The Business of Dance

Interview Date: April 26th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Karynn Hough, Director of Millennium Dance Complex Nashville and founder of Fresh Talent Group, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a dance career outside of the traditional LA/New York path. Karynn shares how her daughter’s professional journey helped spark her desire to create more opportunities for Nashville dancers, eventually leading her to launch an agency rooted in mentorship, relationships, and genuine care for talent.
Karynn opens up about the growth of Nashville’s entertainment scene, the power of collaboration between agencies, and why dancers should never limit themselves to one box. From casting Emmy-winning commercial work to seeing choreography land inside Fortnite, she reminds dancers that authentic work, strong preparation, and being visible can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Throughout the conversation, Karynn gives practical advice for young dancers pursuing representation: follow instructions, keep training, clean up your Instagram, build an EPK, research the people in the room, and be kind to everyone. She also emphasizes the importance of improv, professionalism, persistence, and creating your own opportunities, especially for dancers from smaller cities or nontraditional markets.
Show Notes:
(00:41) Karynn’s early dance roots and family inspiration

(03:27) Why Nashville needed its own talent agency

(04:50) How Solace helped inspire Karynn’s career path

(06:00) Fresh Talent Group meets Millennium Dance Complex

(09:40) Millennium becomes Nashville’s creative rehearsal hub

(12:17) Representing dancers, singers, actors, and influencers

(14:05) Why Karynn refuses to box dancers in

(16:38) Emmy-winning work from authentic creative passion

(20:23) Advice for international dancers pursuing American agencies

(32:00) Instagram presence matters more than dancers realize

(35:20) Why every dancer needs a strong EPK

(40:01) The biggest teen mistake: ignoring instructions

(42:23) Improv reveals smart, castable dancers quickly

(47:00) Auditions begin before entering the room

(1:26:58) Small-town dancers need perseverance and uniqueness

Biography:
Karynn Wright-Hough is an Emmy Award–winning talent agent, entrepreneur, and Founder of FreshTalent Group, a boutique agency representing dancers, choreographers, actors, singers, and specialty talent. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she combines her background in journalism, marketing, and design with a passion for developing artists and building lasting careers.
Inspired in part by watching her daughter Solace pursue her own professional path, Karynn launched FreshTalent Group in 2016 to create a trustworthy, family-centered approach to talent representation. She is known for guiding artists holistically — from development and branding to booking and long-term strategy — always prioritizing longevity over quick wins.
Under her leadership, the agency has worked with major networks and award-winning artists across country, pop, gospel, and hip-hop. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karynn is a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, enjoys crocheting and crafting, and is most proud of the community and culture she has built through mentorship, integrity, and heart.

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

Interview Date: April 19th, 2026
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Austin Lee shares his inspiring journey from a young boy in Orlando putting on living room performances for his family to becoming a working professional dancer in Los Angeles. He reflects on how dance immediately clicked for him after trying many other sports, and how winning a Hollywood Summer Tour scholarship at his very first convention opened his eyes to the possibilities of a real career in dance. From moving to LA alone at just 15 years old to training in the Launch program at The Space, Austin’s story is a powerful example of commitment, independence, and trusting your path from a very young age.
Austin also talks candidly about the difficult in-between years of training and transition, when many dancers are not yet booking regularly, and emphasizes the importance of patience, mindset, and trusting your timing. He shares standout moments from his career, including working with Lady Gaga, performing on Star Search, and building momentum through high-level opportunities that followed. Throughout the conversation, he offers honest advice on comparison, recovery, community, financial wisdom, speaking up for yourself, and staying open to the many skills a professional dance career may require. His message to dancers is clear: trust your talent, stay consistent, and don’t give up just because someone else’s timeline looks different from yours.
Top 10 Show Notes
2:00 — Dance instantly clicked after first class

4:29 — First convention scholarship changed his path

5:20 — Hollywood Summer Tour opened his eyes

6:33 — Moved to LA alone at 15

10:43 — First major job on James Corden

13:16 — Dancing for Lady Gaga fulfilled dream

18:31 — Star Search schedule was intense and fast

20:39 — Show visibility led to bigger opportunities

22:46 — Trust your timing, not comparison

40:54 — Save money and speak up

Biography:
Austin Lee is a Los Angeles–based professional dancer, choreographer, and artist originally from Orlando, Florida. Renowned for his versatility, precision, and determination, Austin has built a career spanning television, film, music videos, and live performance.
His recent credits include being the Dance Champion and Finalist on Netflix’s Star Search with his collective “Movement 55”, working with Lady Gaga on “Abracadabra (Fan Edit)” and appearing in Doechii’s “Anxiety.” Austin has also shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as New Kids On The Block, Jordan Fisher, JoJo Siwa, Snow Wife, and Tash Blake, and has been featured in high-profile creative collaborations including Google, GoPro x Derek Hough and etc. His television and film work includes the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Late Show with James Corden, So You Think You Can Dance, NBC’s World of Dance, Disney’s Fam Jam, Amazon Prime’s Tiny Dancers, and A Week Away: The Series.

A graduate of the prestigious Launch Training Program at The Brea Space, Austin dedicated five years to refining his craft while cultivating lasting relationships within the industry. He currently travels nationwide as a Radix Pro Assistant, working alongside renowned choreographers such as Brian Friedman, Tessandra Chavez, and Tyce Diorio, bringing inspiration, mentorship, and high-level artistry to dancers across the country.

Grounded in authenticity and driven by a passion for storytelling through movement, Austin continues to carve out a powerful creative voice. As both a performer and collaborator, he remains committed to growth, connection, and pushing the boundaries of what dance can communicate—marking him as an artist to watch as his career continues to unfold.

Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinblaiselee/

Interview Date: April 12th, 2026
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Alicia Mae Holloway shares her extraordinary journey from a small-town competition dancer in West Virginia to building a multifaceted career in ballet, commercial dance, modeling, acting, and social media. She reflects on knowing from the age of three that dance was her purpose, and how that conviction led her to leave home at just 13 years old to pursue elite ballet training. From earning a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet to landing her first professional contracts, Alicia’s story is one of deep faith, resilience, and bold commitment to her dreams.
Alicia also opens up about the realities of a long professional career: painful auditions, injuries, rejection, career pivots, and the mental challenges that dancers face when their identity is tied so closely to performance. She shares how Dance Theatre of Harlem shaped her artistry, how social media unexpectedly expanded her career, and why authenticity matters more than perfection in today’s entertainment world. Her advice to young dancers is both practical and inspiring: stay true to yourself, embrace being multidimensional, and remember that rejection is often redirection.
Top 10 Show Notes
3:58 — Alicia knew dance was her calling

6:17 — West Virginia scholarship changed everything

9:35 — Moved away from home at 14

14:21 — Worst audition led to first contract

19:49 — Six-hour audition booked Dance Theatre Harlem

21:17 — Mentor predicted her DTH future

27:40 — TikTok consistency sparked massive growth

35:45 — Talent plus visibility creates more opportunities

57:05 — Rejection is redirection, not the end

1:09:14 — Dance for yourself, not approval

Biography:Alicia Mae Holloway is from Morgantown, West Virginia and began dancing when she was three years old at Kat and Company Dance Studio. In 2007, Alicia began taking classes at Morgantown Dance Studio. She also trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts before attending the School of American Ballet from 2011–2015. Alicia has attended the Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program, as well as Pacific Northwest Ballet.
She began her professional career dancing with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, and completed seven seasons with the Dance Theatre of Harlem where she has worked with Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight. She has shot music videos with Grammy award–winning artist KEM, as well as JAGMAC and Eryn Martin, and can be seen in Google commercials, Maybelline commercials, and in Glamour Magazine’s November issue, as well as an online feature of Who Wore What, and most recently, has a story live now with PEOPLE Magazine regarding her audition process and training with the Rockettes. In 2023, Alicia appeared on the cover of PEOPLE, further expanding her national visibility.
Alicia was also the Lead Principal Dancer in Josh Bergasse’s Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker, bringing new life to the iconic reimagining of the classic ballet.
She has served as the co-chairwoman of the School of American Ballet’s Visiting Faculty Program and was a Princess Grace Award nominee. Alicia was cast as The Lady in a Yellow Dress in the revival of Broadway’s show CONTACT, by Susan Stroman. 

In addition to her dance career, Alicia models for American Eagle, Aime Leon Dore, and Victoria’s Secret. She filmed her first movie last year-dancing and acting in Man With the Bag, directed by Adam Shankman.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/aliciamaeholloway
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliciamaeholloway

