The Business of Dance

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  

Interview Date: August 24th, 2025Episode Summary:In this captivating conversation, Juliet Prowse, author of Born to Dance, joins The Business of Dance Podcast to share the untold story of her legendary aunt, the late Juliet Prowse — a trailblazing British-South African dancer and actress who conquered Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Broadway.From performing alongside Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in Can-Can and G.I. Blues to headlining her own million-dollar Vegas residency, Big Juliet redefined what it meant to be a female entertainer in a male-dominated era. Little Juliet takes listeners behind the scenes of her research journey — discovering a red suitcase of letters, interviewing former collaborators, and piecing together the life of a woman who never waited for permission to shine.The discussion unpacks the discipline, athleticism, and business savvy that made Juliet Prowse one of the highest-paid performers of the 1970s, plus stories of her engagements to Sinatra, her friendship with Elvis, and her unstoppable work ethic that kept her dancing until her final days.This episode is perfect for dancers, musical-theatre artists, and history-minded creatives who want to learn from one of the greats — and be reminded that success is built on grit, artistry, and courage to create your own opportunities.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & introduction to Juliet Prowse interview(3:00) – Little Juliet shares the story behind her famous name(13:18) – Discovering a red suitcase & inspiration to write Born to Dance(16:00) – Big Juliet’s early Hollywood years & Vegas debut(21:03) – Athleticism, costuming, and Bob Mackie’s extravagant designs(25:39) – Breaking barriers: creating her own Las Vegas show(31:22) – The million-dollar Desert Inn contract & Vegas legacy(36:29) – Life, love & rumors — Sinatra, Elvis, and beyond(41:23) – Performing through illness & leaving a lasting impact(1:03:00) – Lessons for today’s dancers: hard work, creativity, & legacyBiography:Juliet Prowse never intended on becoming an author, but when she spotted a little red suitcase in her parents’ attic, filled to the brim with articles about her famous aunt, the dancer/entertainer Juliet Prowse, she felt she just had to tell this story.As a seasoned communications professional, Juliet was used to writing, but to ensure the authenticity of her first book, Juliet waded through over 1 000 newspaper articles and letters, largely written by her dancing aunt to her mother (the author's grandmother), and spoke to over 20 people who had performed with Juliet. Known as Big Juliet and Little Juliet in the Prowse household, Little Juliet inherited her aunt’s athleticism and became a South African runner, but she was never as graceful as her famous aunt who was born to dance.Juliet has an MBA from the University of Cape Town and a science degree from the University of Nebraska. She lives in Cape Town where she is an avid theatregoer and sports lover.Connect on Social Media:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572702340283Website: www.julietprowse.com

Interview Date: August 10th, 2025 Episode Summary:In this powerful and uplifting episode, we sit down with Aubrey Fisher — dancer, recording artist, and creative powerhouse — who went from teaching himself choreography in his living room to sharing stages with Jason Derulo, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, DaBaby, and Tyga.Aubrey opens up about his unique path into the entertainment industry, revealing how he went from a college basketball player to one of the most recognizable names in commercial dance. Raised by a musical family, including his mother Angie Fisher, a Grammy-nominated vocalist, Aubrey shares how faith, discipline, and divine timing shaped his evolution as both a performer and a person.He takes listeners behind the curtain of tour life — from the long rehearsals and creative highs to the loneliness and grind that come with chasing big dreams. Aubrey also discusses how he transitioned from dance into music, using his platform to inspire and connect through storytelling, vulnerability, and sound.Throughout the episode, Aubrey drops gems on consistency, humility, networking, and staying grounded, while encouraging the next generation of dancers to embrace their individuality and to never give up, even when the path isn’t linear.This episode is perfect for dancers, aspiring choreographers, and creatives who dream of turning passion into purpose — and proof that you don’t need a traditional background to make it to the topShownotes: (0:00) – Welcome & intro to Aubrey Fisher’s journey(9:30) – Growing up dancing & balancing basketball dreams(11:56) – First dance class at Millennium Dance Complex(15:01) – Creating videos & finding confidence through content(18:37) – From 2017 videos to viral success(20:43) – Influence of Grammy-nominated mom, Angie Fisher(23:26) – Joining Jason Derulo’s tour & worldwide travel(27:14) – Tour life highs, lows & mental balance(35:04) – Industry lessons: business, ethics & awareness(1:29:49) – Final advice: stay humble, authentic & resilientBiography:Aubrey is known for his phenomenal dance skills and captivating stage presence, but now he’s taking the music world by storm. A rising star creating his own lane with a sound of music, singer, songwriter and professional dancer. Aubrey is a recording artist from Pasadena, California. At a young age, Aubrey was very much surrounded by music and entertainment by his Mother "Angie Fisher". A Grammy nominated singer who performed background vocals for Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, Keisha Cole, Jamie Foxx, Michael Bublé and many more. Aubrey played basketball in college for one year to later quit to pursue his career as a professional dancer at the age of 19. Aubrey has made a remarkable fan base on social media and has accomplished many success in the dance industry and worked on jobs like Super Bowl, Samsung, Toyota Corolla commercial, Pacsun, Celsius, and many more. Aubrey has also worked with artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Dababy, Travis Scott, Jason Derulo and more. After a few years of working in the industry Aubrey has decided to build his career in music and says he wants to be the next “superstar”. Aubrey believes that he can make a huge impact in music starting off as an independent artist. Aubrey is an r&b, pop and hip-hop powerhouse vocalist and loves to create music for people to feel alive, happy, soulful and energetic. Aubrey is very versatile and loves to explore different styles of music, not only for himself but for the listeners as well.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_aubreyfisher/