Episode Summary:

Megan, a Senior Talent Agent at McDonald Selznick Associates (MSA), to explore the world of dance representation. Megan shares her unique journey from being a dancer to becoming an agent and provides invaluable insights into what makes a successful client in the dance industry. She discusses the qualities MSA looks for in dancers, such as professionalism, strong communication, and the ability to respond quickly to opportunities.

Megan highlights the importance of keeping your casting materials up-to-date, including headshots, resumes, and performance clips, and provides advice on how dancers can stand out when submitting to agencies. She also touches on the expanding role of social media and personal branding, explaining that while it's not crucial to be an influencer, having a professional presence is key.

In addition, Megan talks about the various trends in the dance industry, including the growing embrace of diversity and the rise of specialty skills like roller skating. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and finding the right team to support individual goals in the dance world. Whether you're aspiring to sign with an agency or grow your career, this episode is packed with valuable tips.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Megan Hunt is a Senior Talent Agent at McDonald Selznick Associates (MSA), bringing a wealth of experience from her work in both Los Angeles and New York’s entertainment industries. With a background that includes a position as Junior Agent in MSA's Education Department, Megan has built a successful career by fostering relationships and connecting talent with opportunity. She also co-hosted The Hollywood Dance Podcast alongside Tony Selznick, a co-founder of MSA and a legendary figure in the Hollywood dance community.

Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges with creative solutions, Megan excels in management, production, public speaking, and client relations. Her passion for understanding people’s goals and collaborating to create meaningful projects is central to her work. A graduate with honors from Portland State University, she continued her education at The School for Radio & TV Broadcast in Orange County, California.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/megnhunt

https://www.facebook.com/megan.hunt.58

Website

https://msaagency.com/

Episode Summary:

Rachel Markarian, a versatile entertainment professional with an illustrious career as a dancer, choreographer, actor, and educator. Rachel takes us through her inspiring journey from her early struggles with ballet to becoming a seasoned artist working with industry legends like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and more. 

Rachel discusses her pivotal moments, from moving to New York at 15 to pursuing her career in Los Angeles, and how she transitioned from dance to acting, embracing new opportunities despite injuries. She also talks about her role as an educator, her work with Energy Dance Project and CLI Conservatory, and the importance of teaching young dancers both technical skills and life lessons.

She offers invaluable advice on handling rejection, growing confidence, building a personal brand, and balancing multiple career paths. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights for dancers looking to thrive in the entertainment world.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Rachael Markarian grew up outside of Boston, where she was immersed in a rich tapestry of arts and culture from an early age. New York City soon became a second home, especially after she attended a Performing Arts High School and trained at some of the city’s most prestigious institutions. Her passion for the arts blossomed, leading her to major in Theatre & Dance at Oklahoma City University. Afterward, she moved to Los Angeles, where she booked her first film role in The Haunted Mansion alongside Eddie Murphy. 

Rachael has collaborated with esteemed directors such as Michael Satrazemis, Susanne Bier, Joseph Kosinski, Ryan Murphy, Avi Youabian, Steven Soderbergh, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Christopher Guest, and many more. Her impressive list of credits includes Top Gun: Maverick, Magnum PI, Captain America: Brave New World, Tales of the Walking Dead, Sweet Magnolias, The Morning Show, All American, Queens, Bandit, First Wives Club, Dollface, The First Lady, Legion, Glee, True Blood, and The Ms. Pat Show, as well as commercials for brands like AFLAC Insurance, Microsoft, Target, and H&M. Her love for theater led her to portray the lead role of Kari in The Pavilion, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play by Craig Wright, at the Malibu Playhouse.