Interview Date: March 29
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with internationally acclaimed dancer, creative, and entrepreneur Loïc Mabanza to explore his inspiring journey from street dancing in Paris to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Entirely self-taught, Loïc shares how dance was never something he formally planned for—it was simply part of who he was. Everything shifted when, at just 16 years old, he was paid for his first music video, opening his eyes to the possibility of building a real career through dance.
Loïc reflects on the mindset that carried him through uncertainty, rejection, and doubt. He speaks candidly about being underestimated by peers, yet staying committed to a vision that others could not see. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, he focused on consistent action, trusting that small steps would eventually lead him where he wanted to go. His story is a powerful example of how clarity, preparation, and resilience can turn impossible dreams into real opportunities.
Throughout the conversation, Loïc shares pivotal moments that shaped his career, from using street performances to fund travel, to taking bold risks like crashing auditions and placing himself in rooms he technically was not invited into. Those decisions became defining turning points that led to major professional breakthroughs, including opportunities on the global stage.
This episode is filled with wisdom for dancers and creatives carving out their own path. Loïc challenges the idea of having a “plan B,” encouraging artists to fully back themselves while building confidence through small wins and real-life evidence. His perspective is a reminder that success is rarely linear, but with vision, adaptability, self-belief, and persistence, it becomes possible to create a career far beyond what others expect.
Shownotes:
00:00 – Introduction to Loïc Mabanza and his global career
04:00 – Growing up self-taught and naturally connected to dance
05:50 – First paid music video sparks professional ambition
08:15 – Choosing dance fully and moving with intention
13:20 – Being doubted by others and staying committed
20:00 – Success as a step-by-step journey
26:30 – The overseas journey that led to Madonna
28:30 – Street performances funding career opportunities
37:40 – Crashing an audition and making the finals
49:30 – Building confidence through small wins
52:00 – Advice for dancers pursuing their dreams
Biography:
Loïc Mabanza is a French-born professional dancer, choreographer, actor, filmmaker, author, model, and entrepreneur known for his versatility and high-energy performance style. Over the course of his career, he has worked with global artists including Madonna, Usher, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Cher, Jay-Z, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, and Wizkid. He was also selected by creative director Jamie King and choreographers Richmond and Anthony Talauega to be one of Michael Jackson’s dancers for the posthumous album Xscape.
His commercial portfolio includes campaigns for major global brands such as Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Swarovski, Diesel, Timberland, Samsung, Toyota, and Equinox, where he became a brand ambassador following the “Life is the Luxury” campaign. He has also appeared in respected editorial publications including W Magazine, Vogue Germany, Vogue Arabia, V Magazine, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar Brazil.
As an actor, Loïc has appeared in Moon Knight (2022), And Just Like That... (2023), Girls5eva (2024), and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (2026). He is also the founder and CEO of Underground Justice Studios, a creative studio and production company, and has written, directed, and produced multiple short films and music videos. His debut novel is set for release later this year.
Connect with Loïc:
Website: www.undergroundjustice.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loicmabanza/

Interview Date: March 29
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with internationally acclaimed dancer, creative, and entrepreneur Loïc Mabanza to explore his inspiring journey from street dancing in Paris to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Entirely self-taught, Loïc shares how dance was never something he formally planned for—it was simply part of who he was. Everything shifted when, at just 16 years old, he was paid for his first music video, opening his eyes to the possibility of building a real career through dance.
Loïc reflects on the mindset that carried him through uncertainty, rejection, and doubt. He speaks candidly about being underestimated by peers, yet staying committed to a vision that others could not see. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, he focused on consistent action, trusting that small steps would eventually lead him where he wanted to go. His story is a powerful example of how clarity, preparation, and resilience can turn impossible dreams into real opportunities.
Throughout the conversation, Loïc shares pivotal moments that shaped his career, from using street performances to fund travel, to taking bold risks like crashing auditions and placing himself in rooms he technically was not invited into. Those decisions became defining turning points that led to major professional breakthroughs, including opportunities on the global stage.
This episode is filled with wisdom for dancers and creatives carving out their own path. Loïc challenges the idea of having a “plan B,” encouraging artists to fully back themselves while building confidence through small wins and real-life evidence. His perspective is a reminder that success is rarely linear, but with vision, adaptability, self-belief, and persistence, it becomes possible to create a career far beyond what others expect.
Shownotes:
00:00 – Introduction to Loïc Mabanza and his global career
04:00 – Growing up self-taught and naturally connected to dance
05:50 – First paid music video sparks professional ambition
08:15 – Choosing dance fully and moving with intention
13:20 – Being doubted by others and staying committed
20:00 – Success as a step-by-step journey
26:30 – The overseas journey that led to Madonna
28:30 – Street performances funding career opportunities
37:40 – Crashing an audition and making the finals
49:30 – Building confidence through small wins
52:00 – Advice for dancers pursuing their dreams
Biography:
Loïc Mabanza is a French-born professional dancer, choreographer, actor, filmmaker, author, model, and entrepreneur known for his versatility and high-energy performance style. Over the course of his career, he has worked with global artists including Madonna, Usher, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Cher, Jay-Z, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, and Wizkid. He was also selected by creative director Jamie King and choreographers Richmond and Anthony Talauega to be one of Michael Jackson’s dancers for the posthumous album Xscape.
His commercial portfolio includes campaigns for major global brands such as Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Swarovski, Diesel, Timberland, Samsung, Toyota, and Equinox, where he became a brand ambassador following the “Life is the Luxury” campaign. He has also appeared in respected editorial publications including W Magazine, Vogue Germany, Vogue Arabia, V Magazine, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar Brazil.
As an actor, Loïc has appeared in Moon Knight (2022), And Just Like That... (2023), Girls5eva (2024), and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (2026). He is also the founder and CEO of Underground Justice Studios, a creative studio and production company, and has written, directed, and produced multiple short films and music videos. His debut novel is set for release later this year.
Connect with Loïc:
Website: www.undergroundjustice.com
Instagram: @loicmabanza128