like JLo, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Mya, Dan & Shay, Meghan Trainor, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Fergie, and Shaggy, she has demonstrated her exceptional talent and ability to adapt to diverse musical styles. 

Her performances have graced prestigious events such as the Superbowl Halftime show, The Grammys, the Oscars, X-factor, Eurovision, Americas Got Talent, and the Masked Singer, captivating audiences on a global scale. She is currently performing at MJ One by Cirque du Soleil, a powerhouse celebration of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

Nellie's artistic prowess extends beyond performing, as she has also established herself as a notable choreographer. Her achievements in this realm include working on productions like Pretty Woman: The Musical in 2022 and two seasons of The Masked Singer in Denmark. 

Driven by her passion for movement, Nellie Bethel continues to evolve and inspire as a versatile dancer, choreographer, and performer. Her portfolio reflects a wide range of styles, from freestyle to commercial dancing and theatrical productions. With each endeavor, Nellie brings her unique flair and artistic sensibility, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Connect on Social Media:

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https://originellie.com/

Episode Summary: 

Host Menina Fortunato interviews the multifaceted Sheldon Robins, whose extensive career encompasses film directing, producing, acting, and dancing. Sheldon begins by recounting his early days in New York, where he immersed himself in block parties and street dancing. This involvement led to his first significant break with LL Cool J and eventually prompted his move to Los Angeles. 

A pivotal moment in his career was auditioning for the Reebok City Jam series, where he was selected as a lead dancer. This opportunity not only allowed him to travel the world and learn Italian but also opened doors to modeling, choreography, and acting roles in productions like "Murder 101" and "Follow Me."

Discussing his influences, Sheldon cites LL Cool J, T Roy, and Big Daddy Kane, and highlights his involvement with the mop top crew, which significantly impacted the hip-hop dance scene. He shares the importance of relationships and networking, sharing stories about discovering new talent and the value of a strong work ethic.

Concluding with life lessons, He recounts having a show idea stolen, reinforcing the critical need for legal safeguards for creative work. He urges dancers to see themselves as brands, develop a strong online presence, and understand the business side of dance to stand out in a competitive industry.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Named after Saints, Sheldon Robins aka Sir Francis Michael is an award-winning producer, writer, and director with over twenty-two years of extensive worldwide entertainment experience.

As a trusted leader in the Upper Lav family, he has dedicated over 25 years to the entertainment industry, excelling in stage, film, and television.

Renowned as a film director, screenwriter, and producer, his works are characterized by uplifting storylines, controversial subject matter, and a celebration of life's triumphs.

He is often hailed as a "writer's storyteller" due to his stylistic use of multiple ethnicities, infusion of music and dance, and profound exploration of diverse themes that bridge opposing cultures.

During his professional dance career, he worked with Michael Jackson on the “History” Album promo commercial, toured with Mariah Carey, danced with Will Smith: Men in Black, Jiggy with It music video & Wild Wild West on the MTV Movie Awards with Dru Hill, appeared on Janet Jackson’s “Someone to call my Lover” music video, choreographed and danced for Genuwine and was a dancer for “Soul Train”

Leading the creative team, he also oversees the television licensing teams in creating content for augmented reality, social media platforms, and emerging digital arenas. His latest creation, "Follow Me," is a docu-series that chronicles the development of teen influencers with a cumulative fan base of over 30 million people.

He was executive producer for Universal Dance Awards at Universal Studios Hollywood, and produced several music videos at Paramount Studios and Universal Studios Hollywood with influencers such as Kylie Cantrall, Dani Cohn, Lexee Smith, Tessa Brooks to name a few.

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