The Business of Dance

Latest Episodes:

122- Curt Hansen: Wicked on Broadway, Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, Kinky Boots, 567 Sing Vocal Coach. Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

Interview Date: February 1st, 2026

Episode Summary:

Broadway veteran Curt Hansen shares his journey from a quiet kid in small-town Wisconsin to starring on Broadway in Hairspray and spending eight years in Wicked as Fiyero. Along the way, he opens up about booking early, being recast from Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, working alongside Ariana Grande before her pop superstardom, and learning how to handle the mental side of auditioning.

Now the founder of 567 Sing, Curt helps dancers become confident, audition-ready triple threats. In this episode, he breaks down practical strategies for choosing audition songs, building vocal strength, managing nerves, and balancing singing with intense dance schedules. It’s an honest, motivating conversation about preparation, resilience, and why singing “isn’t that deep”—if you do the work.

Shownotes:

0:00 – Welcome + how Curt and Menina connected through Instagram

9:15 – Small-town beginnings: choir sparks his performing path

11:29 – Open call breakthrough → booking Hairspray on Broadway

16:07 – Big Time Rush: cast, recast, and resilience

20:06 – Ariana Grande story + booking Wicked as Fiyero

22:23 – Eight years with Wicked: tours, Broadway, meeting his wife

27:18 – Why dancers must learn to sing (and how to start)

37:24 – Choosing an audition song + preparation strategy

1:00:00 – Balancing intense dance training with vocal goals

1:09:17 – Final advice: treat auditions like performances, not pressure

Biography: Curt Hansen is a Broadway performer with a 15-year professional career across theatre, television, and music. He’s appeared in Broadway shows including Hairspray as Link Larkin, Kinky Boots as Charlie Price, and Next to Normal opposite Tony Award winner Alice Ripley, and was also part of Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush. His biggest claim to fame, however, was starring as the Winkie Prince, Fiyero Tigelaar, in Wicked on Broadway.

After building his career as a true triple threat, Curt now helps dancers develop confident, reliable singing voices through his training platform, 567Sing — teaching singing the way dancers learn best: through structure, repetition, and performance-ready skills.

Connect on Social:

https://www.instagram.com/curt_hansen/

121 - Tony G: Bring it On Franchise, Olivia Rodrigo, Brittany Spears, Kids Bop, The Masked Singer and The Birdcage. Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Interview Date: February 8th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and entertaining episode of The Business of Dance, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary casting director, choreographer, and creative producer Tony Gonzalez (Tony G).

With credits spanning the Bring It On franchise, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U,” Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale Tour, Wayne’s World, The Birdcage, The Masked Singer, and Kids Bop, Tony shares the real story behind his decades-long career in Hollywood.

From being told he was “too short” and “not the look,” to building an empire rooted in hustle and business savvy, Tony proves longevity comes from mindset—not just movement.

Tony dives deep into the difference between being talented and being bookable, why dancers must understand they are a business first, and how listening (ears before movement) is the true audition superpower. He unpacks pivotal career moments—including being fired from the first Bring It On film only to choreograph the next six installments—and how advocating for dancers’ pay shaped his reputation.

From TikTok virality (“Unk” with 315K+ followers) to creative directing large-scale productions, Tony reminds dancers that opportunity is everywhere—not just in LA or New York. This episode is perfect for dancers who want longevity, leadership, and a competitive edge in auditions, choreography, and beyond.

Shownotes:

(0:00) – Intro to Tony G

(11:50) – Early roots: Soul Train to modern dance

(14:11) – Meeting Paula Abdul & industry breakthrough

(19:56) – Rejection from agents & pivot to choreography

(24:27) – Wayne’s World & Birdcage career milestones

(28:32) – Fired from Bring It On, built the franchise

(31:29) – Audition advice: ears first, then movement

(36:53) – Creative director vs. choreographer explained

(43:53) – TikTok fame: “Rooftop Tony” & 315K followers

(1:09:16) – Final message: you are the business

Biography:

With four decades of genre-shaping experience in entertainment, Tony Gonzalez—better known as Tony G—is a creative force in Hollywood. A casting director, acclaimed choreographer, creative director, and producer, his work spans dance, film, television, and music videos. Tony G has shaped movement and storytelling across more than 360 broadcast television commercials, iconic episodic and sitcom series including The Office, Community, Up All Night, and 3rd Rock from the Sun, as well as feature films such as Universal Pictures’ Bring It On franchise.

