The Business of Dance

• 102- Bre Traver: Senior Agent MSA NYC — How Dancers Get Signed, Get Seen, and Get Working in New York

  Interview Date:Episode Summary:MSA New York’s Talent Director Bre Traver breaks down exactly how dancers get on an agent’s radar and build sustainable careers. From her path from dancer to agent, to what MSA looks for in reels, headshots, and Instagrams, Bre shares practical, no-fluff guidance on submissions, onboarding, and being an ideal client. She contrasts the NYC vs. LA markets (live stage, Broadway, tours, award shows), outlines big client don’ts, and explains how agents scout in class, at shows, and online. The lively Q&A hits trends, triple-threat training, youth work, self-tapes vs. in-person calls, and why persistence, professionalism, and clear goals separate dancers who book “the big jobs.”Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro to MSA and Bre’s NYC leadership (11:28) – Bre’s journey: dancer to MSA Talent Director(20:24) – Inside MSA NYC: Broadway, tours, TV, and more (24:53) – How dancers get signed and scouted by agents (28:14) – Social media tips: Instagram presence that books work (32:23) – Onboarding goals: materials, availability, and communication(35:56) – NYC vs LA markets: knowing where you belong (39:10) – Professionalism tips: biggest audition and booking don'ts(44:10) – How agents scout in class and online presence matters (51:12) – Q&A takeaways: training, self-tapes, visas, and persistenceBiography:Bre Traver joined McDonald Selznick Associates East Coast division in 2007. She worked through the ranks as an assistant to Jr. Agent, to Franchised Sr. Agent, to Director of the Talent Department to now Equity Partner in the company. Prior to agenting, Bre grew up as a dancer and received a BFA from University at Buffalo. Bre is still serving as a lead agent for MSA’s NY talent roster. Over the years she has had the pleasure of booking clients on national commercials (APPLE, Advil PM, Pepsi), feature films (Best of The Best, West Side Story, In The Heights, 13, Tick Tick Boom), television (SNL, Law & Order, Pose, Maisel, Étoile, GMA, The Tonight Show, Last Week Tonight), award shows (MTV VMAs, BET Awards, Super Bowl Halftime), national tours (Hamilton, Wicked, Moulin Rogue, MJ, Hell's Kitchen, Beetlejuice, Some Like It Hot, The Notebook, Mean Girls, Chicago), and live work (Corporate industrials, New York Fashion Week, The Met Gala). Bre is proud to work on behalf of such an established roster of talent and enjoys keeping her finger on the pulse of our ever-changing industry!Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezyotoole/?hl=enWebsite: www.msaagency.com

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• 102 - Dytto : Viral “Barbie Girl” (World of Dance), Assistant Choreographer for Shakira, & Ellen Alumi.

  Interview Date: June 22nd, 2025Episode Summary:Dytto (aka Courtney Kelly) — the fembot icon of the dance community whose viral “Barbie Girl” freestyle on World of Dance launched a global following of ~10M across platforms. A professional mover, personality, and director, she’s appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, starred in national campaigns (Android Wear, Target), and most recently served as Assistant Choreographer for Shakira.In this conversation, Dytto traces her path from studio kid and cheerleader to self-driven freestyler, sharing how an alter ego helped her overcome stage fright and claim a unique lane in a male-dominated popping/animation space. She breaks down the business: why brand deals followed when she started talking (not just dancing), how she balances content “pillars,” and the realities of name usage, credits, and trademarking a stage name.We also dive into monetization (and why dancing to copyrighted music pays everyone but the dancer), creating original music (Fembot Files), and her upcoming training app The Next Move—a practical system for turning freestyle fear into confidence. In the live Q&A she offers concrete drills, mindset resets, and career advice on evolving publicly, navigating street vs. commercial worlds, booking without auditions, and staying grounded in who you are—especially when everyone’s watching.Podcast Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & intro: “Barbie Girl” viral phenom joins the show(2:13) – Early dance journey: from studio kid to freestyler(4:27) – The making of “Barbie Girl” — purpose behind the moment(6:20) – Creating “Dytto”: alter ego that conquered stage fright(11:43) – Managing identity: real name vs. stage name(15:50) – Viral momentum → brand deals, Ellen, and global recognition(19:47) – $100K brand deal & secret to attracting sponsorships(25:16) – New ventures: launching The Next Move freestyle app(26:56) – Owning creativity: why she makes her own music (Fembot Files)(1:18:16) – Final reflections: authenticity, vulnerability, and self-beliefBiography:Dytto, the fembot icon of the dance community, is a professional mover, personality, and director. You may have seen her as a 17 yr old in her first viral freestyle on World of Dance called 'Barbie Girl' which launched her into a fruitful career. Since, she's been in numerous commercials, campaigns, and productions, some even of her own, being self-directed and produced for her infamous Youtube channel. Most recently, we watch her work come to life from her time assistant choreographing for the one and only, Shakira.Connect on Social Media:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iam_dytto/Website - iamdytto.com

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• 101- Tara-Jean Popowich — SYTYCD Canada Winner, DWTS India Top 6, Carly Rae Jepsen Choreographer

  Interview Date: June 1st, 2025Episode Summary:Menina sits down with Tara-Jean Popowich—winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 2—for an inspiring look at resilience, self-belief, and adventure. From moving out at 15 to chase training, to struggling with $5/hour jobs in L.A., to the heartbreak of being cut from SYTYCD Season 1 and the comeback that won her the crown, Tara-Jean shares how grit, heart, and community shaped her career.She reflects on the whirlwind that followed—international tours, Bollywood, Dancing with the Stars India, and performing across 74 countries. We hear how she built longevity in an unpredictable industry, the challenges of visas and branding, and her passion project Human First, Dancer Second. Tara-Jean’s honesty about comparison, mindset, and mental health is a gift to young dancers navigating their own journeys.This episode is perfect for dancers chasing professional careers, teachers mentoring students with big dreams, and anyone curious about building a life in the arts that balances adventure, resilience, and authenticity.Show Notes(0:00) - Welcome & intro to Tara-Jean Popowich (9:02) - Starting in small-town Alberta; cruise ships as “only dream” (10:59) - Moving out at 15; juggling work, school, and dance (13:20) - First LA move; cleaning studios to train (16:09) - Cut from SYTYCD Season 1; comeback mindset (20:49) - Winning Season 2; confetti, cash prize, new doors (23:42) - Life after SYTYCD; global whirlwind of jobs (24:05) - India chapter: Bollywood, DWTS, love & challenges (30:21) - Years abroad: London, Costa Rica, NY base (32:02) - New focus: creative direction & Human First convention(34:57) - Advice to younger self: believe earlier, avoid comparison (36:01) - Q&A: mindset, favorite projects, navigating LA (42:30) - The power of personal brand & social media (45:00) - Visa realities: O-1s, green cards, legal path (49:00) - Q&A: favorite country, advice for young dancers (56:13) - Balancing passion vs. career; finding other outlets (57:53) - Final advice: stop comparing, find joy, trust your pathBiography:Tara-Jean Popowich is most known for winning "So you think you can dance"-Canada Season 2. Since the show she has been based out of NYC, LA, London, and India. During her time in NYC she was "Carly Rae Jepsen's" Choreographer and dancer seen on "Jimmy Fallon" and "Live with Kelly". Tara-Jean is also seen in Pharrells music video "Happy", "Turn it up" American tour, "Groove Street productions" , “Excel” guest faculty, choreographer for "So you think you can dance" Ukraine and special guest performer, choreographed and performed for Ballet Africa, IDS instructor in Madrid Spain, yearly performer with "SYTYCD" USA All-stars in China,  Dove Cameron’s new video with Disney, is 1 of 6 featured dancers in a feature film based in Scotland, with choreographer Stacey Tookey. TJ was living in India and made top 6 as the celebrity on "Dancing with the stars"-season 7.  TJ was named one of the "hottest top 12 convention teachers" in the U.S. Tara-Jean is seen in Calvin klein's, "Dance in my calvin's" campaign. More recently on tour with VORTEX around South America and Europe. Check out Tara-Jean dancing for Shania Twain “swinging with my eyes closed” video. Also An official judge for “world of dance” in Poland. Tara-Jean is also an official ambassador for “MOVE IT” the biggest dance event in the UK. 28,000 dancers from around the world. Where Tj will be teaching, performing, autograph sessions, and photo sessions.Tara-Jean directed and choreographed for the famous hand to hand acrobat’s “Charolette an Nicolas” from France’s got talent. Keep your eye out for her dancing in the hit TV series “What we do in the shadows” FX network. Connect on Social Media:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tarajeanpopowich/Website - www.tara-jean.com

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• 100 - Linda Ayentes Interviews Menina Fortunato: The Untold Stories from Competitive Dancer to A List Performer to Creator of The Business of Dance (100th Episode)

