The Business of Dance

Interview Date: June 28th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Tina Oleff, agent at MSA Talent Agency, shares her dynamic journey through the dance industry—from her early days as a competitive dancer in Ohio to building a multifaceted career across performance, production, broadcasting, and talent representation. She highlights how there is no single path to success, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and trusting your instincts when navigating a career in dance.
Tina gives an inside look at what agents are truly searching for when signing dancers, breaking down the importance of professionalism, strong training, clear submissions, and authenticity. She explains that talent alone is not enough—dancers must also be reliable, coachable, and easy to work with. She also shares actionable insights on how dancers can get noticed today, whether through classes, conventions, or digital submissions.
Throughout the episode, Tina answers questions from dancers, offering guidance on breaking into major markets, avoiding common submission mistakes, and building lasting industry relationships. Her message is clear: focus on becoming undeniable through consistency, character, and connection—because success in this industry is built on more than just talent.
Shownotes:
0:00 – Introduction and Tina’s career journey overview

2:00 – Early training and starting teaching young

4:00 – Moving to NYC and industry immersion

6:20 – Injury leading to unexpected career pivot

8:00 – Transition into conventions and agency work

9:30 – Joining MSA and career breakthrough

11:20 – How dancers get signed today

12:00 – What makes a strong submission stand out

13:20 – Demo reels vs single clips explained

14:10 – Education pathways and industry exposure

17:30 – College training vs commercial dance reality

19:30 – Red flags agents notice immediately

21:00 – What agents look for beyond talent

22:00 – Importance of relationships and networking

28:30 – Reality of training after getting signed

41:00- Benefits of industry systems like ICDR

43:30 – Handling negativity and industry pushback

48:20 – Q&A: Maintaining relationships and networking authentically
Biography:
Tina Oleff, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, began her dance training at age six and grew up dancing competitively. She started teaching at just 16 years old before continuing her dance studies at Arizona State University.
She later relocated to New York City, where she trained at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. During this time, she immersed herself in the dance community—assisting faculty, building meaningful industry relationships, and teaching extensively throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Tina holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Marketing from Marymount Manhattan College and brings a diverse professional background spanning dance, production, and broadcast. Her experience includes working with top dance conventions and competitions, serving as an assistant to a prominent on-air sports broadcaster at ESPN, and gaining early experience within a leading dance agency. This multifaceted background gives her a unique and well-rounded perspective on the entertainment industry.
She is currently an agent within the Talent and Education Departments at MSA Agency, where she leads the Los Angeles MSA KATS Division and MSA Education. Tina uses her expertise and network to support young artists, connect educators and choreographers with meaningful opportunities, and guide industry professionals in achieving their goals. Driven by her passion for dance and mentorship, she believes every artist has the ability to dream boldly, grow with confidence, and build an extraordinary career both in and beyond the industry.
Connect on Social Media:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/teenie0/
MSA:
https://www.instagram.com/msa_kats/
https://www.instagram.com/msa_education/
https://www.instagram.com/msaagency/

Interview Date: June 21st , 2026
Episode Summary:
In this powerful and expansive conversation, Jeff Thacker—executive producer of So You Think You Can Dance—shares his journey from an untrained school dancer to one of the most influential figures in global dance entertainment. He walks through each stage of his career evolution—from performer to choreographer to producer—emphasizing that longevity in the industry comes from adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to start over at the bottom of a new ladder.
Jeff dives deep into the realities of the dance industry, challenging dancers to move beyond the idea of “dreams” and instead take ownership through action, discipline, and choice. He highlights the importance of being well-rounded, building strong technical foundations, and developing a distinct personal identity. Drawing from his experience casting over 60,000 dancers, he reinforces that success is not just about talent—it’s about being memorable, coachable, and aligned with opportunity.
The episode also explores the legacy and impact of So You Think You Can Dance, the creation of the Dance Hall of Fame, and the importance of honoring dance history while creating future opportunities. Through candid Q&A with young dancers, Jeff offers practical advice on auditions, career transitions, and avoiding common mistakes. His core message is clear: dancers have the power to shape their own path—through consistency, resilience, and the choices they make every day.
Shownotes:
0:00 – Jeff Thacker introduction and career highlights
3:30 – Early dance journey and late formal training
6:00 – Transition from dancer to choreographer
9:50 – Career evolution into production and TV
12:30 – Building So You Think You Can Dance
15:30 – Creating opportunities for dancers and choreographers 18:30 – Audition insights and casting perspective
21:30 – Dance as a lifelong evolving career
24:00 – Importance of versatility and technical foundation 27:30 – Advice for young dancers and training mindset
30:30 – Dance Hall of Fame mission and impact
34:30 – Industry legacy and honoring dance history
41:30 – Q&A: career transitions and biggest mistakes
51:30 – Navigating professional dance opportunities
58:30 – Future of So You Think You Can Dance and final advice

Biography:

