Interview Date: April 12th, 2026

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Alicia Mae Holloway shares her extraordinary journey from a small-town competition dancer in West Virginia to building a multifaceted career in ballet, commercial dance, modeling, acting, and social media. She reflects on knowing from the age of three that dance was her purpose, and how that conviction led her to leave home at just 13 years old to pursue elite ballet training. From earning a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet to landing her first professional contracts, Alicia’s story is one of deep faith, resilience, and bold commitment to her dreams.

Alicia also opens up about the realities of a long professional career: painful auditions, injuries, rejection, career pivots, and the mental challenges that dancers face when their identity is tied so closely to performance. She shares how Dance Theatre of Harlem shaped her artistry, how social media unexpectedly expanded her career, and why authenticity matters more than perfection in today’s entertainment world. Her advice to young dancers is both practical and inspiring: stay true to yourself, embrace being multidimensional, and remember that rejection is often redirection.

Top 10 Show Notes

1. 3:58 — Alicia knew dance was her calling

2. 6:17 — West Virginia scholarship changed everything

3. 9:35 — Moved away from home at 14

4. 14:21 — Worst audition led to first contract

5. 19:49 — Six-hour audition booked Dance Theatre Harlem

6. 21:17 — Mentor predicted her DTH future

7. 27:40 — TikTok consistency sparked massive growth

8. 35:45 — Talent plus visibility creates more opportunities

9. 57:05 — Rejection is redirection, not the end

10. 1:09:14 — Dance for yourself, not approval

Biography:Alicia Mae Holloway is from Morgantown, West Virginia and began dancing when she was three years old at Kat and Company Dance Studio. In 2007, Alicia began taking classes at Morgantown Dance Studio. She also trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts before attending the School of American Ballet from 2011–2015. Alicia has attended the Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program, as well as Pacific Northwest Ballet.

She began her professional career dancing with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, and completed seven seasons with the Dance Theatre of Harlem where she has worked with Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight. She has shot music videos with Grammy award–winning artist KEM, as well as JAGMAC and Eryn Martin, and can be seen in Google commercials, Maybelline commercials, and in Glamour Magazine’s November issue, as well as an online feature of Who Wore What, and most recently, has a story live now with PEOPLE Magazine regarding her audition process and training with the Rockettes. In 2023, Alicia appeared on the cover of PEOPLE, further expanding her national visibility.

Alicia was also the Lead Principal Dancer in Josh Bergasse’s Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker, bringing new life to the iconic reimagining of the classic ballet.

She has served as the co-chairwoman of the School of American Ballet’s Visiting Faculty Program and was a Princess Grace Award nominee. Alicia was cast as The Lady in a Yellow Dress in the revival of Broadway’s show CONTACT, by Susan Stroman.

In addition to her dance career, Alicia models for American Eagle, Aime Leon Dore, and Victoria’s Secret. She filmed her first movie last year-dancing and acting in Man With the Bag, directed by Adam Shankman.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/aliciamaeholloway_/?hl=en

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliciamaeholloway?lang=en

Interview Date: March 29

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with internationally acclaimed dancer, creative, and entrepreneur Loïc Mabanza to explore his inspiring journey from street dancing in Paris to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Entirely self-taught, Loïc shares how dance was never something he formally planned for—it was simply part of who he was. Everything shifted when, at just 16 years old, he was paid for his first music video, opening his eyes to the possibility of building a real career through dance.

Loïc reflects on the mindset that carried him through uncertainty, rejection, and doubt. He speaks candidly about being underestimated by peers, yet staying committed to a vision that others could not see. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, he focused on consistent action, trusting that small steps would eventually lead him where he wanted to go. His story is a powerful example of how clarity, preparation, and resilience can turn impossible dreams into real opportunities.

Throughout the conversation, Loïc shares pivotal moments that shaped his career, from using street performances to fund travel, to taking bold risks like crashing auditions and placing himself in rooms he technically was not invited into. Those decisions became defining turning points that led to major professional breakthroughs, including opportunities on the global stage.