  Interview Date: October 17, 2025Episode Summary:In this landmark 100th episode, the spotlight turns onto the visionary behind it all — Menina Fortunato, creator of The Business of Dance as a dance mentor and podcast host. Interviewed by longtime friend and fellow performer Linda Ayentes, Menina reflects on her extraordinary career over the decades spanning live entertainment, television, touring, entrepreneurship, and motherhood.Menina shares her beginnings growing up as a competitive dancer in Canada, her bold move to Los Angeles, and the early hustle of auditioning, securing her agent, and booking major projects. She opens up about performing with icons including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Earth Wind & Fire, Rain, Carmen Electra, and working on massive productions like America's Got Talent, Star Trek: Enterprise, Alias, MAD TV, and more. From national commercials, world tours, TV/Film credits, Menina recounts the highs, heartbreaks, and the pivotal moments that shaped her artistic growth.This episode also explores Menina’s evolution into producer and mentor—launching The Hollywood Summer Tour, and The Business of Dance online mentorship program helping hundreds of dancers book agents, cruise contracts, national tours, Netflix roles, Disney jobs, and commercial careers. She speaks candidly about balancing motherhood with juggling a career, burnout, rebuilding after 2020, and her mission to elevate and educate the next generation of dancers worldwide.This episode is perfect for: dancers, choreographers, dance parents, young performers, creatives seeking longevity, and anyone craving inspiration from a woman who has reinvented herself at every stage of her career.Shownotes:(0:00) – Celebrating Episode 100 & introducing Menina Fortunato(2:45) – How Menina and Linda first met(6:10) – Menina’s early years growing up in dance(12:40) – Moving to LA & landing her first agent(18:55) – Booking major jobs: Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Britney Spears(27:30) – Performing on TV shows, tours, and award shows(33:20) – Transitioning into producing and choreography(47:50) – Launching The Hollywood Summer Tour & elevating young dancers(1:02:35) – Creating The Business of Dance Mentorship(1:25:10) – Menina’s advice on career longevity and reinventionMenina Fortunato is the founder of Menina Entertainment and a powerhouse in the dance and entertainment industry with over 30 years of experience. She has performed on global stages and in major productions such as America’s Got Talent, Latin AMAs, Star Trek: Enterprise, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow—sharing the stage with icons like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Maluma.Seamlessly transitioning from performer to producer, Menina has choreographed and produced for The X Factor, America’s Got Talent, and music videos filmed at Universal and Paramount Studios. She has also served as a producer and voting panelist for the Universal Dance Awards and appeared as a guest judge on Dance Moms.As the visionary behind The Hollywood Summer Tour and The Business of Dance—the online mentorship program and podcast—Menina continues to empower and educate dancers worldwide as a dance mentor and podcast host.Her work has been featured in over 400 media outlets including Forbes, Success Magazine, FOX, Billboard, ABC, NBC, and top dance publications and podcasts.Also a proud wife and mom of three, Menina is known for her resilience, versatility, and lifelong commitment to elevating the next generation of performers.Connect on social media:Website:https://www.bizofdance.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato/https://www.instagram.com/thebizofdance/https://www.instagram.com/dancehst/

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• 99 - Corynne Baron: Cirque du Soleil “Mystere”, SYTYCD Canada, Royal Caribbean Cruises

  Interview Date: May 25th,2025Episode Summary:Corynne Barron shares how a late start in dance, a ringette goalie’s grit, and a chance UK scholarship reshaped her technique and career trajectory. She walks us through So You Think You Can Dance Canada, cruise ships, and ultimately headlining as the Black Widow in Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère. Corynne opens up about saying “no” until the right “yes,” rehabbing a hip surgery, balancing motherhood with teaching and choreographing elite gymnastics floor routines, and the mindset shifts that turn nerves into fuel. Along the way: practical audition tips, backstage culture, and why confidence—and kindness—are a dancer’s best business strategy.Shownotes:(0:50) - Introduction & career highlights: RWB, SYTYCD, Cirque(3:06) - Late dance start at 12; goalie to dancer(4:10) - Year at Royal Winnipeg Ballet; classical training focus(7:00) - SYTYCD dream begins; early ambition sparks(10:02) - UK scholarship retrains technique from basics(10:18–11:06) - Secret SYTYCD audition on 18th birthday(16:18–19:39) - Cirque path: Berlin detour to Mystère lead(21:24–22:12) - Motherhood, teaching & choreographing gymnastics routines(23:06–35:06) - Q&A: auditions, cruise ships, nerves as excitement(36:09–47:27) - Final advice: confidence, kindness, and saying yesBiography:Corynne Barron – Choreographer, Performer, and Visionary ArtistCorynne Barron is a celebrated artist whose remarkable career spans dance, performance, and choreography on a global stage. Trained at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and under Kate Simmons in Warrington, England, Corynne gained national acclaim as a Top 12 finalist on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Her performance credits include the lead soloist role of “Black Widow” in Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère in Las Vegas, where she performed for three years, redefined the character, and served as Dance Captain. At Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin, Europe’s largest theatre, she excelled as Dance Captain, soloist, aerialist, and ensemble dancer amongst a cast of over 60 dancers, with the partnering pole number created on her by Brian Friedman. Corynne has captivated audiences on America’s Got Talent, Shaq’s Fun House during the Super Bowl, the Vegas Strong benefit at T-Mobile Arena representing Mystère, and pre-show performances for the Vegas Golden Knights.In film, Corynne performed as a dancer in a project in Scotland directed by Stacey Tookey for Imagination Film. Her work with Royal Caribbean Entertainment Studios on Allure of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas showcased her versatility as an aerialist, aqua show performer, dancer, and singer. She also modeled for Mondor Danceline in Montreal, and her image can still be found on Mondor tights to this day.Now a prominent choreographer and educator, Corynne creates national-level floor routines for gymnastics and serves as an instructor at dance studios. She is a respected adjudicator for competitions such as Candance Convention and 5678 Showtime and teaches at IDance Convention Canada. Her past contributions include assisting at Nuvo Convention and teaching at Cirque du Soleil auditions, reflecting her commitment to nurturing future talent.With multiple offers from Cirque du Soleil culminating in her iconic Mystère role, Corynne’s career exemplifies her exceptional artistry. She continues to inspire through her innovative choreography and passion for the performing arts.Connect on Social Media:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corynnebarron/

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