The Business of Dance

Interview Date: July 26th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato reconnects with Hollywood Summer Tour alum Angelica Valente, whose journey has taken her from competitive dancer in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to an LA-based director, producer, fashion designer, and creative entrepreneur. Angelica shares how an early trip to Los Angeles changed the trajectory of her life, eventually inspiring her to move to LA at 17 to study dance. While pursuing a professional dance career, her interests in fashion, film, editing, styling, and creative direction began opening doors she never originally imagined.
Angelica opens up about navigating the entertainment industry as an international artist, from OPT and the O-1 visa process to developing the work ethic, resourcefulness, and relationships necessary to build a career in the United States. She shares how she co-founded Spaced Visuals, grew from working with emerging artists to major productions, and eventually launched her own fashion label, VALENTE. Today, her worlds of dance, film, fashion, and creative direction intersect through productions, campaigns, custom stagewear, and visual storytelling.
Throughout the conversation and mentee Q&A, Angelica encourages dancers to remain open to where their careers can lead, take risks before they feel completely ready, and create opportunities rather than waiting for permission. Her journey is a powerful reminder that dance can be the foundation for countless careers beyond performing—and that the skills dancers develop can continue shaping their success in unexpected ways.
Shownotes:
0:00 – Meet director and designer Angelica Valente
3:23 – Growing up dancing in Thunder Bay
5:15 – Discovering Los Angeles and dreaming bigger
8:06 – Expanding from dance into creative direction
9:28 – Film, editing, fashion spark new passions
11:36 – Navigating OPT and the O-1 visa
17:42 – Building Spaced Visuals from the ground up
19:26 – Launching VALENTE and learning fashion independently
21:19 – Designing custom stagewear for KATSEYE
24:33 – Recognizing how far you have come
26:32 – Taking risks before you feel ready
28:45 – How dance strengthens creative direction skills
33:14 – Q&A: Dreaming beyond what you can see
38:40 – Q&A: Create your own career opportunities
47:21 – Exploring careers beyond being the performer
Biography:
Angelica Valente is a director and fashion designer based in Los Angeles. She is the co-founder of Spaced Visuals, a multidisciplinary creative studio known for crafting cinematic campaigns, music videos, and visual identities for artists and global brands including Usher, Chris Brown, Megan Thee Stallion, Meghan Trainor, GIVĒON, Masego, PUMA, Coca-Cola, TikTok, 100 Thieves, and SoundCloud.
Alongside her production work, Angelica is the founder and creative director of VALENTE, a luxury fashion label recognized for its sculptural silhouettes, cinematic storytelling, and handcrafted collections. Since launching in 2021, VALENTE has designed custom stagewear for KATSEYE, with pieces worn during major appearances including the GRAMMYs, as well as custom looks for Paris Hilton. Her designs have also been worn by Jordin Sparks, Tori Kelly on Good Morning America, Rhea Raj, WNBA champion Jackie Young, and Atsuko Okatsuka for the Emmy Awards.
Whether directing a campaign, designing a collection, or shaping an artist’s creative era, Angelica brings together film, fashion, and brand strategy to create immersive visual identities that live seamlessly across multiple mediums. Her work is defined by bold creative direction, cinematic storytelling, and a relentless focus on crafting ideas that leave a lasting cultural impression.
Connect on Social Media:
Website:
www.spacedvisuals.com
www.valenteworld.com
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/angelicavalente_
www.instagram.com/spacedvisuals
www.instagram.com/valenteworld_

Interview Date: August 2nd, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary B-boy, choreographer, creative producer, and three-time World Champion Ivan “Flipz” Velez for a conversation about building a career that lasts.
Ivan shares his journey from discovering breaking and pursuing his passion in New York to becoming a professional dancer, touring internationally, working across major dance films, performing at the Olympics, and eventually expanding his career into choreography, casting, producing, stunt work, and motion capture.
Beyond the credits, Ivan gets candid about the qualities that have sustained his career: professionalism, humility, kindness, preparation, persistence, and being willing to help others. He explains why being the most talented dancer in the room isn't enough and how reputation, relationships, representation, and consistently showing up prepared can create opportunities for decades.
The conversation also explores agents, managers, publicists, personal branding, social media, and the importance of putting yourself and your work out into the world—even before you feel completely ready. Ivan reminds dancers that their individual talent deserves to be seen and that there is room for everyone to succeed.
During the mentee Q&A, Ivan shares lessons from decades in breaking, including resilience, humility, navigating injuries, and continuing to evolve. His story is a powerful example of how dance can become the vehicle to an entire career in entertainment when artists refuse to limit themselves to a single title.
Shownotes:
00:00 — Meet legendary B-boy Ivan “Flipz” Velez
08:31 — Chasing breaking’s roots all the way to NYC
09:25 — Betting on himself before booking Honey
24:40 — Reflecting on decades of unforgettable career milestones
26:43 — Why helping others can shape your career
30:20 — Professionalism becomes the secret to career longevity
31:02 — Staying humble when someone is always better
40:16 — How representation helped protect and elevate him
44:31 — Building the agent-manager-publicist dream team
48:56 — Understanding publicity as an investment in yourself
54:38 — Put yourself out there before you’re ready
1:13:00 — What breaking taught Ivan about life
1:14:43 — The physical sacrifices behind a breaking career
1:16:25 — Passion and persistence through major injuries
1:23:37 — Commit, execute, and never limit your possibilities
Biography:
Ivan “Flipz” Velez is a host, choreographer, creative producer, three-time World Champion, and renowned B-boy who began his career as a dancer and stunt performer.
Throughout his career, Ivan has toured the world with top international music icons and acted and danced in major dance films spanning the past two decades. He is also the founder of the internationally recognized Skill Methodz Crew, one of the most elite and legendary B-boy crews in the world.
Ivan continues to act in film and on stage while performing and creating across commercial projects. His infectious positive energy, endless creativity, and commitment to excellence have established him as more than an exceptional performer—he has become a trusted collaborator and creative force across entertainment.
Having built his career around his unique style, inventiveness, and out-of-the-box thinking, Ivan has carried that same creativity behind the camera, expanding his work into choreography, casting, and producing.
“See the INVISIBLE… can do the IMPOSSIBLE.” — Ivan “Flipz” Velez

https://www.instagram.com/ivanflipzvelez?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=2i6wdlr5giti

Website: https://www.ivan-flipz-velez.com/

Interview Date: July 19th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Brandon Henschel shares his journey from discovering dance at age 12 after being inspired by Michael Jackson to building a successful, decades-long career as a performer, choreographer, director, and educator. He reflects on breaking into the entertainment industry in the 1990s, landing one of his first major opportunities in a Michael Jackson music video, and commuting from San Diego to Los Angeles for auditions and professional jobs.
Brandon shares behind-the-scenes stories from major projects, including touring with Britney Spears, appearing in the iconic Pepsi commercial, performing on Lip Sync Battle, and working alongside some of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable artists and creatives. He also explains why genuine relationships, professionalism, versatility, and a positive attitude are often more valuable than relying solely on auditions.
The conversation also explores Brandon’s transition from performer to creative leader and his current work as the Resident Director of Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas. He discusses the responsibilities of managing a large-scale production, maintaining its artistic integrity, integrating new performers, and leading a diverse cast and creative team. Brandon concludes with valuable advice on accountability, leadership, musicality, audition preparation, partnering, and building a sustainable career in entertainment.
Shownotes:
0:02 – Introduction and Brandon’s entertainment career overview
2:59 – Discovering dance through Michael Jackson at age 12
7:46 – Landing a Michael Jackson video as his first major job
10:00 – Viewing auditions as valuable networking opportunities
13:25 – Why relationships create long-term career opportunities
15:18 – Performing with Britney Spears and booking the Pepsi commercial
17:00 – Navigating massive auditions and intimidating private callbacks
22:17 – Commercial residuals and career-changing performance opportunities
24:00 – Filming From Justin to Kelly in Miami
29:50 – Inside the spectacular Las Vegas production Awakening
35:13 – Transitioning from professional performer to resident director
40:25 – Developing the leadership skills required to manage performers
46:39 – Why accountability is essential in every career
50:00 – Q&A: Audition advice for acrobatic dancers
53:05 – Q&A: Balancing school, training, and professional goals
For over 30 years, Brandon Henschel has worked as a choreographer and director across film, television, live events, and theatre. His clients and collaborators include Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tobey Maguire, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé.
Brandon currently serves as the Resident Director of Awakening, named Best Production Show in Las Vegas, at Wynn Resorts. He has held the position for three consecutive years, overseeing the performers and helping maintain the artistic integrity of the large-scale production.
In addition to his professional work, Brandon has taught internationally for more than 20 years. He is passionate about developing the next generation of performers through foundational technique, musicality, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thebrandonhenschel/

