The Business of Dance

Interview Date: October 19th, 2025Episode Summary:In this empowering episode, Dana Wilson—dancer, choreographer, creative director, and podcast host—joins The Business of Dance Podcast to share an inside look at her two-decade career working alongside icons like Justin Timberlake, Marty Kudelka, Baz Luhrmann, and Chris Scott. From her early years at the Michelle Latimer Dance Academy to performing on three world tours and serving on the Choreographers Guild, Dana reflects on what it takes to sustain longevity in entertainment while staying grounded in self-awareness, mindset, and creative purpose. She opens up about her first big break assisting Marty Kudelka and performing on Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow, her transition into choreography, acting, and voiceover work (Pinocchio, Elvis, In the Heights, La La Land), and the creation of her Words That Move Me podcast and coaching community. Dana also dives into how the dance industry has evolved—from agency systems to AI and the digital creator era—sharing invaluable advice on processing rejection, developing emotional resilience, and “turning the grave into a garden.” With wisdom, humor, and refreshing honesty, Dana reminds dancers that success is nonlinear, mentorship is invaluable, and feeling your feelings is a superpower.Shownotes:(0:00) – Opening chat: motherhood, dogs, and pre-interview setup(4:00) – Reviewing Dana’s career highlights and credits(8:45) – Starting the session: Justin Timberlake music intro(12:00) – Dana’s early dance training, family background, and move to LA(17:00) – Booking her first tour with Justin Timberlake and working with Marty Kudelka(22:00) – 20 years of collaboration with Justin: tours, SNL, and Super Bowl(27:00) – Creating Words That Move Me podcast + turning rejection into education(33:00) – The power of coaching, mindset, and mental health for artists(42:00) – The Choreographers Guild, AI, and how the dance industry is evolving(54:00) – Q&A: Finding mentors, dealing with rejection, and touring lessonsBiography:"People who call Dana Wilson a “Joy Machine” are not wrong. Her work is a joy to behold and she is a joy to work with.Dana Wilson is a choreographer, performer, movement coach, educator, Apple Top 100 Performing Arts Podcast host, and activist who understands how to move real people.Her work is undeniably bright, refined and classic, yet bizarre with a healthy dose of happy. She works at the highest level across mediums from TV/ Film and Commercials to Tours/ Music Videos, and even Stop Motion Animation/ Motion Capture. From Apple to Amazon, Justin Timberlake to Paula Abdul, Elvis to Pinocchio, her impact is singular and she carves paths for others to shine as well.Connect on Social Media:Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/danadaners/Website: thedanawilson.com

Interview Date: October 12th, 2025Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, international choreographer, performer, and TV judge MELCHARLOT shares her powerful journey from Montreal to the global stage. Known for her work with Lizzo, Beyoncé, Cardi B, and her Broadway debut in Holler If You Hear Me, MEL opens up about the challenges, sacrifices, and growth that shaped her as both an artist and mother.She reveals her evolution from competitive dancer to world tour performer, her experiences assisting industry legends like Tanisha Scott, and the life-changing opportunities that led to her judging roles on Révolution and Danse avec les Stars. MEL’s story blends passion with purpose as she discusses her commitment to mentorship, cultural representation, and balancing career with family.Listeners will take away invaluable insights on confidence, leadership, artistic identity, and creative process—from managing time and mental health to trusting your path even when it doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re a student, professional, or aspiring choreographer, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the business of dance.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro to MELCHARLOT and her global career(6:54) – From Montreal roots to working with Beyoncé & Lizzo(13:21) – Landing Broadway’s Holler If You Hear Me(22:45) – Becoming a judge on Révolution & Danse avec les Stars(41:31) – Performing on the Lizzo World Tour & family support(49:00) – Lessons on leadership, humility, and teamwork in dance(53:40) – Rejection, perseverance, and full-circle So You Think You Can Dance moment(58:30) – Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a dance career(1:06:26) – Creative process: how MEL builds choreography from emotion(1:53:12) – Closing inspiration: mentorship, gratitude & never stop being a studentBiography:Mel Charlot is a respected choreographer, creative director, and celebrated television judge on Révolution (Canada’s #1 dance show) and Danse avec les Stars (Dancing with the Stars in France). Born and raised in Montreal, Canada in a Haitian household filled with music, she discovered her passion for movement at a young age—a passion that has carried her across stages and screens worldwide.Her career has spanned over two decades, evolving from competitive dancer to professional performer, Broadway artist, and now a sought-after choreographer and visionary in the entertainment industry between Canada, US and Europe. Charlot has worked with global icons such as Lizzo, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, P. Diddy, Kanye West, Faith Evans, Omarion, and many others. She has also been featured in major campaigns with Jordan/Nike, L’Oréal, and Makeup Forever, and has choreographed on hit television productions including So You Think You Can Dance, Lip Sync Battle,The Masked Singer and more…A World Choreography Award and UKMVA nominee, Mel Charlot continues to push creative boundaries while mentoring the next generation of dancers and choreographers. She brings a unique blend of artistry, professionalism, and authenticity to every project—whether on stage, on screen, or in the studio.Beyond her career, Mel is a proud wife and mother whose resilience and passion inspire others to live and move with purpose, power, and grace.Connect on Social Media:Website :Www.melcharlot.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/melcharlot/