This episode is filled with wisdom for dancers and creatives carving out their own path. Loïc challenges the idea of having a “plan B,” encouraging artists to fully back themselves while building confidence through small wins and real-life evidence. His perspective is a reminder that success is rarely linear, but with vision, adaptability, self-belief, and persistence, it becomes possible to create a career far beyond what others expect.

Shownotes:
00:00 – Introduction to Loïc Mabanza and his global career
04:00 – Growing up self-taught and naturally connected to dance
05:50 – First paid music video sparks professional ambition
08:15 – Choosing dance fully and moving with intention
13:20 – Being doubted by others and staying committed
20:00 – Success as a step-by-step journey
26:30 – The overseas journey that led to Madonna
28:30 – Street performances funding career opportunities
37:40 – Crashing an audition and making the finals
49:30 – Building confidence through small wins
52:00 – Advice for dancers pursuing their dreams

Biography:
Loïc Mabanza is a French-born professional dancer, choreographer, actor, filmmaker, author, model, and entrepreneur known for his versatility and high-energy performance style. Over the course of his career, he has worked with global artists including Madonna, Usher, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Cher, Jay-Z, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, and Wizkid. He was also selected by creative director Jamie King and choreographers Richmond and Anthony Talauega to be one of Michael Jackson’s dancers for the posthumous album Xscape.

His commercial portfolio includes campaigns for major global brands such as Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Swarovski, Diesel, Timberland, Samsung, Toyota, and Equinox, where he became a brand ambassador following the “Life is the Luxury” campaign. He has also appeared in respected editorial publications including W Magazine, Vogue Germany, Vogue Arabia, V Magazine, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar Brazil.

As an actor, Loïc has appeared in Moon Knight (2022), And Just Like That... (2023), Girls5eva (2024), and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (2026). He is also the founder and CEO of Underground Justice Studios, a creative studio and production company, and has written, directed, and produced multiple short films and music videos. His debut novel is set for release later this year.

Connect with Loïc:
Website: www.undergroundjustice.com
Instagram: @loicmabanza

Interview Date: March 22nd, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Menina Fortunato sits down with choreographer and movement director Mark Samuels for a conversation about persistence, timing, and carving out your own path in the dance industry. Mark shares how he started out as a self-taught dancer in Toronto, learning choreography by recording music videos on VHS tapes and studying them frame by frame long before YouTube or social media existed.

He opens up about his early years dancing with Luther Brown’s group Do Dat, how that experience launched his professional career, and the bold move that changed everything: cold-calling contacts connected to a music video he loved until one of those calls led him to New York for a Mariah Carey project. Mark also reflects on the importance of saying yes, staying versatile, building relationships, and continuing to train beyond your comfort zone. From assisting Paul Becker for years to choreographing recent major projects like the Juno Awards, Mark’s story is a reminder that longevity in this industry comes from talent, initiative, and consistency.

Show Notes

0:01 — Mark’s dance career and major credits intro

2:45 — Learning dance from VHS and MuchMusic

10:33 — Joining Luther Brown’s Do Dat crew

13:15 — Early paid gigs and touring Canada

17:40 — Assisting Paul Becker for years in film

21:05 — Mariah Carey story begins with cold-calling

34:36 — “Say yes and figure it out”

45:22 — Biggest mistake: not training in more styles

57:56 — “Contacts equals contracts” career lesson

1:33:31 — Slow growth, patience, and next goals matter

In the early days of his career, Mark danced for countless Canadian artists such as Shawn Desman, Jully Black, Maestro Fresh Wes and Nelly Furtado to name a few. He also danced in Canada’s most notable shows such as The Juno Awards, MMVA’s and So You Think You Can Dance Canada. After spending years as a dancer in Canada, Mark expanded to the US, wherehe was fortunate enough to work with some of the industry‘s biggest choreographers. His journey led him to dance for multi-platinum recording artists such as Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Missy Elliott, Kelis, Mario and many more. Today, Mark is a well-established figure in the dance industry. With over 30 years of experience, he has shifted his passion into choreography and movement direction. He‘s collaborated on a number of successful film and TV shows such as A Series Of Unfortunate Events, Disney’s - The Descendants and The Magicians. He recently choreographed The 2025 Juno Awards for Aqyila and Shawn Desman‘s latest music video, “Body.“ He is currently working on his “Back To Life“ nationwide tour.