Jeff Thacker is recognized as one of the foremost entertainment producers in both American and British television. With a career spanning dance, choreography, and production, he has worked with some of the biggest global names in the entertainment industry.
He began his career as a dancer with the BBC’s renowned group The Dougie Squires Second Generation, performing on a weekly live television show that built his foundation in performance and production. Transitioning into choreography, Jeff created iconic work including Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love, which became a global phenomenon.
Over the years, Jeff has earned numerous prestigious awards, including a BAFTA, an Emmy, multiple nominations, and international television honors. His work spans major productions with artists such as Elton John, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Cher, and Diana Ross, among many others.
In 2005, Jeff became a Senior Producer and original judge on So You Think You Can Dance, later serving as Executive Producer for 17 seasons. He played a pivotal role in shaping the show’s global success, contributing to its 70+ Emmy nominations and international adaptations across more than 30 countries.
Beyond television, Jeff has produced major events including the BAFTA Awards, Royal Variety Performances, and American Idol specials. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer and Showrunner for the Dance Hall of Fame, continuing his mission to elevate and honor the legacy of dance worldwide.

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

Interview Date: October 20th, 2025Episode Summary:This special red carpet episode of The Business of Dance Podcast takes you inside the Gala of the Stars at the Beverly Hilton, a powerful evening supporting Dancers Against Cancer. Host Menina Fortunato interviews some of the most influential names in dance and entertainment, capturing real-time insights, career advice, and heartfelt moments from industry legends, rising stars, and changemakers.Throughout the episode, guests like Debbie Gibson, Abby Lee Miller, Robbie Blue, Allison Holker, and Vincent Paterson share what it truly takes to build a sustainable career in the dance industry. From mastering your craft and showing up prepared, to understanding your value, building relationships, and thinking long-term, a common theme emerges: success in dance is as much about professionalism, mindset, and business awareness as it is about talent.Beyond career insights, the episode highlights the deep sense of community within the dance world—celebrating mentorship, friendship, philanthropy, and resilience. With emotional stories, legacy reflections, and powerful advice, this episode serves as both inspiration and a reminder that dance is not just an art form, but a vehicle for impact, connection, and purpose.Show Notes 0:00 – Red carpet kickoff at Gala of the Stars2:30 – Debbie Gibson on longevity and performer value5:45 – Advice: be early, prepared, and unique9:10 – JoJo Siwa on impact and fundraising excitement12:00 – Abby Lee Miller on professionalism and presentation16:45 – Robbie Blue on Tate McRae VMA concept20:30 – What choreographers look for in dancers25:15 – Allison Holker on vision, goals, and longevity30:40 – Julie McDonald on treating dance as a business35:20 – Vincent Paterson on podcast inspiration story40:10 – Sabrina Bryan on career longevity and adaptability45:55 – Autumn Miller & Sophia Lucia on growth and goals52:30 – Industry leaders on philanthropy and impact57:40 – Business advice: training, finances, and branding1:02:45 – Closing reflections on community and purposeConnect on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/industrydanceawards/https://www.facebook.com/IndustryDanceAwards/https://www.instagram.com/imadanceragainstcancer/https://www.facebook.com/iadacfoundation/Websitehttp://industrydanceawards.com/http://imadanceragainstcancer.org/Connect with GuestsDebbie Gibson - https://www.instagram.com/debbiegibson/Jojo Siwa - https://www.instagram.com/itsjojosiwa/Abby Lee Miller - https://www.instagram.com/therealabbylee/Robbie Blue - https://www.instagram.com/itsrobbiesworld_/Allison Holker - https://www.instagram.com/allisonholker/Julie Macdonald- https://www.instagram.com/juliemcdonaldmsa/Vincent Paterson - https://www.instagram.com/vlpla/Sabrina Bryan https://www.instagram.com/sabrina.bryan/Sophia Lucia https://www.instagram.com/_sophialucia/Autumn Miller - https://www.instagram.com/autumnmiller/Danielle Guillermo - https://www.instagram.com/daniellestenguillermo/Lance Guillermo -https://www.instagram.com/lancefreshness/Enola Bedard - https://www.instagram.com/enola.bedard/ Anita Mann - https://www.instagram.com/anitamannprod/Jeff Thacker -https://www.instagram.com/jeffthacker/Richard Jay Alexander - https://www.instagram.com/broadwaydick/Tia Stokes - https://www.instagram.com/thetiabeestokes/Mandy Moore- https://www.instagram.com/nopenother/Michelle Webb -https://www.spotlightevents.com/about-index