As a performer, Rachael has danced and toured with top artists, including Rihanna, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Pink, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Panic! At the Disco, Kanye West, Chayanne, Cher, and The Pussycat Dolls. She has performed in two Super Bowl Halftime Shows with both Katy Perry and Beyoncé and appeared as a guest performer on shows like Dancing with the Stars, The Masked Singer, American Idol, The Grammy Awards, MTV VMAs, American Music Awards, and The Billboard Awards.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmarkarian

https://www.facebook.com/rachael.markarian

Website

https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/

Episode Summary:

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

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

Show Notes:

Biography:

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

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

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/thealiyajanell

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

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

Website

https://thestulosangeles.com/

Episode Summary:

Lucille DiCampli, a distinguished talent agent with over three decades of experience in the dance industry. Lucille’s career journey began as a recreational dancer, encouraged by her father to pursue ballet. Her passion led her to Los Angeles, where she transitioned into agenting after realizing her natural ability to advocate for dancers and choreographers. Lucille shares how she helped shape the landscape for dancers’ rights, from working with unions and creating dancer contracts to co-founding the Dancers Alliance.

Throughout the episode, Lucille provides valuable insights into the changing role of agents and the importance of building relationships within the industry. She reflects on her time with BBA, MSA, and now her own agency, Lucille DiCampli Artist Representation. Lucille discusses the evolution of the industry, from hardcopy photo submissions to virtual auditions, and emphasizes the significance of adapting to new trends while staying true to the essence of the profession.

She also offers practical advice for aspiring dancers, including how to approach agents, the importance of doing homework, and understanding the different types of dance work available. Lucille highlights the significance of persistence, professionalism, and versatility in a dancer’s career, encouraging young artists to pursue various opportunities and continually hone their craft. Her passion for the business is evident, as she stresses that building long-term careers requires dedication and a collaborative approach between dancers and agents.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Lucille DiCampli Founder/Director With an agenting career that spans an impressive 3 decades, Lucille is one of the most influential agents in the professional dance world.

She was originally with BBA on the West Coast and was the founder and director of McDonald Selznick Associates/New York Office for 10 years. Her choreography clients have worked on Broadway, television, film and recording artists tours and have earned countless Emmy and Tony nods.

Lucille is passionate about and dedicated to focusing her energies on LDC Artist Representation’s super, and carefully curated, talent roster.

Connect on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/ldcartistrepresentation

Website

https://www.ldcartistrep.com

Episode Summary:

Menina Fortunato interviews Jonathan George, CEO of Unleash Your Rockstar, a personal branding expert. Jonathan shares his journey from the music industry to becoming a branding specialist, helping clients gain over 150 million online followers. He emphasizes that talent alone isn’t enough; branding that talent is key to success.

Jonathan provides valuable advice for dancers on using social media to build a personal brand. He encourages dancers to embrace vulnerability, showcasing both struggles and successes to connect with their audience. He also discusses the importance of authenticity and offers practical tips for creating content that reflects both personal and professional sides.

The episode also explores the difference between personal and professional branding, with Jonathan stressing that personal branding is about who you are, while professional branding is about what you do. He wraps up with a success story of Harper Grace, who took ownership of her brand and transformed her career.

This episode is perfect for dancers seeking to stand out and build a meaningful personal brand in the entertainment industry.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Jonathan George is the CEO of Unleash Your Rockstar® | Personal Brand Agency. His celebrity clients have amassed over 150 million online followers leading him to be dubbed “The Human Hitmaker.” As a specialist in positioning, packaging, and promoting authentic personal brands for success, he collaborates with Fortune 500 companies and travels the world as a sought-after speaker on the subject. Understanding the imperative need for every individual to cultivate and maintain a robust personal brand, particularly in the digital age, he authored the #1 International bestseller, "Unleash Your Rockstar | The Power of You Through Personal Branding." 

In it, he guides you on a transformational journey to recognize your unique value and worth, position it to stand out, and package all that you are to succeed in both your personal and professional life. He believes, “Success is 20% talent. The other 80% is how you brand that talent to shine.”