Connect on Social Media

Website: https://www.marksamuelsofficial.com

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

Interview Date: March 8th, 2026

In this inspiring episode, Jason Williams shares his journey from a curious three-year-old stepping into dance class to becoming a globally recognized performer, choreographer, and creative visionary. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from boldly inserting himself into opportunities like So You Think You Can Dance to working with icons such as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Jason emphasizes the power of initiative, reminding dancers that “visibility is your responsibility” and that success often comes from fearlessly putting yourself in the room.

As the conversation unfolds, Jason opens up about his evolution beyond performing and into creative direction and entrepreneurship. Feeling unfulfilled despite professional success, he made the bold decision to pivot, ultimately creating his own work, including a sold-out production in New York. His story highlights a powerful truth: when opportunities don’t exist, you must create them. This shift into producing and directing allowed him to fully step into his identity as a visionary artist.

The episode also dives into mindset, identity, and the balance between artistry and business. Jason introduces a memorable analogy of being a “dolphin among sharks,” encouraging dancers to embrace both their creativity and business acumen. Through Q&A with young dancers, he reinforces the importance of versatility, authenticity, and personal branding—leaving listeners with actionable advice and a renewed sense of empowerment in navigating the dance industry.

Shownotes:

• 0:01 – Guest intro + career highlights overview

• 4:00 – Started dance at age three by chance

• 6:54 – Passion became serious in competitive training years

• 9:03 – Bold move led to SYTYCD opportunity

• 10:30 – “Visibility is your responsibility” mindset

• 13:32 – Importance of identity beyond just talent

• 14:13 – Post-show hustle and booking major jobs

• 19:18 – Working with Lady Gaga and career highlights

• 24:55 – Transition from performer to creator/producer

• 35:06 – Artist vs. business mindset (“dolphin vs shark”)

Biography:

Jason Williams is a movement architect, dancer, director, and visionary whose work pulses with spirit, sensuality, and soul. Rooted in culture and shaped by experiences, his artistry is spiritual, intentional, and joy-forward—crafted to move both body and soul.

A finalist on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 2), Jason has built an international career across film, television, stage, and commercial work. His credits include High School Musical, FAME, Dirty Dancing, and Hairspray LIVE, with TV appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race, POSE, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dancing with the Stars, SNL, and more.

He’s performed with icons like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and many more. He has graced stages at the Oscars, BET Awards, MTV Awards, Emmys, and Billboard Music Awards.

Jason wrote, directed, choreographed, and produced The Jason Williams Experience: LIVE!—a sold-out production at NYC’s Alvin Ailey Theater. In 2024, he launched NOIR, a bold new dance company and platform celebrating excellence, identity, and community.

Internationally known for his jazz-rooted technique, soulful musicality, and transformational teaching, Jason’s choreography awakens presence, honors lineage, and ignites joy. With a signature style blending foundation, feeling, and truth, his work isn’t just unforgettable—it’s undeniable.

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram: thejasonwilliamsexperience

Website: https://www.thejasonwilliamsexperience.com/

Interview Date: March 8th, 2026

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Jamie Hodgins, Executive Director of the International Competitive Dance Registry (ICDR). Jamie shares his journey from starting dance at 16 in Ottawa to building a multifaceted career as a performer, choreographer, producer, and casting professional. His career includes projects such as Camp Rock 2, touring productions like Hairspray, and collaborations with major artists and productions.