Interview Date: October 5th, 2025Episode Summary:In this powerful and nostalgic episode, Emmy-nominated choreographer and MTV Award winner Tina Landon takes us behind the scenes of her legendary career shaping the choreography that defined an era of pop culture. From her early days as a Laker Girl under Paula Abdul to becoming the creative force behind Janet Jackson’s “If”, “The Velvet Rope Tour,” and Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Tina shares the artistry, discipline, and vision that made her one of the most sought-after choreographers in the world.Tina opens up about her journey transitioning from dancer to choreographer, how she built trust with industry icons, and what it takes to bring stories to life through movement. She discusses the evolution of dance over the decades—from the golden age of music videos to the rise of social media—and how professionalism, consistency, and genuine artistry still remain the keys to success.This episode is perfect for anyone striving to understand the bridge between commercial artistry and lasting impact — a true masterclass in dance history and creative leadership.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & introduction to Tina Landon and her legendary career(3:15) – Tina’s start as a dancer & transition from Laker Girl to choreographer(7:40) – Founding her creative style: working with Janet Jackson & early MTV era(12:25) – Behind “If” & “The Velvet Rope Tour” – storytelling through choreography(22:10) – What makes a dancer stand out in auditions and rehearsals(35:05) – How the dance industry evolved from 90s tours to today’s viral world(50:12) – Professionalism, mindset, and respect in the rehearsal room(1:02:30) – The importance of longevity & self-care for working dancers(1:13:05) – Tina’s message: know your history, learn from the greats(1:16:16) – Gala of the Stars — Tina’s legacy & inspiration for the next generationBiography:Tina Landon is a multi award winning and Emmy nominated creative director/choreographer. She is best known for her sensual yet strong movement that dominated the landscape of dance in music videos and live tours since the mid 90’s. Some of her most memorable and signature moves can be seen on artists like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Britney Spears and Shakira to name a few.Tina’s love and passion for dance began as early as she can remember when her mother of Mexican-American heritage and lover of dance and music, made sure her children would fare better by mandating dance lessons in their household. Falling in love with dance and yearning for more, Tina left her home in Lancaster, California to pursue her dreams in Hollywood. Auditioning for various dance productions around town, she landed a gig as a Laker Girl. She was well on her way, yet what could be considered a “big break” would be just the beginning when she was booked as a principal dancer for Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” music video.Tina’s hard work and commitment eventually landed her many dance roles in various music videos including her first spot as a touring dancer on Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Tour. She eventually went on to choreograph Janet’s next two world tours “Janet” and “The Velvet Rope” which earned her an Emmy nomination for the HBO special. She has also directed and choreographed national and world tours for many other artists. Tina is a 9-time MTV Choreography Award nominee and a 2 time MTV Award recipient for Michael and Janet Jackson’s “Scream” and for Ricky Martin’s “Livin La Vida Loca’.Her latest passion is giving back and helping young dancers navigate careers in the music industry by sharing and coaching them through her extensive experience and knowledge.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtinalandon/

