The Business of Dance

Interview Date: February 8th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this powerful and entertaining episode of The Business of Dance, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary casting director, choreographer, and creative producer Tony Gonzalez (Tony G).
With credits spanning the Bring It On franchise, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U,” Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale Tour, Wayne’s World, The Birdcage, The Masked Singer, and Kids Bop, Tony shares the real story behind his decades-long career in Hollywood.
From being told he was “too short” and “not the look,” to building an empire rooted in hustle and business savvy, Tony proves longevity comes from mindset—not just movement.
Tony dives deep into the difference between being talented and being bookable, why dancers must understand they are a business first, and how listening (ears before movement) is the true audition superpower. He unpacks pivotal career moments—including being fired from the first Bring It On film only to choreograph the next six installments—and how advocating for dancers’ pay shaped his reputation.
From TikTok virality (“Unk” with 315K+ followers) to creative directing large-scale productions, Tony reminds dancers that opportunity is everywhere—not just in LA or New York. This episode is perfect for dancers who want longevity, leadership, and a competitive edge in auditions, choreography, and beyond.
Shownotes:
(0:00) –  Intro to Tony G
(11:50) – Early roots: Soul Train to modern dance
(14:11) – Meeting Paula Abdul & industry breakthrough
(19:56) – Rejection from agents & pivot to choreography
(24:27) – Wayne’s World & Birdcage career milestones
(28:32) – Fired from Bring It On, built the franchise
(31:29) – Audition advice: ears first, then movement
(36:53) – Creative director vs. choreographer explained
(43:53) – TikTok fame: “Rooftop Tony” & 315K followers
(1:09:16) – Final message: you are the business
Biography:
With four decades of genre-shaping experience in entertainment, Tony Gonzalez—better known as Tony G—is a creative force in Hollywood. A casting director, acclaimed choreographer, creative director, and producer, his work spans dance, film, television, and music videos. Tony G has shaped movement and storytelling across more than 360 broadcast television commercials, iconic episodic and sitcom series including The Office, Community, Up All Night, and 3rd Rock from the Sun, as well as feature films such as Universal Pictures’ Bring It On franchise.

Known for capturing the essence of movement on screen, Tony G thrives in the moment—crafting, adjusting, and elevating choreography instantly on set. His passion for teaching while creating fuels collaboration and opportunity, resulting in bold staging, electric flow, and unforgettable visual storytelling. Whether on a film, television, commercial, or music video set, Tony G delivers precision, adaptability, and undeniable vibe.

Connect on Social Media:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/tonygcast/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gfresh

Interview Date: January 11th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this special two-part episode of The Business of Dance, Menina Fortunato sits down with rising professional dancer Jada Specht for an honest, real-time look at what it truly takes to build a career in today’s commercial dance industry. Joining the conversation directly from rehearsals and then again from home, Jada shares her journey from small-town beginnings to touring internationally with Jason Derulo, highlighting the discipline, adaptability, and mindset required to stay booked—and stay sane—on the road.
Across the Q&A, Jada offers practical insight into transitioning from the competition world into professional work, emphasizing diversified training, research, and preparation. She breaks down what actually makes a dancer valuable to major artist teams—beyond technique—including professionalism, kindness, reliability, and being someone others want to spend long days with on tour. The conversation also dives into audition strategy, how she got signed by an agent, the realities of re-auditioning while already on tour, and why showing up—even when not “picked”—can change everything.
The episode wraps with candid advice on finances, side hustles, self-care, recovery, and longevity. From warm-ups and flexibility to mindset, consistency, and treating your dance career like a full-time job, Jada’s story is both motivating and grounding. This episode is especially valuable for dancers preparing to move to LA, navigating auditions, or learning how to sustain momentum when bookings feel uncertain.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome + guest introduction
(4:52) – Behind rehearsals: re-auditioning while on tour
(7:30) – Transitioning from competition to professional dancer
(10:22) – Researching choreographers, artists, and decision-makers
(15:16) – What she’d change: training earlier, broader styles
(17:35) – What makes dancers valuable on major tours
(21:40) – Moving to LA: fear, readiness, and mindset shift
(29:58) – LA checklist: agent, headshots, demo reel, profiles
(36:34) – Side hustles, finances, and surviving between bookings
(45:43) – Recovery, self-care, and protecting your body
Biography:
Dancing for over 17 years and recently moving to LA to pursue her dreams, Jada Specht has assisted and trained under many industry choreographers that has led her to where she is today. She is currently on tour with Jason Derulo and has worked with artists such as Teyana Taylor, Nelly, Busta Rhymes.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadaspecht/

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/