The Business of Dance

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Eddie Garcia takes listeners on a journey through his extraordinary dance career—from a tap-dancing kid earning scholarships at Dupre’s to becoming one of the youngest dancers ever selected by Michael Jackson. Eddie reflects on the discipline and versatility that shaped him early on, blending classical training with emerging street styles that positioned him perfectly for the explosion of music videos in the 1980s.
He shares behind-the-scenes stories from iconic projects including Smooth Criminal, the Bad and Dangerous World Tours, and his early work with Janet Jackson under Paula Abdul. Beyond the glamour, Eddie opens up about legal emancipation, learning professionalism at a young age, navigating rejection, and understanding the unspoken rules of auditions and touring life.Throughout the conversation, Eddie emphasizes the importance of humility, preparation, financial responsibility, and soul over tricks.
He offers invaluable wisdom on longevity, leadership, and why relationships—not just talent—sustain a career. The episode closes with Eddie’s passion for mentorship and giving back through teaching and Camp MIA, reminding dancers that true success comes from authenticity, gratitude, and staying connected to why you fell in love with dance in the first place.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome, introductions, and session overview
(9:30) – Early training: tap roots, Dupre’s scholarships
(13:10) – Style fusion: breaking, jazz, ballet foundations
(16:40) – First break: Janet Jackson via Paula Abdul
(19:45) – Emancipation and preparing for adult responsibilities
(21:15) – Michael Jackson audition and Smooth Criminal booking
(26:40) – Touring young: Bad & Dangerous World Tours
(31:00) – Lessons from Michael: timing, presence, musicality
(44:00) – Auditions, rejection, resilience, and professionalism
(1:49:00) – Teaching legacy, Camp MIA, giving back
Biography:
Eddie Garcia is an accomplished director, choreographer, dancer and multi-faceted entertainer with a solid reputation for choreography built upon decades of performing internationally alongside many of today’s most celebrated stars. At just 16 years old, Eddie’s incredible dancing style and technique delivered him to the world stage via many projects with Janet Jackson. He danced in some of her most iconic videos and performances of all time, including “Nasty”, “What Have You Done For Me Lately”, “When I Think of You” and the classic “Control” on the American Music Awards.
By the time Eddie turned 17, “The King of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson, hand picked Eddie to join him. This began with “Smooth Criminal” and continued with other well known videos like the “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Speed Demon”. Eddie spent the next five years dancing with Jackson on the record-breaking and internationally acclaimed “Bad” and “Dangerous” tours.It was during those invaluable years of touring and working on countless sets where Eddie fine-tuned his innate ability to direct, produce and choreograph.
He has since lent his talent as a dancer and choreographer to many well known artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande. Eddie Garcia artistic fingerprint that has made him one of the most sought after names within the world of dance. He continues to enjoy engaging in new creative endeavors.

Interview Date: November 16th, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this insightful conversation, internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, scholar, and educator Anabella Lenzu shares the remarkable journey that shaped her 35-year career. Born in Argentina and classically trained in the prestigious Teatro Colón, Anabella traces her evolution from early flamenco lessons to mastering ballet, modern dance, and dance theater across Argentina, Italy, Chile, London, and New York. She opens up about immigrating with limited English, navigating cultural transitions, and building dance companies on multiple continents—including her current artistic home in Brooklyn.
Anabella explains how her life as a choreographer, educator, writer, and mother intertwines into one seamless identity, offering dancers powerful lessons on artistic responsibility, lineage, and self-discovery. She breaks down why understanding dance history is essential, how to develop presence and technique beyond “steps,” and the courage required to create your own opportunities—including producing her own solo shows and writing two major books that took over a decade to complete.
Listeners will walk away with deep insight into pedagogy, creative research, international work, the reality of running a school, and how to sustain a long-term career anchored in purpose—not trends. This episode is perfect for dancers, choreographers, educators, and anyone seeking to build an artistic life with depth, cultural awareness, and global perspective.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Intro & welcome to Anabella Lenzu
(1:20) – Early life in Argentina & first training
(9:51) – Teatro Colón, ballet roots & modern shift
(13:30) – Global travel shaping artistic identity
(15:00) – Visa challenges & moving to New York
(16:40) – Running a studio, family legacy in Argentina
(23:16) – Scholarship, research, and importance of dance history
(28:32) – Creating solo shows & artistic self-production
(33:14) – Teaching at NYU & curriculum breakdown
(37:40) – Her new book: 11 years of research
Biography:
Anabella Lenzu, originally from Argentina, is a dancer, choreographer, scholar, and educator with 35 years of international experience across Argentina, Chile, Italy, and the USA. She is the founder and director of Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama, a New York–based company known for thought-provoking, historically conscious dance-theater. Since 2006, she has created 15 works and presented over 400 performances worldwide. Her award-winning dance films have screened in more than 200 festivals. Recognized by NDEO and NYSDEA for her innovative pedagogy and leadership, Lenzu continues to shape the field of dance education. She is the author of Unveiling Motion and Emotion(2013) and Teaching Dance Through Meaningful Gestures (2025), exploring the body as a vehicle for expression and philosophy.