Throughout the conversation, Jamie discusses the importance of perseverance, networking, and creating opportunities in the dance industry. He shares lessons from auditions, touring, and working behind the scenes, offering practical advice for dancers who want to expand their careers beyond performing.

The episode also highlights Jamie’s current mission with ICDR, a new initiative designed to bring greater fairness, structure, and recognition to the competitive dance industry. By creating verified digital records of dancers’ achievements and participation, ICDR aims to give dancers a lasting portfolio of their work while helping move the industry toward greater transparency and credibility.

Shownotes:

0:00 – Introduction and podcast setup with mentees

4:01 – Guest introduction: Jamie Hodgins career highlights

6:32 – Jamie starts dancing at 16 in Ottawa

8:00 – Reality show leads to Toronto career move

11:00 – Transition from performer to production roles

13:32 – Advice: say yes and build relationships

16:30 – Manifesting and booking Camp Rock 2

20:00 – Importance of networking and industry relationships

25:56 – Ariana Grande performance pay reality check

31:01 – Introduction to ICDR and dancer digital identity

35:15 – Vision for ICDR and industry structure

38:48 – Future features: dancer profiles and insurance

41:08 – Q&A: benefits of ICDR for dancers

46:23 – Favorite career moment performing in Hairspray

1:02:00 – Inspiration, individuality, and memorable audition story

Biography:Jamie Hodgins is Executive Director of the International Competitive Dancer Registry (ICDR) with 25+ years in competitive dance as a performer, choreographer, adjudicator, competition director, casting agent, and producer.

His performance and production credits span major commercial and stage work — including CAMP ROCK 2, Hairspray Tour, collaborations with Madonna, Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, and creative work for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada, Pepsi, and The Amazing Race Canada.

At ICDR Jamie is leading the push to modernize dance with a centralized, privacy‑first verification system that protects dancer media, confirms identities and eligibility, and creates portable verified records of achievement. Inspired by the standards and protections in youth sport, his mission is to unite studios and events around fairness, transparency, and safer opportunities for dancers.

Jamie blends artistic credibility with systems‑level change — a committed innovator focused on safeguarding dancers and strengthening the future of the industry.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/jamie_hodgins/

https://www.instagram.com/icdr.dance/

Website:www.icdrdance.com

Interview Date: March 1st, 2026

Episode Summary:

Ayesha Orange joins the Business of Dance to share her incredible journey from a late-starting dancer to one of the most versatile performers in the commercial dance world.

Starting as a cheerleader in California, Ayesha discovered dance at 17 and trained under legendary choreographer Marguerite Derricks at Tremaine Studios. Despite feeling behind technically, she pushed through self-doubt and quickly found herself working professionally, landing early credits including the film Austin Powers and touring internationally in the musical Fame.

Her career exploded as she toured the world with Earth, Wind & Fire and performed alongside major artists including Mariah Carey, Usher, Pink, and Jennifer Hudson. Ayesha shares behind-the-scenes stories from award shows, music videos, and television appearances, revealing the realities of working with artists and choreographers at the highest level of the industry.

Now working frequently as an associate choreographer and movement director, Ayesha discusses the transition from performer to creative collaborator. She opens up about confidence struggles, the importance of intuition, the realities of career highs and lows, and the power of simply showing up.

Her advice for the next generation of dancers highlights resilience, relationships, and the mindset needed to build a sustainable career in the dance industry.

Show notes:

0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Ayesha Orange

4:05 – Ayesha’s career highlights and early credits

7:14 – Touring with Earth, Wind & Fire memories

9:20 – Starting dance at 17 through cheerleading

11:35 – Training under Marguerite Derricks at Tremaine

15:52 – Deciding dance would become her career

19:03 – Alex Magno and key early mentorships

21:54 – First major job touring Fame in Germany

22:54 – Joining Earth, Wind & Fire world tour

28:20 – Favorite choreographers and creative process

32:55 – Working with Pink and artist professionalism

39:10 – Confidence struggles early in career

50:31 – Memorable AMA performance story

1:11:38 – Navigating career highs and dry spells

1:39:10 – Business advice: relationships and intuition

Biography:

AYESHA ORANGE is a prolific Dancer, Choreographer, and Movement Director with a career spanning nearly 30 years across the commercial and theatrical landscapes. Known as a versatile "chameleon" of movement, Ayesha’s reputation is built on her ability to execute any style and help bring any creative vision to life, regardless of the scale or medium.
Her journey began at 17 under the mentorship of Marguerite Derricks, training at the iconic Tremaine’s studio in North Hollywood. By 19, she had already secured her first film (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery), her first stage appearance at the Academy Awards, and her first professional residency. Her early career saw her touring Germany in Fame: The Musical and spending three years on a world tour with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.

As a performer, Ayesha has graced stages from Madison Square Garden to Caesars Palace, appearing with icons including Mariah Carey, Usher, Pink, and Jennifer Hudson. Her extensive credits include over 20 films, 40 music videos, and 60 television shows, including the Oscars, AMAs, and VMAs. Transitioning into leadership, she has served as an Associate Choreographer for global stars like Rihanna, The Weeknd, Sia, and Selena Gomez.

From 2023 to 2025 Ayesha served as the Rehearsal Director for the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC), where she bridges the gap between creative vision and technical execution. From world tours to burlesque, and from performing on-camera to guiding artists through their own movement language, Ayesha remains a foundational force in the dance community.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/aorange/

Interview Date: February 22nd, 2026

Episode Summary:​​

In this interview, Maycee Steele shares how she went from being a Kansas City convention kid to building a sustained LA career—booking major moments like Taylor Swift (Billboard Music Awards), Doja Cat (Coachella), and working with J.Lo, before becoming widely recognized through Tate McRae’s tour. She breaks down what tour life actually looks like (buses, no hotels, arena call times), how relationships and reputation lead to direct bookings, and why branding (including her red hair era) can help you stand out—but only if the training and consistency back it up.

She also gives practical advice on moving to LA, networking, staying versatile, protecting your mental health on long jobs, and building multiple income streams through brand deals and social media representation (CAA)—plus the reality check that even at a high level, you may still have to audition (like she did for Demi Lovato).

Show notes:

0:00 — Official intro + major tour credits
8:02 — Convention circuit wins: Velocity + Radix
12:13 — Moving to LA with two-year deadline
13:01 — Assisting Kyle Hanagami; early LA grind
13:36 — First big break: Taylor Swift BBMAs
14:26 — Doja Cat Coachella career momentum
15:24 — Career peak pre-COVID slowdown
16:10 — Red hair branding strategy explained
18:16 — J.Lo era; reverting to brunette
20:18 — Booking Tate McRae tour process
23:38 — Tour chemistry + family dynamic
31:42 — Tour bus life + arena schedules
39:10 — Brand deals vs. tour income breakdown

Biography:

Maycee Steele is a Los Angeles based professional dancer from Kansas City known for her powerful stage presence and strong on camera performance quality. She has performed on The Oscars, The Grammys, the Billboard Music Awards, and the Latin American Music Awards.

Maycee has completed three major international arena tours, including the Think Later World Tour and the Miss Possessive Tour with Tate McRae, and a world tour with Maluma. She also recently booked the Demi Lovato Tour, further solidifying her status as a top tier commercial touring dancer.

Her music video credits include She’s All I Wanna Be and It’s Ok I’m Ok by Tate McRae, and No Broke Boys by Tinashe.

Throughout her career, she has performed alongside global artists including Jennifer Lopez, Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, Maluma, and Dove Cameron. Maycee is also recognized for co creating the viral #CuffItChallenge, and she continues to expand her career across touring, television, film, and digital media.

https://www.instagram.com/mayceesteele/

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/