The Business of Dance

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/

Interview Date: July 26th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato reconnects with Hollywood Summer Tour alum Angelica Valente, whose journey has taken her from competitive dancer in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to an LA-based director, producer, fashion designer, and creative entrepreneur. Angelica shares how an early trip to Los Angeles changed the trajectory of her life, eventually inspiring her to move to LA at 17 to study dance. While pursuing a professional dance career, her interests in fashion, film, editing, styling, and creative direction began opening doors she never originally imagined.

Angelica opens up about navigating the entertainment industry as an international artist, from OPT and the O-1 visa process to developing the work ethic, resourcefulness, and relationships necessary to build a career in the United States. She shares how she co-founded Spaced Visuals, grew from working with emerging artists to major productions, and eventually launched her own fashion label, VALENTE. Today, her worlds of dance, film, fashion, and creative direction intersect through productions, campaigns, custom stagewear, and visual storytelling.

Throughout the conversation and mentee Q&A, Angelica encourages dancers to remain open to where their careers can lead, take risks before they feel completely ready, and create opportunities rather than waiting for permission. Her journey is a powerful reminder that dance can be the foundation for countless careers beyond performing—and that the skills dancers develop can continue shaping their success in unexpected ways.

Shownotes:

0:00 – Meet director and designer Angelica Valente

3:23 – Growing up dancing in Thunder Bay

5:15 – Discovering Los Angeles and dreaming bigger

8:06 – Expanding from dance into creative direction

9:28 – Film, editing, fashion spark new passions

11:36 – Navigating OPT and the O-1 visa

17:42 – Building Spaced Visuals from the ground up

19:26 – Launching VALENTE and learning fashion independently

21:19 – Designing custom stagewear for KATSEYE

24:33 – Recognizing how far you have come

26:32 – Taking risks before you feel ready

28:45 – How dance strengthens creative direction skills

33:14 – Q&A: Dreaming beyond what you can see

38:40 – Q&A: Create your own career opportunities

47:21 – Exploring careers beyond being the performer

Biography:

Angelica Valente is a director and fashion designer based in Los Angeles. She is the co-founder of Spaced Visuals, a multidisciplinary creative studio known for crafting cinematic campaigns, music videos, and visual identities for artists and global brands including Usher, Chris Brown, Megan Thee Stallion, Meghan Trainor, GIVĒON, Masego, PUMA, Coca-Cola, TikTok, 100 Thieves, and SoundCloud.

Alongside her production work, Angelica is the founder and creative director of VALENTE, a luxury fashion label recognized for its sculptural silhouettes, cinematic storytelling, and handcrafted collections. Since launching in 2021, VALENTE has designed custom stagewear for KATSEYE, with pieces worn during major appearances including the GRAMMYs, as well as custom looks for Paris Hilton. Her designs have also been worn by Jordin Sparks, Tori Kelly on Good Morning America, Rhea Raj, WNBA champion Jackie Young, and Atsuko Okatsuka for the Emmy Awards.

Whether directing a campaign, designing a collection, or shaping an artist’s creative era, Angelica brings together film, fashion, and brand strategy to create immersive visual identities that live seamlessly across multiple mediums. Her work is defined by bold creative direction, cinematic storytelling, and a relentless focus on crafting ideas that leave a lasting cultural impression.

Connect on Social Media:

Website:

www.spacedvisuals.com

www.valenteworld.com

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/angelicavalente_

www.instagram.com/spacedvisuals

www.instagram.com/valenteworld_

Interview Date: August 2nd, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary B-boy, choreographer, creative producer, and three-time World Champion Ivan “Flipz” Velez for a conversation about building a career that lasts.

Ivan shares his journey from discovering breaking and pursuing his passion in New York to becoming a professional dancer, touring internationally, working across major dance films, performing at the Olympics, and eventually expanding his career into choreography, casting, producing, stunt work, and motion capture.

Beyond the credits, Ivan gets candid about the qualities that have sustained his career: professionalism, humility, kindness, preparation, persistence, and being willing to help others. He explains why being the most talented dancer in the room isn't enough and how reputation, relationships, representation, and consistently showing up prepared can create opportunities for decades.

The conversation also explores agents, managers, publicists, personal branding, social media, and the importance of putting yourself and your work out into the world—even before you feel completely ready. Ivan reminds dancers that their individual talent deserves to be seen and that there is room for everyone to succeed.