Known for capturing the essence of movement on screen, Tony G thrives in the moment—crafting, adjusting, and elevating choreography instantly on set. His passion for teaching while creating fuels collaboration and opportunity, resulting in bold staging, electric flow, and unforgettable visual storytelling. Whether on a film, television, commercial, or music video set, Tony G delivers precision, adaptability, and undeniable vibe.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tonygcast/

Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gfresh

120- Jada Specht: Jason Darulo, Teyana Taylor, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Disneyland and HST Alumni. Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

Interview Date: January 11th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this special two-part episode of The Business of Dance, Menina Fortunato sits down with rising professional dancer Jada Specht for an honest, real-time look at what it truly takes to build a career in today’s commercial dance industry. Joining the conversation directly from rehearsals and then again from home, Jada shares her journey from small-town beginnings to touring internationally with Jason Derulo, highlighting the discipline, adaptability, and mindset required to stay booked—and stay sane—on the road.

Across the Q&A, Jada offers practical insight into transitioning from the competition world into professional work, emphasizing diversified training, research, and preparation. She breaks down what actually makes a dancer valuable to major artist teams—beyond technique—including professionalism, kindness, reliability, and being someone others want to spend long days with on tour. The conversation also dives into audition strategy, how she got signed by an agent, the realities of re-auditioning while already on tour, and why showing up—even when not “picked”—can change everything.

The episode wraps with candid advice on finances, side hustles, self-care, recovery, and longevity. From warm-ups and flexibility to mindset, consistency, and treating your dance career like a full-time job, Jada’s story is both motivating and grounding. This episode is especially valuable for dancers preparing to move to LA, navigating auditions, or learning how to sustain momentum when bookings feel uncertain.

Shownotes:

(0:00) – Welcome + guest introduction

(4:52) – Behind rehearsals: re-auditioning while on tour

(7:30) – Transitioning from competition to professional dancer

(10:22) – Researching choreographers, artists, and decision-makers

(15:16) – What she’d change: training earlier, broader styles

(17:35) – What makes dancers valuable on major tours

(21:40) – Moving to LA: fear, readiness, and mindset shift

(29:58) – LA checklist: agent, headshots, demo reel, profiles

(36:34) – Side hustles, finances, and surviving between bookings

(45:43) – Recovery, self-care, and protecting your body

Biography:

Dancing for over 17 years and recently moving to LA to pursue her dreams, Jada Specht has assisted and trained under many industry choreographers that has led her to where she is today. She is currently on tour with Jason Derulo and has worked with artists such as Teyana Taylor, Nelly, Busta Rhymes.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadaspecht/

119- Sarah Mitchell: Knicks City Dancer, Christina Aguilera, NFL Patriots Cheerleader, Britney Spears’ Residency, Olivia Rodrigro's Movement Coach. Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

Interview Date: December 14th, 2025.

In this episode of Business of Dance, Menina sits down with veteran performer and powerhouse industry staple Sarah Mitchell, who joins the conversation nine months pregnant and still glowing (literally). Sarah takes us back to her beginnings in Western Massachusetts—starting dance at two-and-a-half, falling in love with NYC after seeing the Rockettes at age nine, and boldly moving to New York City with limited money but unstoppable determination. From becoming a Patriots cheerleader in high school (and earning a Super Bowl ring) to landing the Knicks City Dancers through a Good Morning America public vote, Sarah breaks down how dance teams can be a career-launching network, training ground, and built-in community for dancers moving to major markets.

