The Business of Dance

Interview Date: December 14th, 2025.
In this episode of Business of Dance, Menina sits down with veteran performer and powerhouse industry staple Sarah Mitchell, who joins the conversation nine months pregnant and still glowing (literally). Sarah takes us back to her beginnings in Western Massachusetts—starting dance at two-and-a-half, falling in love with NYC after seeing the Rockettes at age nine, and boldly moving to New York City with limited money but unstoppable determination. From becoming a Patriots cheerleader in high school (and earning a Super Bowl ring) to landing the Knicks City Dancers through a Good Morning America public vote, Sarah breaks down how dance teams can be a career-launching network, training ground, and built-in community for dancers moving to major markets.
Sarah shares a full-circle story that shaped her career: after moving to LA with no plan besides “I have to be here,” she booked American Gladiators—only for the dance cast to be cut. That “loss” led directly to her booking a Jell-O commercial, meeting Jerry Slaughter, and soon finding herself dancing with Christina Aguilera—the same artist she once watched from the audience dreaming of being on stage. From there, the episode dives into Sarah’s long-running work with major artists and productions, including Christina Aguilera (spanning roughly 2007/2008 to 2024), Britney Spears’ Vegas residency, Burlesque, and the realities of auditioning, touring, and navigating the emotional highs and lows of a freelance performance career—especially as life expands into marriage and motherhood.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome
(7:01) – Full intro: Sarah Mitchell’s career highlights
(11:40) – Early beginnings: Western MA, Rockettes inspiration
(12:30) – Patriots cheerleaders, Super Bowl ring, early confidence
(13:17) – Knicks City Dancers + Good Morning America vote
(17:01) – Cross-country move to LA, starting from scratch
(20:26) – American Gladiators canceled → pivotal career shift
(22:28) – Booking Christina Aguilera through Jerry Slaughter
(30:15) – Burlesque stories: doubles, endurance, golden time
(50:37) – Q&A wisdom: preparation, mindset, longevity, balance
Biography:
A dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience, Mitchell has toured and performed with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Dua Lipa. She co-starred on the E! Network’s The Dance Scene and has had featured appearances in films such as Burlesque, La La Land, and Music and Lyrics. Sarah performed with Britney Spears in her Las Vegas residency “Piece of Me” for five years, and has appeared on numerous television and award shows including The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, American Housewife and Oprah.
For the last decade, Sarah has worked with the NFL and choreographed for the NBA, including multiple NBA All Star Game performances. She recently worked as movement director for Olivia Rodrigo, Christina Aguilera’s new perfume campaign and Aveda. Sarah is also a producer as well as an editor and a mother.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahmitchell/

Interview date: December 7th, 2025
Episode Summary:
Brooke Lipton—Emmy-nominated choreographer and longtime Hollywood Vibe faculty member—joins Business of Dance to share her journey from booking her first professional job at 12 to building a lasting career in dance, television, and choreography. She reflects on moving to Los Angeles at 18, training relentlessly, learning how to care for her body, and developing the discipline needed to survive in a competitive industry.
Brooke opens up about touring with Britney Spears, becoming a young mother, and making the pivotal transition from performer to choreographer. She breaks down how assisting, understanding life on set, and respecting every department shaped her leadership style and allowed her to create healthier, more sustainable environments for dancers.
In the Q&A, Brooke delivers honest advice on confidence, comparison, and work ethic—urging dancers to go “full out,” attack their weaknesses, stay adaptable, and remember that joy and resilience are essential to longevity in this industry.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome + introduction to Brooke Lipton
(6:10) – Career overview: tours, TV, choreography credits
(9:46) – Phoenix beginnings + first job at 12

(12:30) – Moving to LA at 18, full-time training
(14:29) – Health, body awareness, and longevity
(17:28) – The haircut moment: identity and visibility
(21:54) – Britney Spears tours + touring realities
(25:49) – Touring while pregnant, life balance
(31:52) – Transition into choreography via Glee
(34:33) – Hiring dancers and creating opportunities
(45:37) – Advice: fundamentals, weaknesses, discipline
(1:17:50) – Closing message: confidence, joy, resilience
Biography:
Brooke Lipton’s energy is contagious. Originally known as an exceptional natural dancer, she is now an accomplished choreographer who thoroughly understands the requirements of dramatic TV photography and production.

A native of Phoenix, AZ, Brooke was already a rising star in the LA dance scene at the age of 12. She moved to LA to pursue her dream of being a professional dancer, and has since worked with artists including Madonna, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Paula Abdul. Brooke toured the world with Britney Spears for over eight years, including the “Dream Within A Dream” Tour, “The Onyx Hotel” Tour and “Circus” promo tour.

Later, she was a key member of the choreographic team on the mega-hit Fox TV series “Glee”, starting as Associate and rising to Choreographer over the show’s six seasons, during which the team created more than 750 musical numbers as well as the show’s two live-performance world tours, plus “The Glee Project” unscripted series and “Glee Live 3D The Movie”.

Brooke’s work has also been featured on many other major TV series including “Dr. Odyssey”, “9-1-1: Lone Star”, “Dancing with the Stars”, “Lucifer”, “National Treasure”, “Bones”, and “American Horror Story”. Most recently, she choreographed seasons 1 and 2 of the magnificent new Apple+ series “Palm Royale”.

As a choreographer, Brooke has worked with such iconic stars as Shirley MacLaine, Carol Burnett, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Chenoweth and Ricky Martin, and has two Emmy nominations in Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming one for “Lucifer” and the other for season 1 of “Palm Royale”.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke_lipton/

Interview date: November 30th, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this Business of Dance interview, Shanie Blais—Montreal-born, LA-based dancer—shares how her career evolved from a small-town studio kid into a working professional with major credits including the Wicked film, the Wicked live performance special, and a stadium/world tour with Karol G. Shanie walks listeners through her early training, her decision to leave Montreal to pursue bigger opportunities, and how she tested both New York and LA in “three months at a time” visits before fully committing.
A major focus of the conversation is the O-1 visa journey: what “deal memos” actually are, how relationships and credibility build a strong case, and why being physically present in the market (classes, events, consistent visibility) matters. Shanie emphasizes that success today looks different than past generations—less open calls and more direct booking—meaning dancers must treat social media as their resume while still doing the real-world work of training and networking.
Throughout the Q&A, Shanie offers grounded advice on staying versatile, building confidence and social skills, and protecting mental health in an industry that runs in seasons of highs and lows. From navigating London as a newcomer on Wicked to learning how to balance training with rest, her biggest message is clear: show up, be kind, plant seeds without expectations, and trust timing—because when it’s meant for you, it will align.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome + Wicked introduction
(4:20) – Montreal roots & competition beginnings

(11:31) – Choosing LA over New York

(14:59) – O-1 visa strategy & deal memos
(22:22) – Signing with an agency in LA
(24:17) – First LA booking: Camila Cabello
(26:35) – Booking Wicked without audition
(30:00) – Direct booking era & social media resumes
(37:11) – Touring with Karol G: stadium life
(56:19) – Mental health, balance, and longevity

Biography:
A professional dancer, born in Montreal and based in Los Angeles for the past five years, I live my passion for dance by collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. I recently toured the world with the renowned Latin artist KarolG and worked on one of the greatest films,, Wicked. Throughout my international career, I have performed alongside artists such as Doechii, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello, Olivia Rodrigo, and Shania Twain.  For me, dance is a way to tell stories, connect, and inspire.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanie_blais/