During the mentee Q&A, Ivan shares lessons from decades in breaking, including resilience, humility, navigating injuries, and continuing to evolve. His story is a powerful example of how dance can become the vehicle to an entire career in entertainment when artists refuse to limit themselves to a single title.

Shownotes:

00:00 — Meet legendary B-boy Ivan “Flipz” Velez

08:31 — Chasing breaking’s roots all the way to NYC

09:25 — Betting on himself before booking Honey

24:40 — Reflecting on decades of unforgettable career milestones

26:43 — Why helping others can shape your career

30:20 — Professionalism becomes the secret to career longevity

31:02 — Staying humble when someone is always better

40:16 — How representation helped protect and elevate him

44:31 — Building the agent-manager-publicist dream team

48:56 — Understanding publicity as an investment in yourself

54:38 — Put yourself out there before you’re ready

1:13:00 — What breaking taught Ivan about life

1:14:43 — The physical sacrifices behind a breaking career

1:16:25 — Passion and persistence through major injuries

1:23:37 — Commit, execute, and never limit your possibilities

Biography:

Ivan “Flipz” Velez is a host, choreographer, creative producer, three-time World Champion, and renowned B-boy who began his career as a dancer and stunt performer.

Throughout his career, Ivan has toured the world with top international music icons and acted and danced in major dance films spanning the past two decades. He is also the founder of the internationally recognized Skill Methodz Crew, one of the most elite and legendary B-boy crews in the world.

Ivan continues to act in film and on stage while performing and creating across commercial projects. His infectious positive energy, endless creativity, and commitment to excellence have established him as more than an exceptional performer—he has become a trusted collaborator and creative force across entertainment.

Having built his career around his unique style, inventiveness, and out-of-the-box thinking, Ivan has carried that same creativity behind the camera, expanding his work into choreography, casting, and producing.

“See the INVISIBLE… can do the IMPOSSIBLE.” — Ivan “Flipz” Velez

https://www.instagram.com/ivanflipzvelez?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=2i6wdlr5giti

Website: https://www.ivan-flipz-velez.com/

Interview Date: July 19th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Brandon Henschel shares his journey from discovering dance at age 12 after being inspired by Michael Jackson to building a successful, decades-long career as a performer, choreographer, director, and educator. He reflects on breaking into the entertainment industry in the 1990s, landing one of his first major opportunities in a Michael Jackson music video, and commuting from San Diego to Los Angeles for auditions and professional jobs.

Brandon shares behind-the-scenes stories from major projects, including touring with Britney Spears, appearing in the iconic Pepsi commercial, performing on Lip Sync Battle, and working alongside some of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable artists and creatives. He also explains why genuine relationships, professionalism, versatility, and a positive attitude are often more valuable than relying solely on auditions.

The conversation also explores Brandon’s transition from performer to creative leader and his current work as the Resident Director of Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas. He discusses the responsibilities of managing a large-scale production, maintaining its artistic integrity, integrating new performers, and leading a diverse cast and creative team. Brandon concludes with valuable advice on accountability, leadership, musicality, audition preparation, partnering, and building a sustainable career in entertainment.

Shownotes:

0:02 – Introduction and Brandon’s entertainment career overview

2:59 – Discovering dance through Michael Jackson at age 12

7:46 – Landing a Michael Jackson video as his first major job

10:00 – Viewing auditions as valuable networking opportunities

13:25 – Why relationships create long-term career opportunities

15:18 – Performing with Britney Spears and booking the Pepsi commercial

17:00 – Navigating massive auditions and intimidating private callbacks

22:17 – Commercial residuals and career-changing performance opportunities

24:00 – Filming From Justin to Kelly in Miami

29:50 – Inside the spectacular Las Vegas production Awakening

35:13 – Transitioning from professional performer to resident director

40:25 – Developing the leadership skills required to manage performers

46:39 – Why accountability is essential in every career

50:00 – Q&A: Audition advice for acrobatic dancers

53:05 – Q&A: Balancing school, training, and professional goals

For over 30 years, Brandon Henschel has worked as a choreographer and director across film, television, live events, and theatre. His clients and collaborators include Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tobey Maguire, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé.

Brandon currently serves as the Resident Director of Awakening, named Best Production Show in Las Vegas, at Wynn Resorts. He has held the position for three consecutive years, overseeing the performers and helping maintain the artistic integrity of the large-scale production.

In addition to his professional work, Brandon has taught internationally for more than 20 years. He is passionate about developing the next generation of performers through foundational technique, musicality, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

Connect on Social Media:

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