Interview Date: July 12th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Tanya Jane shares her journey from a young professional dancer in Australia to building a thriving career in Los Angeles—and ultimately transitioning into a seven-figure success energetics coaching business. After moving to LA at just 19, she navigated visas, broke into the industry without connections, and built a decade-long career performing on some of the world’s biggest stages alongside major artists.
Tanya opens up about the realities of the dance industry, including rejection, audition pressure, and the mental resilience required to sustain long-term success. She shares practical advice on securing representation, standing out in auditions, and creating opportunities for yourself—emphasizing the importance of persistence, preparation, and taking bold action even when the path is uncertain.
The conversation then shifts into her transition out of dance and into entrepreneurship, where she built a 7-figure coaching business rooted in mindset and “success energetics.” Tanya breaks down how shifting internal beliefs can transform external results, offering tools to help dancers overcome rejection, reframe setbacks, and step into aligned, expansive success. The episode closes with a Q&A, where she answers questions on moving cities, building confidence, and navigating fear in the entertainment industry.
Show Notes 
0:00 – Introduction and Tanya’s career overview
2:30 – Early dance training and professional start
6:05 – Moving to LA and visa challenges
7:18 – Booking contract and preparing financially
9:42 – First LA audition and getting signed
11:31 – O-1 visa process and requirements
14:41 – Securing sponsorship and staying in LA
17:10 – Taking risks and asking for opportunities
20:11 – Building credentials and industry positioning
25:51 – Favorite jobs and performance experiences
27:25 – Transition from dance to entrepreneurship
30:00 – Mindset shift and career transformation
34:41 – Four-step energy flip for rejection
44:07 – Q&A: moving to a new city mindset
53:27 – Q&A: fear, confidence, industry advice
Biography:
Tanya Jane is a former professional dancer turned success energetics mentor for high-achieving women ready to 10x their life, business, and income—without burnout.
Originally from Sydney, Australia, she moved to Los Angeles at 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She went on to build a decade-long career performing on some of the world’s biggest stages and television productions, working with artists including Cher, Nick Jonas, Bad Bunny, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, and Bebe Rexha.
Today, Tanya is the founder of a 7-figure coaching business where she blends her experience of pursuing “unrealistic” dreams with scalable wealth strategies and aligned action. Through her work, she helps women break through limiting beliefs, elevate their mindset, and create extraordinary success—while fully living an extraordinary life.
Connect on Social Media:
Website: https://www.thetanyajane.com/so
dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetanyajane/

Interview: July 5th, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode, German Morales—talent agent, manager, producer, and founder of MGMT Artists—shares an inside look into the entertainment industry and what it truly takes to build a sustainable career as a performer. With over 20 years of experience, German walks through his unconventional journey from aspiring actor to becoming a leading talent representative, highlighting how his background in business and passion for entertainment ultimately shaped his career path.
German breaks down the day-to-day role of an agent, from reviewing casting breakdowns and submitting talent to negotiating contracts and developing artists long-term. He emphasizes the importance of strong branding, professional materials—especially headshots and reels—and the value of persistence when seeking representation. A key takeaway from this episode is the power of being a multi-hyphenate performer. Dancers who can also act, sing, or model significantly increase their opportunities and marketability in today’s industry.
The conversation also explores the current audition landscape, where self-tapes dominate, along with practical advice on how to stand out, avoid common mistakes, and leverage tools like social media and AI. German also shares insights into iPOP, a global talent showcase that connects performers with industry professionals, and how opportunities like this can accelerate exposure and career growth. The episode concludes with a live Q&A, offering real-time guidance for dancers navigating representation, submissions, and long-term career strategy.
Show Notes
0:00 – Introduction to German Morales and career
2:03 – From aspiring actor to talent agent
6:08 – Inside an agent’s daily responsibilities
7:49 – Types of talent and notable clients
11:31 – How to get signed by an agent
13:33 – What iPOP is and how it works
15:40 – Notable success stories from iPOP
17:10 – How to apply and audition for iPOP
20:06 – Importance of being a multi-hyphenate performer
21:42 – How to become a talent agent
28:00 – What makes a strong submission stand out
33:24 – Why dancers should learn acting
38:03 – When and how to submit to agencies
50:07 – Self-tapes vs in-person auditions today
53:00 – Closing
Biography:
German E. Morales is a talent agent, manager, producer, and founder of MGMT Artists. With more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, he has helped launch and develop the careers of actors, models, singers, and performers who have appeared in major television shows, films, national commercials, and even Academy Award-nominated productions.
He is also a managing partner of iPOP!, one of the world’s leading talent discovery events, connecting aspiring performers with top agents, managers, casting directors, and producers. A voting member of the Television Academy, German is passionate about helping the next generation of talent break into the entertainment industry and build lasting careers.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/german_mgmtartists_/
Website: https://mgmtartists.com/