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Eddie Garcia takes listeners on a journey through his extraordinary dance career—from a tap-dancing kid earning scholarships at Dupre’s to becoming one of the youngest dancers ever selected by Michael Jackson. Eddie reflects on the discipline and versatility that shaped him early on, blending classical training with emerging street styles that positioned him perfectly for the explosion of music videos in the 1980s.
He shares behind-the-scenes stories from iconic projects including Smooth Criminal, the Bad and Dangerous World Tours, and his early work with Janet Jackson under Paula Abdul. Beyond the glamour, Eddie opens up about legal emancipation, learning professionalism at a young age, navigating rejection, and understanding the unspoken rules of auditions and touring life.Throughout the conversation, Eddie emphasizes the importance of humility, preparation, financial responsibility, and soul over tricks.
He offers invaluable wisdom on longevity, leadership, and why relationships—not just talent—sustain a career. The episode closes with Eddie’s passion for mentorship and giving back through teaching and Camp MIA, reminding dancers that true success comes from authenticity, gratitude, and staying connected to why you fell in love with dance in the first place.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome, introductions, and session overview
(9:30) – Early training: tap roots, Dupre’s scholarships
(13:10) – Style fusion: breaking, jazz, ballet foundations
(16:40) – First break: Janet Jackson via Paula Abdul
(19:45) – Emancipation and preparing for adult responsibilities
(21:15) – Michael Jackson audition and Smooth Criminal booking
(26:40) – Touring young: Bad & Dangerous World Tours
(31:00) – Lessons from Michael: timing, presence, musicality
(44:00) – Auditions, rejection, resilience, and professionalism
(1:49:00) – Teaching legacy, Camp MIA, giving back
Biography:
Eddie Garcia is an accomplished director, choreographer, dancer and multi-faceted entertainer with a solid reputation for choreography built upon decades of performing internationally alongside many of today’s most celebrated stars. At just 16 years old, Eddie’s incredible dancing style and technique delivered him to the world stage via many projects with Janet Jackson. He danced in some of her most iconic videos and performances of all time, including “Nasty”, “What Have You Done For Me Lately”, “When I Think of You” and the classic “Control” on the American Music Awards.
By the time Eddie turned 17, “The King of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson, hand picked Eddie to join him. This began with “Smooth Criminal” and continued with other well known videos like the “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Speed Demon”. Eddie spent the next five years dancing with Jackson on the record-breaking and internationally acclaimed “Bad” and “Dangerous” tours.It was during those invaluable years of touring and working on countless sets where Eddie fine-tuned his innate ability to direct, produce and choreograph.
He has since lent his talent as a dancer and choreographer to many well known artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande. Eddie Garcia artistic fingerprint that has made him one of the most sought after names within the world of dance. He continues to enjoy engaging in new creative endeavors.

Interview Date: November 16th, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this insightful conversation, internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, scholar, and educator Anabella Lenzu shares the remarkable journey that shaped her 35-year career. Born in Argentina and classically trained in the prestigious Teatro Colón, Anabella traces her evolution from early flamenco lessons to mastering ballet, modern dance, and dance theater across Argentina, Italy, Chile, London, and New York. She opens up about immigrating with limited English, navigating cultural transitions, and building dance companies on multiple continents—including her current artistic home in Brooklyn.
Anabella explains how her life as a choreographer, educator, writer, and mother intertwines into one seamless identity, offering dancers powerful lessons on artistic responsibility, lineage, and self-discovery. She breaks down why understanding dance history is essential, how to develop presence and technique beyond “steps,” and the courage required to create your own opportunities—including producing her own solo shows and writing two major books that took over a decade to complete.
Listeners will walk away with deep insight into pedagogy, creative research, international work, the reality of running a school, and how to sustain a long-term career anchored in purpose—not trends. This episode is perfect for dancers, choreographers, educators, and anyone seeking to build an artistic life with depth, cultural awareness, and global perspective.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Intro & welcome to Anabella Lenzu
(1:20) – Early life in Argentina & first training
(9:51) – Teatro Colón, ballet roots & modern shift
(13:30) – Global travel shaping artistic identity
(15:00) – Visa challenges & moving to New York
(16:40) – Running a studio, family legacy in Argentina
(23:16) – Scholarship, research, and importance of dance history
(28:32) – Creating solo shows & artistic self-production
(33:14) – Teaching at NYU & curriculum breakdown
(37:40) – Her new book: 11 years of research
Biography:
Anabella Lenzu, originally from Argentina, is a dancer, choreographer, scholar, and educator with 35 years of international experience across Argentina, Chile, Italy, and the USA. She is the founder and director of Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama, a New York–based company known for thought-provoking, historically conscious dance-theater. Since 2006, she has created 15 works and presented over 400 performances worldwide. Her award-winning dance films have screened in more than 200 festivals. Recognized by NDEO and NYSDEA for her innovative pedagogy and leadership, Lenzu continues to shape the field of dance education. She is the author of Unveiling Motion and Emotion(2013) and Teaching Dance Through Meaningful Gestures (2025), exploring the body as a vehicle for expression and philosophy.

Connect on Social Media:
Website: www.AnabellaLenzu.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anabellalenzu/