Sarah shares a full-circle story that shaped her career: after moving to LA with no plan besides “I have to be here,” she booked American Gladiators—only for the dance cast to be cut. That “loss” led directly to her booking a Jell-O commercial, meeting Jerry Slaughter, and soon finding herself dancing with Christina Aguilera—the same artist she once watched from the audience dreaming of being on stage. From there, the episode dives into Sarah’s long-running work with major artists and productions, including Christina Aguilera (spanning roughly 2007/2008 to 2024), Britney Spears’ Vegas residency, Burlesque, and the realities of auditioning, touring, and navigating the emotional highs and lows of a freelance performance career—especially as life expands into marriage and motherhood.

Shownotes:

(0:00) – Welcome
(7:01) – Full intro: Sarah Mitchell’s career highlights
(11:40) – Early beginnings: Western MA, Rockettes inspiration
(12:30) – Patriots cheerleaders, Super Bowl ring, early confidence
(13:17) – Knicks City Dancers + Good Morning America vote
(17:01) – Cross-country move to LA, starting from scratch
(20:26) – American Gladiators canceled → pivotal career shift
(22:28) – Booking Christina Aguilera through Jerry Slaughter
(30:15) – Burlesque stories: doubles, endurance, golden time
(50:37) – Q&A wisdom: preparation, mindset, longevity, balance

Biography:

A dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience, Mitchell has toured and performed with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Dua Lipa. She co-starred on the E! Network’s The Dance Scene and has had featured appearances in films such as Burlesque, La La Land, and Music and Lyrics. Sarah performed with Britney Spears in her Las Vegas residency “Piece of Me” for five years, and has appeared on numerous television and award shows including The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, American Housewife and Oprah.

For the last decade, Sarah has worked with the NFL and choreographed for the NBA, including multiple NBA All Star Game performances. She recently worked as movement director for Olivia Rodrigo, Christina Aguilera’s new perfume campaign and Aveda. Sarah is also a producer as well as an editor and a mother.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahmitchell/

118- Brooke Lipton: Emmy Nominated Choreographer, Glee, Palm Royale, Britney Spears, Madonna, and Dancing with the Stars. Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

Interview date: December 7th, 2025

Episode Summary:

Brooke Lipton—Emmy-nominated choreographer and longtime Hollywood Vibe faculty member—joins Business of Dance to share her journey from booking her first professional job at 12 to building a lasting career in dance, television, and choreography. She reflects on moving to Los Angeles at 18, training relentlessly, learning how to care for her body, and developing the discipline needed to survive in a competitive industry.

Brooke opens up about touring with Britney Spears, becoming a young mother, and making the pivotal transition from performer to choreographer. She breaks down how assisting, understanding life on set, and respecting every department shaped her leadership style and allowed her to create healthier, more sustainable environments for dancers.

In the Q&A, Brooke delivers honest advice on confidence, comparison, and work ethic—urging dancers to go “full out,” attack their weaknesses, stay adaptable, and remember that joy and resilience are essential to longevity in this industry.

Shownotes:

(0:00) – Welcome + introduction to Brooke Lipton
(6:10) – Career overview: tours, TV, choreography credits
(9:46) – Phoenix beginnings + first job at 12

(12:30) – Moving to LA at 18, full-time training
(14:29) – Health, body awareness, and longevity
(17:28) – The haircut moment: identity and visibility
(21:54) – Britney Spears tours + touring realities
(25:49) – Touring while pregnant, life balance
(31:52) – Transition into choreography via Glee
(34:33) – Hiring dancers and creating opportunities
(45:37) – Advice: fundamentals, weaknesses, discipline
(1:17:50) – Closing message: confidence, joy, resilience

Biography:

Brooke Lipton’s energy is contagious. Originally known as an exceptional natural dancer, she is now an accomplished choreographer who thoroughly understands the requirements of dramatic TV photography and production.