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

Interview Date: November 9th, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Menina sits down with Rhonda Kaufman Malkin to unpack how a competition kid from Irvine turned a packed schedule of AP classes, UCLA coursework, the UCLA Dance Team, and three seasons as an LA Laker Girl into a long-term professional career. Rhonda shares how she balanced college with high-level pro work, why she switched from a dance major to sociology, and how booking five jobs in a row her senior year convinced her to go “all in” on dance after graduation.
She walks listeners through her journey to Radio City—getting cut from her first Rockette audition, training herself between Disney shows, then booking the tour just before 9/11 and spending 12 seasons with the Rockettes (nine in NYC), seven of those as a swing, memorizing 36 tracks.
Now the founder of Fusion Exercise, Rhonda has coached 75 dancers into the Rockettes and trains performers for Broadway, NFL/NBA teams, and precision work worldwide. She breaks down what makes precision dance different (counting, spacing grids, eye-high kicks, stamina), how the current three-day Rockette audition works, and why cross-training, professionalism, and genuine love of dance are non-negotiable.
Shownotes:
(8:52) Menina’s intro: Rhonda’s journey from UCLA to Rockettes.

(14:03) Early life: ballet beginnings, competition team roots.
(17:07) Balancing UCLA Dance Team and Laker Girls.
(21:55) First agent wins; persistence through audition setbacks.
(26:18) Rejection lessons: casting “type” and mindset shifts.
(32:07) LA highlights: commercials, Academy Awards with Robin Williams.
(37:44) Booking Rockettes post-9/11; touring and NYC seasons.

(47:12) Precision dance breakdown: spacing, counting, eye-high kicks.

(53:36) Fusion Exercise coaching and modern Rockette audition process
Biography:
Rhonda Kaufman Malkin is a 1996 honors graduate of Woodbridge High School in Irvine, CA. Rhonda was the first student from WHS to "crack Disney" and win the Outstanding Dancer Award for the Disneyland Creativity Challenge, a competition open to Orange County performing arts students. Her 13 years of dance training lead to a 17-year professional dance career in Los Angeles and New York City. While attending UCLA as a Sociology major, Rhonda performed as a Los Angeles Laker Girl for 3 years and received a championship ring for the 2000 inaugural season at Staples Center. 
After graduating UCLA in 2000, she attended seminary at Neve Yerushalayim and started her journey into Orthodox Jewish life. She continued dancing professionally, teaching dance, and choreography on the side while being a Radio City Music Hall Rockette for 12 years performing in multiple cities across America as well as Radio City Music Hall in the “Christmas Spectacular.” Rhonda was a Rockette Swing (memorizing all 36 Rockette dance tracks) for 7 of those years. 
Rhonda developed her famous FUSION EXERCISE fitness method and has trained celebrities including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Karlie Kloss and others. 
Rhonda’s choreography talents lead her to choreographing for numerous live stage and livestream productions in NYC for Jewish artists Bracha Jaffe and Devorah Schwartz. She was Head Choreographer for Camp Mayor for 8 years, recently taught at the prestigious FAME school—La Guardia High School of the Arts, and Manhattan High School in Manhattan as Head Choreographer and Physical Education Department instructor.
She recently choreographed for the Rockette Alumnae Association in “Talent is Timeless” performing off-Broadway at the United Palace Theater in NYC.
As a Professional Dance Coach, she is honored to mention that 75 of her students have become Radio City Rockettes and was recently featured on NY’s PIX11 News. This is Rhonda’s 32nd year as a dance educator. She is a wife and mom to 3 kids.
Connect on Social Media:
TikTok:
@fusion_exercise 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fusion_exercise/

Interview Date: October 26th, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this uplifting episode, UK-based choreographer, educator, and West End performer Ryan Jenkins shares his extraordinary journey from a late-starting dancer at 14 to performing in some of London’s most iconic productions. Known for his work on Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Wicked, Cabaret, Kismet, Phantom of the Opera, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dance Moms UK, Ryan reflects on how perseverance, professionalism, and positivity turned early setbacks into defining milestones.Ryan opens up about the rollercoaster moments that shaped his career—from working retail in London to suddenly joining the original West End cast of Wicked within days, learning the entire show in three days flat.
He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the ballet world, musical theatre, and TV, offering practical insights into casting, mindset, and time management. As a teacher and mentor, Ryan now directs the Elite Associates Program with the Acosta Dance Foundation, founded by ballet star Carlos Acosta, where he helps the next generation of artists reach their full potential.Whether you’re a dancer chasing your first contract or a professional redefining your career path, this conversation is packed with motivation, humor, and heart.
Ryan’s message is clear: stay kind, stay ready, and never stop believing in your own timing—because the job meant for you won’t pass you by.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Welcome & introduction to Ryan Jenkins and his West End legacy
(7:34) – Joining the original Wicked cast with Idina Menzel
(14:37) – Late start in dance at 14 and training at Bird College
(16:56) – Making West End debut in Swan Lake with Matthew Bourne
(19:22) – From “spritzing perfume” to Wicked in one week
(20:30) – Balancing Cabaret, Kismet & Wicked simultaneously
(22:21) – Competing on So You Think You Can Dance & Got to Dance
(25:17) – Transitioning to choreography and Dance Moms UK
(26:19) – Launching Acosta Dance Foundation’s Elite Associate Program
(28:44) – Biggest lessons: likability, professionalism, and mindset
Biography:
Ryan has worked with the biggest creatives in the world including; Matthew Bourne, Arlene Philips, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joel Schumacher, Peter Darling and Ashley Wallen. He has also shared the stage with stars such as; Kerry Ellis, Idina Menzal, Adam Cooper, Miriam Margolyes, and Adam Garcia. 2025 Ryan worked for Simon Cowell as casting specialist for Britain’ s got talent.
The only teacher in the world to have taught the dancers from the hit US T.V show Dance Moms for Abby Lee Miller and as choreographer for UK TV version Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison. Most notably known for appearing as a finalist in the top 20 in series 2, So You Think You Can Dance and Got to Dance, before this he had a flourishing career in  London’s West End but not before gaining his first job at 19 in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Ryan was appointed as Dance Captain for Grease The Musical UK and European Tour, choreographed by Arlene Philips. Original London cast of Wicked, ENO (English National Opera)- Kismet ,  London Coliseum. Cabaret' musical Lyric theatre, by Javier de Fructos.
Featured dancer - Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera the movie, directed by Joel Schumacher and choreographed by Peter Darling.Most recently started a new dance programme with Acosta dance foundation founded by Ballet star Carlos Acosta called Elite Associates.
In 2025 he choreographed the music video 'The blossom and the mountain' which has been nominated all over the world in film festivals and won awards.
Connect on Social Media:
Website: https://www.ryanjenkins.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realryanjenkins/

Interview Date: October 19th, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this empowering episode, Dana Wilson—dancer, choreographer, creative director, and podcast host—joins The Business of Dance Podcast to share an inside look at her two-decade career working alongside icons like Justin Timberlake, Marty Kudelka, Baz Luhrmann, and Chris Scott. From her early years at the Michelle Latimer Dance Academy to performing on three world tours and serving on the Choreographers Guild, Dana reflects on what it takes to sustain longevity in entertainment while staying grounded in self-awareness, mindset, and creative purpose.
She opens up about her first big break assisting Marty Kudelka and performing on Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow, her transition into choreography, acting, and voiceover work (Pinocchio, Elvis, In the Heights, La La Land), and the creation of her Words That Move Me podcast and coaching community. Dana also dives into how the dance industry has evolved—from agency systems to AI and the digital creator era—sharing invaluable advice on processing rejection, developing emotional resilience, and “turning the grave into a garden.”
With wisdom, humor, and refreshing honesty, Dana reminds dancers that success is nonlinear, mentorship is invaluable, and feeling your feelings is a superpower.
Shownotes:
(0:00) – Opening chat: motherhood, dogs, and pre-interview setup
(4:00) – Reviewing Dana’s career highlights and credits
(8:45) – Starting the session: Justin Timberlake music intro
(12:00) – Dana’s early dance training, family background, and move to LA
(17:00) – Booking her first tour with Justin Timberlake and working with Marty Kudelka
(22:00) – 20 years of collaboration with Justin: tours, SNL, and Super Bowl
(27:00) – Creating Words That Move Me podcast + turning rejection into education
(33:00) – The power of coaching, mindset, and mental health for artists
(42:00) – The Choreographers Guild, AI, and how the dance industry is evolving
(54:00) – Q&A: Finding mentors, dealing with rejection, and touring lessons

Biography:
"People who call Dana Wilson a “Joy Machine” are not wrong. Her work is a joy to behold and she is a joy to work with.Dana Wilson is a choreographer, performer, movement coach, educator, Apple Top 100 Performing Arts Podcast host, and activist who understands how to move real people.

Her work is undeniably bright, refined and classic, yet bizarre with a healthy dose of happy. She works at the highest level across mediums from TV/ Film and Commercials to Tours/ Music Videos, and even Stop Motion Animation/ Motion Capture. From Apple to Amazon, Justin Timberlake to Paula Abdul, Elvis to Pinocchio, her impact is singular and she carves paths for others to shine as well.
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/danadaners/
Website: thedanawilson.com