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/jonathangeorgee

https://www.facebook.com/JONATHANdGEORGE

Webpage

https://sociatap.com/UnleashYourRockstar/

Episode Summary:

Christina Ricucci, a dynamic artist who blends singing, songwriting, acting, dancing, and choreography. Christina shares her journey from starting dance at age two to competing and training rigorously, achieving national titles, and landing performances featured in Disney projects. She reflects on how Lyme disease, diagnosed in her teenage years, drastically shifted her career, leading her to explore music and acting. This illness ultimately led to the release of her first self-written single, Ophelia, marking a creative milestone.

Now teaching dance, choreographing, and producing music, Christina offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, highlighting the importance of adaptability, passion, and creative exploration. This episode is filled with insights for anyone navigating creative careers and personal transformation.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Christina Ricucci is an alternative singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer/choreographer based in Los Angeles, CA. She draws inspiration from life experiences, pain, love, happiness, poetry, and, of course, art, in her creative endeavors.

As a dancer and choreographer, Christina has trained extensively in ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and musical theater. She has furthered her training at intensives with prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School, Nederlands Dans Theater, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Hubbard Street Dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Martha Graham, Limon, and Batsheva/Gaga. Christina has choreographed award-winning pieces and has taught dance workshops and choreography across the country.

Christina is an 8-time National Champion soloist and has toured the U.S. and Canada as a demonstrator with both the JUMP and NUVO Dance Conventions. She was awarded the prestigious National Title of “Best Dancer” from the Dance Awards, the Hope Award from YAGP, and was a Gold Medalist at the World Ballet Competition. She has also appeared on the covers of Dance Spirit magazine as their Cover Model Winner and Inside Dance magazine.

Christina’s dance career led to her first acting job at age 12, when she was cast as a ballerina in a Disney project. After enduring several years of Lyme Disease treatment, she expanded her creative pursuits to include acting and music. She has won “Best Actress” awards at multiple film festivals.

In 2019, Christina was the featured vocalist on Nowhere Near, an international award-winning soundtrack. Her music weaves dark pop with contemporary production, and her upcoming project includes the release of her first single, Ophelia, inspired by John Everett Millais’ painting based on Shakespeare’s Ophelia. The debut EP is expected to be released in late 2024.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/christinaricucci

https://www.facebook.com/christina.ricucci

Episode Summary:

Shawn Byfield, an accomplished Canadian performer, choreographer, MC, and author. With an extensive career spanning film, television, and live performances, Shawn shares his personal journey, starting from a hyperactive child to becoming a seasoned dance professional. He recounts how his passion for dance ignited after watching the legendary Gregory Hines perform tap dance on television, leading him to pursue a diverse range of dance styles and eventually transition into the professional dance world.

Shawn discusses the importance of creating your own opportunities, emphasizing how dancers should take initiative instead of waiting for their big break. He also dives into the lessons he’s learned from his experiences in the competitive dance world and how it shaped his artistic growth. 

In addition, Shawn shares insights from his latest project, You Came to Slay, a workbook designed to help dancers boost their confidence through thought-provoking questions. The episode highlights the significance of embracing feedback, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting big, meaningful goals to achieve success in the dance industry.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Shawn Byfield, Canada's Favourite Emcee, Entertainment Coach, and Distinguished Award Recipient, and performer has left an indelible mark on the Canadian entertainment industry.

As an acclaimed performer, Shawn's credits include memorable appearances in films like "COBU 3D" (2012), "Turn The Beat Around," "HAIRSPRAY," and "Blues Brothers 2000," showcasing his captivating on-screen presence. He has also graced the stage in productions such as "Taal," "Bojangles," "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen," "The Music Man," and "The Ladies Man," further solidifying his status as a versatile entertainer.

Shawn's talents extend beyond the screen and stage, as he has lent his charisma to TV commercials for brands like Dentyne, Best Buy, The Bay, Got Milk, Rogers Video, McDonald's, Molson Canadian, and Joe Fresh, becoming a sought-after talent in the advertising world.

Shawn has been featured in esteemed publications such as the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, Now Magazine, Eye Weekly, Toronto Sun, and Canadian Living Magazine, offering valuable insights into the entertainment industry.

In addition to his media presence, Shawn's engaging personality and wealth of knowledge have made him a frequent guest on popular television networks, including SLICE Network, Much Music, CBC's The National, Rogers TV, and Breakfast Television.

His accomplishments include prestigious awards such as: Canada's DORA AWARD for Choreography (Canada's version of a Tony Award) and nominations for the GEMINI AWARDS and BLACK CANADIANS AWARDS. These accolades reflect his exceptional talent and industry recognition.

Furthermore, Shawn Byfield is the author of the transformative NEW playbook, 'You Came To Slay!' This empowering guide goes beyond dance steps, offering a mental pass to unlock a dancer's true potential. 

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/shawnbyfield

https://www.facebook.com/ShawnByfield

Episode Summary:

Menina Fortunato interviews Traci Reszetylo, a 22-year veteran of the Radio City Rockettes, to discuss her incredible career and journey in the dance world. Traci reflects on her early dance training in Pittsburgh, her move to New York, and her audition experiences for the Rockettes, eventually landing the role on her second attempt. She shares the challenges and rewards of performing with the Rockettes, including her experiences on tour, in prestigious events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and her role as dance captain.

Traci also talks about her passion for teaching, which led her to create Exactitude Dance during the pandemic. She explains how the studio evolved from online classes to an in-person space in Brooklyn, where she combines precision dance with other genres and offers career development workshops. Traci offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of consistency, humility, and building relationships in the industry. She shares audition tips, time management strategies, and insights on how dancers can create a sustainable career in dance. This episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice for dancers at all stages of their careers.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Traci, the founder of Exactitude Dance & dancer for Radio City Rockettes, attended Point Park University focusing on jazz and musical theater. While attending Point Park, Traci performed in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Richard Rodgers Awards, and also performed as a dancer/ singer for Royal Caribbean. She was then cast in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s production of Chicago, performing the role of “Liz” at the Byham Theater.

Traci moved to NY and was chosen to be a Radio City Rockette in 2002. Her first four years as a Rockette, she performed on tour in several cities, and in 2006, started performing at Radio City Music Hall. She has been performing there to the present date. Traci was selected as the Assistant Dance Captain in 2009. In 2010 was cast as a swing, and in 2014 Dance Captain/ Assistant Choreographer for 5 years.

Traci has performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Today Show, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, Dancing With the Stars, America’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Tony Awards, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Ellen, and the Wendy Williams Show. Traci participated in Oprah’s celebration for the 10th anniversary of her O Magazine, and also traveled to Vienna, Austria, where she performed in Diane Von Furstenberg’s fashion show at the Life Ball.

Traci has led & assisted auditions, taught for Rockettes Summer Intensive and assisted in teaching and staging the Christmas Spectacular. Her passion is teaching and working with her students. She cannot wait to share her knowledge of precision dance and create exactitude in you!

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/tracirez

https://www.facebook.com/traci.reszetylo.167

Episode Summary:

Menina Fortunato interviews Stephanie Landwehr, a seasoned professional in the dance industry, who has worked with top artists such as Cher, Tina Turner, Jessica Simpson, and Macy Gray. Stephanie now works as a dance agent with Block Talent Agency, helping dancers advance their careers.

Stephanie shares her journey from a competitive dancer to a choreographer and, eventually, to an agent. She provides invaluable insights into how dancers can advance their careers by building relationships with choreographers, agents, and casting directors. Stephanie also talks about the challenges and trends in the dance industry, including the shift from large auditions to direct bookings and the importance of proactive career management. She discusses what agents look for in dancers, tips for submitting to agencies, and how to manage finances as a dancer.