A native of Phoenix, AZ, Brooke was already a rising star in the LA dance scene at the age of 12. She moved to LA to pursue her dream of being a professional dancer, and has since worked with artists including Madonna, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Paula Abdul. Brooke toured the world with Britney Spears for over eight years, including the “Dream Within A Dream” Tour, “The Onyx Hotel” Tour and “Circus” promo tour.

Later, she was a key member of the choreographic team on the mega-hit Fox TV series “Glee”, starting as Associate and rising to Choreographer over the show’s six seasons, during which the team created more than 750 musical numbers as well as the show’s two live-performance world tours, plus “The Glee Project” unscripted series and “Glee Live 3D The Movie”.

Brooke’s work has also been featured on many other major TV series including “Dr. Odyssey”, “9-1-1: Lone Star”, “Dancing with the Stars”, “Lucifer”, “National Treasure”, “Bones”, and “American Horror Story”. Most recently, she choreographed seasons 1 and 2 of the magnificent new Apple+ series “Palm Royale”.

As a choreographer, Brooke has worked with such iconic stars as Shirley MacLaine, Carol Burnett, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Chenoweth and Ricky Martin, and has two Emmy nominations in Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming one for “Lucifer” and the other for season 1 of “Palm Royale”.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke_lipton/

117- Shanie Blais: Wicked Film, Karol G Tour, Camila Cabello & Doechii’s “Anxiety” Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

Interview date: November 30th, 2025

Episode Summary:

In this Business of Dance interview, Shanie Blais—Montreal-born, LA-based dancer—shares how her career evolved from a small-town studio kid into a working professional with major credits including the Wicked film, the Wicked live performance special, and a stadium/world tour with Karol G. Shanie walks listeners through her early training, her decision to leave Montreal to pursue bigger opportunities, and how she tested both New York and LA in “three months at a time” visits before fully committing.

A major focus of the conversation is the O-1 visa journey: what “deal memos” actually are, how relationships and credibility build a strong case, and why being physically present in the market (classes, events, consistent visibility) matters. Shanie emphasizes that success today looks different than past generations—less open calls and more direct booking—meaning dancers must treat social media as their resume while still doing the real-world work of training and networking.

Throughout the Q&A, Shanie offers grounded advice on staying versatile, building confidence and social skills, and protecting mental health in an industry that runs in seasons of highs and lows. From navigating London as a newcomer on Wicked to learning how to balance training with rest, her biggest message is clear: show up, be kind, plant seeds without expectations, and trust timing—because when it’s meant for you, it will align.

Shownotes:

(0:00) – Welcome + Wicked introduction
(4:20) – Montreal roots & competition beginnings

(11:31) – Choosing LA over New York

(14:59) – O-1 visa strategy & deal memos
(22:22) – Signing with an agency in LA
(24:17) – First LA booking: Camila Cabello
(26:35) – Booking Wicked without audition
(30:00) – Direct booking era & social media resumes
(37:11) – Touring with Karol G: stadium life
(56:19) – Mental health, balance, and longevity

Biography:
A professional dancer, born in Montreal and based in Los Angeles for the past five years, I live my passion for dance by collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. I recently toured the world with the renowned Latin artist KarolG and worked on one of the greatest films,, Wicked. Throughout my international career, I have performed alongside artists such as Doechii, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello, Olivia Rodrigo, and Shania Twain. For me, dance is a way to tell stories, connect, and inspire.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanie_blais/

116- Eddie Garcia : Michael Jackson (2 Tours + Super Bowl), Janet Jackson, J Lo, Ariana Grande, Paula Abdul Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

115- Anabella Lenzu: 35 Years of Dance Theater, NYU Pedagogy & Global Arts Legacy Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

Interview Date: November 16th, 2025

Episode Summary:

In thisinsightful 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/

114- Rhonda Malkin: Radio City Rockette, Glee, Beyoncé, & New York City’s Go-To Dance Coach Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

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/

113- Ryan Jenkins: Britain’s Got Talent, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake to Wicked & Phantom of the Opera Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

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/

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