Interview Date: June 14th, 2026

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Julian Mireles shares his unconventional journey into dance, beginning with a background in martial arts and overcoming early physical limitations. Starting later than most, Julian developed a deep curiosity for movement, leading him to study anatomy, biomechanics, and performance science to accelerate his growth and prevent injury.
Julian breaks down how his personal struggles shaped the creation of the BodyTech Method—a system built on the belief that strength must come before flexibility. He dives into the gaps within traditional dance training, emphasizing the importance of stability, alignment, and long-term dancer health. Through trial, rejection, and persistence, he transformed his knowledge into a globally recognized training system used by dancers and athletes worldwide.
Beyond technique, the conversation explores entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and building authority in a competitive industry. Julian shares insights on mindset, resilience, and creating opportunities, leaving dancers with actionable advice on how to build sustainable, long-term careers both on and off the stage.
Shownotes:
0:01 – Introduction and unconventional start in dance
3:28 – Starting late and accelerating development
5:34 – Learning anatomy to improve performance
6:14 – Pandemic pivot to online training platform
7:41 – Turning setbacks into scalable opportunities
9:00 – Building a business independently
11:33 – Facing rejection and proving credibility
14:20 – Leveraging relationships for growth
19:27 – Developing long-term vision and mindset
24:45 – Positioning within the dance industry
30:05 – Gaps in traditional dancer training
36:15 – Shifting from dancer to entrepreneur
42:10 – Building authority and industry trust
48:50 – Systems for sustainable growth
1:02:45 – Final reflections on discipline and success

Biography:
Julian Mireles is a flexibility, strength, and biomechanics specialist, entrepreneur, and educator, best known as the founder of Bodybreaker Corp and creator of the BodyTech Method. With over 20 years of experience in dance and athletic training, he has built a global reputation for redefining flexibility through strength, stability, and functional movement.
His method integrates anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and injury prevention to help dancers and athletes improve performance safely. Developed through years of research and experience, his system includes over 1,700 exercises targeting flexibility, mobility, turnout, jump mechanics, and overall body control.
Through private coaching, studio intensives, teacher education, and online platforms, Julian has trained thousands of dancers worldwide. His students have earned top scholarships, titles, and industry recognition. Rooted in his philosophy, “strength creates safe flexibility,” his work focuses on longevity, measurable progress, and building resilient, high-performing bodies.
Based in Miami, he continues to expand the BodyTech Method globally while educating the next generation of dancers and athletes.

Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodytechmethod/?hl=en

Interview Date: June 7th, 2026
Episode Summary:
This episode dives into Sienna Morris’s journey from a dedicated young dancer to a working professional in Los Angeles, highlighting the mindset, preparation, and initiative required to succeed in today’s dance industry. From choosing dance over gymnastics at an early age to navigating a short-lived opportunity in Monaco, Sienna demonstrates the importance of trusting your instincts and making bold decisions that align with your long-term goals. Her transition into the LA scene, including joining Ballet Red, marked a pivotal shift into the professional world and set the foundation for her evolving career.
Throughout the conversation, Sienna emphasizes the power of self-advocacy, networking, and consistency. She shares how introducing herself in rooms, building genuine relationships, and staying visible have directly led to opportunities. A standout mindset she lives by is her “24-hour rule” for handling rejection—allowing herself time to process before moving forward with clarity and focus. She also speaks on the importance of versatility, expanding into acting and performance, and developing multiple skill sets to remain competitive in a fast-paced industry.
The episode also explores preparation and personal branding. Sienna discusses how having strong materials—reels, a professional website, and a clear online presence—helped her enter the LA market with confidence. She reflects on mentorship through Business of Dance, landing brand deals, and learning to confidently negotiate her worth. Ultimately, her story reinforces that success in dance goes beyond talent—it requires ownership, resilience, and strong relationships. Her message is clear: the dancers who take initiative and build connections are the ones who create lasting careers.
Shownotes:
0:01 – Introduction and Sienna Morris full-circle journey
2:57 – Mentorship experience and early career reflections
4:05 – Early training and choosing dance path
6:37 – Monaco opportunity and trusting your instincts
9:42 – Moving to LA and Ballet Red experience
10:22 – Networking, visibility, and self-advocacy
14:12 – Handling rejection with “24-hour rule”
17:45 – Building versatility across dance and acting
18:48 – College path versus going professional early
23:00 – Preparing materials before entering LA market
26:44 – Business of Dance impact on branding
30:00 – First brand deal and negotiating value
32:20 – Social media strategy and consistency
41:34 – Agents vs self-submissions and ownership
49:55 – Relationships matter: contacts equal contracts
Biography:
Sienna Morris is an LA-based dancer, actor, model, choreographer, and educator whose work blends contemporary ballet with the versatility of today’s entertainment industry. Known for combining the control of classical ballet with the musicality and storytelling of contemporary movement, she moves seamlessly between concert dance, commercial performance, film, and live entertainment.
Her credits include work with Halsey, Evanescence, Derek Hough, and Mark Ballas, as well as collaborations with leading creatives such as Marguerite Derricks, Kyle Hanagami, and Chris Scott. She has appeared in campaigns for FP Movement, Gap, and Jo+Jax.
A defining milestone in her career was her appearance on the Star Search, expanding her reach to an international audience. Most recently, she served as associate choreographer on My Boyfriend Is a Demon, continuing to grow her work in choreography, movement direction, and film.
Alongside performing, Sienna teaches, choreographs, and mentors the next generation while building a career centered on proving that contemporary ballet can thrive within commercial entertainment and mainstream media.Connect on Social Media
Website: www.Sienna-morris.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisimorris/