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/