Show Notes:

Biography:

Stephanie Landwehr has been dancing for her entire life. She feels fortunate to have had an incredibly varied and diverse dance career before crossing over to the agenting world. She worked internationally in all media - from stages in Seoul, Korea, to film sets in Rome, Italy; from the Los Angeles Opera to Cher at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Stephanie had the privilege to dance with many music artists, including Panic at the Disco, Cher, Tina Turner, Jessica Simpson, Hole, Chemical Brothers, and Macy Gray.

She danced in numerous television shows, including Dancing with the Stars, Penny Dreadful, Veep, Dead to Her, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, American Housewife, and Lucifer. Some of her film appearances include La La Land, Valley Girl (2020), The Muppets, Gangster Squad, and commercials for Ford, AT&T, Subway, Pepsi, K-mart, Chase Bank, and The Gap's iconic "swing khakis" commercial. Her experience on stages and film sets naturally led her to add ‘choreographer’ to her list of professional achievements. Her choreography can be seen in the films Give Me an A, Too Late, and Mafia!; in the Green Day "Last of the American Girls" music video, and commercials for Chase Bank, K-mart, Jell-O, and Burger King. As a dance educator, Stephanie was principal faculty at the Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts (AMDA), and previously on faculty at Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles and Broadway Dance Center in New York City.

In early 2024, she enthusiastically jumped into the role of dance agent and now works for Bloc Talent Agency. She’s excited to continue exploring the entertainment industry through a new lens and sharing her love of dance and her vast industry experience with up-and-coming professionals and professional hopefuls.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/stephanielandwehr

https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.landwehr.14

Episode Summary: 

Menina Fortunato interviews the accomplished G Madison IV, a dancer, choreographer, and creative director with a career spanning continents and industries. G shares his journey from self-taught beginnings in San Diego to performing alongside global icons like Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar. Now based in Australia, he reflects on transitioning into musical theater and balancing family life with a thriving career.

G emphasizes the importance of mindset, clarity, and professionalism in building a sustainable dance career. He recounts personal challenges, like being fired from a major project, and offers insights on how setbacks can lead to growth. In a lively Q&A with mentees, G provides practical advice on topics like staying calm in auditions, choosing between opportunities, and the qualities choreographers seek in dancers. The conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration for aspiring and professional dancers alike, showing that success is about more than talent—it’s about perseverance, consistency, and a clear vision for the future.

Show Notes:

Biography:

G.Madison IV has thrived in the entertainment industry wearing many different hats for over 20 years. Born in San Diego, California, currently living in Perth, AU with his wife & daughter, G is still hitting the stage whenever possible. 

Established in Los Angeles, G’s performed, designed and creative directed worldwide for the industry’s elite: MARIAH CAREY, CHAKA KHAN, RIHANNA, LADY GAGA, ALICIA KEYS, KENDRICK LAMAR, MEGAN THE STALLION, ALUNA GEORGE, CHE'NELLE, CAMILLA CABELLO, GREENDAY and more. Including THE GRAMMYS, ELLEN, DANCING WITH THE STARS, BILLBOARD AWARDS, LIP SYNC BATTLE, PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS, LATIN VIDEO AWARDS, G has most recently been cast in the newest theatrical phenomena live musical, MJ THE MUSICAL, running in AUSTRALIA. 

He has only recently involved himself in musical theater, having starred in HAMA PRODUCTIONS’ FAME THE MUSICAL (Crown Theater), & DREW ANTHONY CREATIVES’ ‘CHICAGO, and ‘A CHORUS LINE’ being the first of many. G has collected numerous lessons on and off the stage so he continues expressing his passion to perform, inform and transform local & international talent through movements, music, and personal development. G is beyond grateful to be able to live an abundant life of creativity, traveling the world, providing for his family …and having fun doing it. 

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/gmadison4

https://www.facebook.com/Gmadison4

Webpage

https://www.made4stage.com