Interview Date: September 28th, 2025Episode Summary:Strength & conditioning coach and dance athleticism specialist Karl Flores joins the Business of Dance for a science-meets-studio deep dive. Karl traces his path from competitive dancer to Equinox trainer to founder of Movement Society in Los Angeles, explaining how structured training, recovery, and style-specific programming extend dancers’ careers. He unpacks the “artist-athlete” mindset, common conditioning mistakes, injury-prevention fundamentals, and a practical training pyramid (aerobic base → strength → power). In Q&A, Karl tackles motivation, off-season vs. in-season “microdosing,” hypermobility strategies, rehab priorities, and genre needs—from ballet posture to breakers’ shoulder stability—closing with how dancers can work with him online.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro to Coach Karl Flores and his expertise(5:49) – Karl’s journey from collegiate dancer to strength coach(9:05) – “Artist-Athlete” mindset: merging creativity and physicality(11:55) – Common dancer mistake: not strength training consistently(13:58) – Injury prevention through structured programs and recovery(15:36) – Ballet vs. breaking: training by style and muscle focus(17:30) – The three-tier pyramid: endurance, strength, power(20:23) – Mindset, confidence, and aligning body with intention(23:13) – Longevity: how training extends dance careers(34:12) – Off-season vs. in-season “microdosing” workout strategyBiography:Karl Flores is a Los Angeles–based strength and conditioning coach with over 10 years of experience, specializing in bridging the gap between athletic performance and dance. With a background in competitive dance, kinesiology, and exercise science, Karl is passionate about helping others unlock their fullest potential and achieve the best version of themselves through movement.Over the course of his career, Karl has worked with professional dancers, world tour performers, freestyle battle champions, and Grammy Award–winning music artists. His expertise spans injury prevention, musculoskeletal rehab, functional training, and optimizing both athletic and dance performance.Training Specialties:Injury PreventionMusculoskeletal RehabFunctional TrainingAthletic & Dance PerformanceStrength & ConditioningEducation & Certifications:B.S. in Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Physiology Minor)Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)DBC Level 1Functional Movement Screen Level 1Kettlebell AthleticsTriggerpoint TherapyViPRPrecision Nutrition Level 1 (Pn1)Progressive Bodyweight TrainingDynamic Sports Performance Certified CoachKettlebell Coach University L1Functional Range Conditioning (FRCms)Functional Range Assessment (FRA)Karl’s mission is simple: to empower artist-athletes with the tools, science, and confidence to perform at their highest level, while building longevity in their craft.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karl.flrs/

Interview Date: September 14th, 2025Episode Summary:In this inspiring conversation, Carol Borjas Cantrell shares her remarkable evolution from a Venezuelan rhythmic gymnast to touring the world as a professional dancer and raising the next generation of talent, including her daughter Kylie Cantrell (Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red).Carol walks listeners through her early ballet training, her scholarship to Tremaine in Los Angeles, and how she built a 30-year career dancing for icons such as Paul McCartney, Lou Bega, and Brian McKnight. She opens up about adapting to the U.S. industry, navigating agencies and visas, and the lessons that have shaped both her and her daughter’s artistic paths.Throughout the episode, Carol offers practical insight on auditions, tour life, staying “camera-ready,” and balancing motherhood with a professional career. Her message to dancers is simple but powerful — prepare relentlessly, stay grounded, and do the brave thing, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.This episode is perfect for dancers, parents of young performers, and aspiring pros who want an inside look at what it takes to sustain longevity in the ever-changing dance world.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro to Carol Borjas Cantrell’s journey(3:44) – Tour credits with Paul McCartney, Brian McKnight & Lou Bega(10:51) – Early training in Venezuela & rhythmic gymnastics foundation(13:56) – Tremaine scholarship & moving to L.A. at 17(16:50) – Audition evolution: from in-person to self-tapes(21:37) – Visa journey & path to U.S. citizenship(29:32) – Tour highlights & behind-the-scenes moments(35:18) – Advice for Kylie on tour life & balance(47:42) – Teaching resilience & confidence to young performers(1:26:19) – Closing words: live your passion & stay camera-readyBiography:This Venezuelan born dancer/choreographer has over 20 years experience. She began with ballet and contemporary dance. Carol also trained in Rhythmic gymnastics for 12 years receiving numerous honors… including, five consecutive years, Venezuela’s “Best Gymnast”. Once she moved to Los Angeles she began working in the industry with artists like, Paul McCartney, (World tour), Country icons Brookes and Dunn, Hip Hop legends: Will Smith, P Diddy, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J. Brian Mc Night etc. 
She has appeared in movies like Austin Powers, Cinderella Story & more. She hosted an Entertainment Television show called “Hablemos De Cine” on Azteca America, interviewing both Spanish and American celebrities. She has done several national TV commercials including Dodge Durango with Will Ferrel, Gain Detergent, AT&T, Pepsi, Sprite and many more. In television she has danced on MTV Movie Awards, Guys Choice awards, Image Awards etc. She appeared on television series like Alias, American Idol to name a few. For the past seven years Carol is the choreographer of a Spanish TV network ( Estrella TV)  Choreographing, and appearing and some of the shows including the Spanish version of Dancing with the Stars, and Los Premios de la Radio a la musical regional Mexicana.Carol also had a special appearance, on the ABC series,"America's Got Talent.”Carol has appeared on several Warner Brothers productions for the famous series “Gilmore Girls” also Netflix shows “Fuller House”,  “Jane the Virgin” and Show Time series “Penny Dreadful” and she recently also appeared on the new prequel “Dexter”.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroljborjas?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr