The Business of Dance

• 93 - Johanna Sapakie - Building a 20+ year Dance and Aerial Career (JLo, Cirque, Super Bowl)

  Interview Date: April 13th, 2025Episode Summary:International choreographer, aerialist, and performer Johanna Sapakie (Cirque du Soleil, Super Bowl LIV with Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers, Dita Las Vegas) drops a masterclass in longevity and reinvention. From creating her own “scholarship program” after a studio closed, to bold networking that led to her first agent within months, Johanna shows how resourcefulness plus relentless training turn opportunities into credits. She breaks down the leap from dancer to aerialist/pole artist, how Hustlers led straight to the Super Bowl, and why the real separator isn’t trick difficulty—it’s entertainment value. We also cover working with A-list artists, targeted demo reels, practical grip/endurance tips, and her current creative leadership role revamping Ringling Brothers. If you’re an aspiring pro, this episode is your blueprint for asking clearly, training smart, and staying in the game—decades in.Shownotes:(0:00) — Introductions & career pivots during pandemic(11:46)— Builds DIY scholarship training program(18:48) — First agent & early industry mentors(23:44) — Discovering aerial work, first opportunities(30:28) — Cirque du Soleil breakthrough moment(32:33) — Pole artistry, JLo & Hustlers36:49 — Inside JLo’s work ethic & process(42:46) — Training evolution: 20s, 30s, 40s(45:23) — Creative directing Ringling & Dita Las Vegas(50:47) — Entertainment value outlasts technical tricksBiography:Johanna Sapakie is an accomplished Artistic Director, Choreographer and Performer. Johanna has been involved in many projects on stage and on camera including the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show, Hustlers and Medicine with JLo, Cirque Du Soleil's Michael Jackson ONE and Viva ELVIS, Dancing With the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Tournament of Roses Parade, RuPaul’s Drag Race Live, Shiners Nashville, the Arabesque Festival at the Kennedy Center, Songs of Soul and Inspiration with Debbie Allen, the re- release of Michael Jackson’s “Blood on the Dance Floor”, Miley Cyrus: Live in Concert World Tour, 2 tours for Madonna and Splendor by Dragone. Johanna is also an accomplished aerial acrobat and performs on many different apparatus including tissú, lyra, spans, hammock, acro & aerial pole, and aerial heart . She has just recently completed the creation of the new residency Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Revue as their acrobatic and associate choreographer. Johanna also proudly teaches master classes and workshops around the world in pole, aerial acrobatics and dance. She excels at artist development and act creation.Connect on social media:Instagram: Www.instagram.com/johannasapakiereal

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• 91- Kayla Moran: From Dancer to Attorney for Creators

  Interview Date: March 30th, 2025Episode Summary:Florida-based trademark and contract attorney Kayla Moran joins the Business of Dance to bridge two worlds: the discipline of competitive dance and the realities of creator-economy law. Raised in Miami in a Cuban-Ecuadorian family and trained for 15+ years across ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop, Kayla shares how a teacher’s challenge—“Don’t be a space filler”—became a life mantra through law school and into entrepreneurship.Kayla unpacks the gap art schools and law schools share: they rarely teach the business side. She now runs a firm for creators, dancers and influencers, translating intimidating agreements into clear decisions and helping artists protect their brands with smart contracts and trademarks. We dig into networking that actually works (contacts → contracts), negotiating terms without getting steamrolled, building authentic personal brands, and running yourself like a business (LLCs, taxes, separate accounts).In the live Q&A, Kayla advises teens balancing medicine vs. dance, acting dreams vs. financial stability, and when to hire managers, agents or lawyers. She’s blunt (in the best way) about deadlines that “aren’t real,” why every contract is negotiable, and how to document your journey without oversharing.Listen if you’re: a dancer, parent, studio owner, or creator who wants to turn passion into sustainable income—without giving away your rights.Shownotes:(0:00) – Intro: Meet Kayla Moran, dancer-turned-attorney.(4:35) – Dance beginnings, magnet school, discipline from pointe.(11:22) – Injuries, teacher’s advice: “Don’t be a space filler.”(18:40) – Law school, burnout, turning to blogging.(32:41) – Contacts = contracts: power of relationships.(38:51) – Negotiation lessons & humanizing business deals.(39:19) – Creator law: brand deals, contracts, red flags.(46:13) – Treating yourself as a business (LLCs, taxes).(55:26)– When to hire an agent, manager, or lawyer.(1:19:39 ) – Every contract is negotiable—never sign first draftBiography:Kayla Moran is a Florida-based trademark and contract attorney for creators and entrepreneurs in the creator economy. Born and raised in Miami to a Cuban-Ecuadorian family, Spanish is her first language, and growing up she was a competitive dancer for 15+ years, now you can probably catch her reading a romance novel or salsa dancing on the weekends if she’s not at the beach. She loves to watch action thrillers, military movies or historical fiction shows on Netflix or sports (usually no in between). Kayla hosts her own podcast, The Let’s Get Candid Podcast where she strives to connect with and inspire young women to be the best version of themselves and find what drives them, and has been a featured guest on numerous other podcasts. She attended the University of Central Florida where she was a Kappa Delta, participated in Knight-Thon for four years, and interned for Senator Rubio before she set off for law school. In 2022, she earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was a member of the now Transactional Clinic after passing the Florida Bar, she returned to Miami where she was a personal injury attorney for a year before opening her own firm.When she set out to become a lawyer, her goal was to be in-house counsel for a lifestyle company but during law school she discovered could combine her interests and create a career on her terms. She blogged about her law school experience and it was through blogging that she discovered being an influencer combining her passion for social media and legal training. Now she gets to help influencers promote brands they believe in as a lawyer and entrepreneurs legally protect the brands they have built.She is always open to connecting, please find her on Instagram and on LinkedIn.Connect on Social Media:Instagram - Instagram.com/kaylaaamorannWebsite- Kaylamoranlaw.com

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• 90- Robert Garland: : Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Legacy, Juilliard, and Building Audiences & Careers

  Interview Date: March 23rd, 2025Episode Summary:This episode spotlights Robert Garland, Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH)—former principal dancer, DTH’s first resident choreographer, and a Juilliard BFA graduate. Beyond the concert stage, Garland’s work spans New York City Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Oakland Ballet, and commercial projects from Sesame Street to Nike and the NAACP Image Awards.Garland traces DTH’s roots to Arthur Mitchell’s 1969 vision and explains how Mitchell’s lecture-demonstration model built audiences and access. He folds in a vivid business/history lesson on George Balanchine—from the Ballets Russes and Coco Chanel’s short ballet skirt to the Harlem Renaissance’s jazz influence that helped shape neoclassicism and, crucially, how smart repertoire and audience-building choices drove growth. On the business side, Garland stresses that relationships power opportunities and fundraising—“contacts become contracts”—and lifts the curtain on the theater’s “cottage industry” (development, marketing, production, stage management). For dancers, he offers pragmatic guidance: cultivate musicianship and form, be multifaceted (social, lighting, admin), and understand cycles of work—pace your week so you peak for shows. He unpacks today’s video-first auditions, urging care with presentation, while affirming many legitimate pathways (college, company route, or self-directed study).Show notes:(0:00) – Robert Garland introduction & career highlights(09:41) – Dance Theatre of Harlem origin & mission(14:55) – Juilliard audition story and scholarship journey(16:56) – Balanchine, Coco Chanel, and neoclassicism explained(25:51) – “Contacts = Contracts”: relationships fuel opportunities(33:16) – Careers beyond stage: marketing, production, education(38:27) – Arts education builds empathy and compassion(42:34) – Audition process and rise of video submissions(51:41) – Transition into commercial/TV work with hip-hop artists(1:12:11) – From dancer to choreographer to creative leadershipBiography:Artistic Director Robert Garland was a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company from 1985-1998, achieving the rank of principal dancer. After creating a work for the DTH School Ensemble, Arthur Mitchell invited Mr. Garland to create a work for The Dance Theatre of Harlem Company and appointed him the organization’s first Resident Choreographer. Before becoming DTH Artistic Director, he was Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem school. In 2023, Mr. Garland was appointed the Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem. His works for the company include Higher Ground, New Bach, Return, Nyman String Quartet No. 2, and The Cookout among others, many are in his signature postmodern-urban-neo-classical style.  In addition to choreographing several ballets for DTH, Mr. Garland has also created works for New York City Ballet, Britain's Royal Ballet, Oakland Ballet and many others.  His commercial work has included music videos, commercials and short films, including the children’s television show “Sesame Street”, a Nike commercial featuring New York Yankee Derek Jeter, the NAACP Image Awards, a short film for designer Donna Karan, and the “Charmin Cha-Cha” for Proctor and Gamble. Mr. Garland holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Juilliard School in New York City.Connect on Social Media:Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/robertgarlandWebsite - dancetheatreofharlem.org

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• 89 - Melissa McGhee: Secrets of a 13-Time National Champion Dance Coach

  Interview date: March 9th, 2025Episode Summary:Melissa McGhee, Head Coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team and owner of Lineage Dance Company. With 13 national championships and nearly two decades of experience, Melissa is a leading figure in the collegiate dance world.Melissa shares her journey from a young studio dancer in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming OSU’s head coach right after graduation, and later, a studio owner. She offers an inside look at the college dance team recruiting process, including timelines, audition requirements, and how OSU fills its highly competitive six open spots each year.Listeners will gain valuable insight into what coaches look for—technical skill, strong ballet foundation, versatility, professionalism, and a team-first mentality. Melissa discusses the importance of combining studio training with dance team experience, how to stand out in recruitment videos, and why NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals are helping dancers earn significant income while in college.She also emphasizes the role of character, mindset, and energy in selection decisions and offers advice for dancers navigating both performance and academics. This episode delivers essential guidance for dancers, parents, and coaches aiming for success in the collegiate dance world.Show Notes:(0:00) - Welcome to The Business of Dance Podcast & introduction to Melissa McGhee(2:10) - Melissa’s early dance beginnings in Toledo, Ohio(4:15) - Dancing through high school and joining The Ohio State University Dance Team(6:30) - Transition from dancer to head coach immediately after graduation(9:10) - Building OSU’s nationally recognized program and winning 13 championships(12:00) - Opening Lineage Dance Company in Upper Arlington, Ohio(14:20) - Balancing full-time coaching with running a dance studio(16:30) - How the college dance team recruiting model works(20:00) - Audition timelines, video submissions, and competition for six annual spots(22:45) - What OSU looks for in dancers: training, ballet foundation, versatility, professionalism(26:15) -Importance of combining studio and dance team experience(28:40) -NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and how dancers are earning up to $20K annually(32:00) - Core values Melissa instills: hard work, maturity, consistency, kindness(35:30) - Tips for standing out in recruitment videos and following instructions(38:20) -Scholarship opportunities for dance team members(41:10)- Managing training schedules, academics, and performances(44:00) - Guest choreographers and style diversity in team training(47:30) - Career paths for dancers after graduation(50:00) - Current challenges in the dance team industry and collaboration solutions(54:15) - Final advice: character matters, the dance world is small, be a good human(57:00) - How to connect with Melissa McGheeBiography:A native of Toledo, Ohio, Melissa McGhee is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she obtained a B.S. in Business Administration. She is the current Head Coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team. Under her direction, the team won the program's first ever National Championship in 2018 and has thirteen total to date.After sixteen years of studio training, she now consults for dance studios and teams nationally and judges for numerous dance competitions including NDA, UDA, AmeriDance, Showcase America, Stage 8, OASSA, and USASF Dance Worlds. Melissa has been a speaker at the Varsity Dance Coaches Conference, National Dance Coaches Association Conference, CLI Studios and Intricate Training for Dancers. She was named National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) College Coach of the Year in 2020 and served as the NDCA College President from 2020-2022. In 2022, Melissa opened doors to a dance studio in Upper Arlington, OH, Lineage Dance Co.Connect on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/mmcghee65https://www.facebook.com/melissa.mcghee.39

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• 88- Khalid Freeman: Stomp, MJ One & 5 Super Bowls

  Interview Date: February 16th, 2025Episode Summary: This episode features Khalid Freeman—body percussionist, choreographer, and field team director—known for merging musicianship and movement. A veteran of STOMP (nine years), Cirque du Soleil, and five Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Khalid translates drummer-level musicality onto the body, treating the performer as the instrument itself.Khalid retraces his path from tap (inspired by Gregory Hines) to stepping and finally to body percussion, unpacking how “you are the drum set.” He explains the difference between stepping’s militant power and body music’s nuance, and shares how STOMP honed his dynamics, phrasing, and counting. Highlights include being an original cast for Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour and later contributing choreography to MJ ONE (“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”). On the Super Bowl side, he demystifies the field team role—executing KP’s vision, staging giant formations safely, and problem-solving live.Khalid encourages dancers to develop a musician mindset (ghost notes, sustains, phrasing), break the fourth wall to connect with audiences, and cultivate versatility by training across styles and teachers. He contrasts film (repeatable, permanent capture) with live events (one shot, controlled adrenaline) and reminds performers to be coachable, patient, and fully present. Above all, find your authentic “grocery-cart/shower/kitchen dance” so industry work doesn’t erase your voice.Show Notes:(07:43) – Formal intro and career overview (08:48) – Body percussion explained; stepping vs. body music(12:35) – Nine years in STOMP; musicality and dynamics(17:01) – Triple-threat: breaking the fourth wall(24:09) – MJ Immortal cast experience & callbacks(25:09) – Adding body percussion to MJ ONE(41:27) – Five Super Bowls overview(42:20) – What a field team director actually does(51:19) – Super Bowl auditions: artist team vs. field cast(58:29) – Film vs. Super Bowl: nerves, capture, and focusBiography:Khalid brings versatility to the Body Music world with his unique percussive dance style. Putting his stank and flava in various shows and groups such as (Stomp, Stomp the Yard, Stomp Out Loud, Molodi, LXD, Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson Immortal tour and ONE and Beatles LOVE, Usher, Spiegelworld, 5 Super Bowl Haltime shows, European Games closing ceremony and more). Khalid took his instrument/art form on 17 world tours, 46 countries and all 50 states over 26 years so it’s clearly his passion and career mission to expand the love of body percussion.Connect on Social Media:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/khalidfreeman/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/khalidfreeman?app=desktopWebsite -  https://profile.jamargig.com/khalidfreeman/

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