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THE BUSINESS
OF DANCE
GUEST SPEAKERS
Menina Fortunato
Menina Fortunato, the founder of The Business of Dance, boasts a remarkable three-decade tenure in the dance industry.
Her TV & fappearances on prominent television shows and films, including America's Got Talent, Latin American Music Awards, Star Trek: Enterprise, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Guys Choice Awards, Alias, MAD TV, Spectacular, Kickin It Old Skool, and Celebrity Fit Club.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has collaborated with a myriad of esteemed recording artists, including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Paula Abdul, Maluma, Carmen Electra, P!nk, Fergie, Luke Bryan, Earth Wind & Fire, MC Hammer, Victoria Justice, William Hung, Rain, and Luis Miguel, to name but a few.
Her creative prowess shone as she assumed roles such as associate choreographer for The X Factor, associate consulting producer on America's Got Talent, and executive producer for various music videos filmed at Universal Studios and Paramount Studios.
Her exceptional industry insight earned her a coveted spot as a guest judge on the acclaimed TV show DANCE MOMS, where she adjudicated of Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa, among others.
Beyond her notable accomplishments, Menina is the visionary founder and owner of The Hollywood Summer Tour and The London Spring Tour, prestigious dance programs designed to educate, guide, and inspire aspiring dancers pursuing a career in the commercial dance industry.
Recognized as a trusted authority in her field, Menina has served on the advisory board at Studio School (formerly Relativity School) for their esteemed Commercial Dance BFA program. Additionally, she has played an instrumental role as a voting committee member for the World Choreography Awards, Universal Dance Awards, and the National Dance committee for SAG (Screen Actors Guild).
Her TV & fappearances on prominent television shows and films, including America's Got Talent, Latin American Music Awards, Star Trek: Enterprise, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Guys Choice Awards, Alias, MAD TV, Spectacular, Kickin It Old Skool, and Celebrity Fit Club.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has collaborated with a myriad of esteemed recording artists, including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Paula Abdul, Maluma, Carmen Electra, P!nk, Fergie, Luke Bryan, Earth Wind & Fire, MC Hammer, Victoria Justice, William Hung, Rain, and Luis Miguel, to name but a few.
Her creative prowess shone as she assumed roles such as associate choreographer for The X Factor, associate consulting producer on America's Got Talent, and executive producer for various music videos filmed at Universal Studios and Paramount Studios.
Her exceptional industry insight earned her a coveted spot as a guest judge on the acclaimed TV show DANCE MOMS, where she adjudicated of Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa, among others.
Beyond her notable accomplishments, Menina is the visionary founder and owner of The Hollywood Summer Tour and The London Spring Tour, prestigious dance programs designed to educate, guide, and inspire aspiring dancers pursuing a career in the commercial dance industry.
Recognized as a trusted authority in her field, Menina has served on the advisory board at Studio School (formerly Relativity School) for their esteemed Commercial Dance BFA program. Additionally, she has played an instrumental role as a voting committee member for the World Choreography Awards, Universal Dance Awards, and the National Dance committee for SAG (Screen Actors Guild).
Alex Wong
Alex Wong began his dance journey at the tender age of 7, with his training encompassing various styles, including tap and jazz. By the age of 10, he was honing his ballet skills at the renowned Goh Ballet Academy in Vancouver, Canada. His prowess in ballet was further recognized when he became the first Canadian to win the prestigious Prix de Lausanne competition in Switzerland in 2004.
Alex briefly danced with the American Ballet Theatre before joining the Miami City Ballet. By 2007, he had been promoted to the rank of soloist at MCB. His repertoire is vast, having performed leading roles in renowned productions such as Balanchine’s Symphony In Three Movements, Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove, and many more.
In 2009, Alex's journey took an exciting turn when he auditioned for the FOX dance series, "So You Think You Can Dance." Although he made it to the final Top 20, contractual obligations with the Miami City Ballet forced him to withdraw. However, his impressive audition led to a promotion to the rank of principal soloist at MCB. In 2010, he took another shot at SYTYCD and made it to the Top 10 contestants for season seven. Unfortunately, an injury during a rehearsal forced him out of the competition.
He has appeared on shows like "Glee," "Smash," "The Voice," and "Dancing with the Stars." He even made it to the semi-final Hollywood rounds of "American Idol." Alex's versatility is further highlighted by his dance single "Crave" and his role as Sniper in the Original Broadway Cast of "Newsies."
Alex briefly danced with the American Ballet Theatre before joining the Miami City Ballet. By 2007, he had been promoted to the rank of soloist at MCB. His repertoire is vast, having performed leading roles in renowned productions such as Balanchine’s Symphony In Three Movements, Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove, and many more.
In 2009, Alex's journey took an exciting turn when he auditioned for the FOX dance series, "So You Think You Can Dance." Although he made it to the final Top 20, contractual obligations with the Miami City Ballet forced him to withdraw. However, his impressive audition led to a promotion to the rank of principal soloist at MCB. In 2010, he took another shot at SYTYCD and made it to the Top 10 contestants for season seven. Unfortunately, an injury during a rehearsal forced him out of the competition.
He has appeared on shows like "Glee," "Smash," "The Voice," and "Dancing with the Stars." He even made it to the semi-final Hollywood rounds of "American Idol." Alex's versatility is further highlighted by his dance single "Crave" and his role as Sniper in the Original Broadway Cast of "Newsies."
Brian Friedman
Brian Friedman can be described as a pioneer and entrepreneur who opened his first dance studio at 16.
As one of the most sought-after dancers in the business, his film credits include Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, You Got Served, She’s All That, Austin Powers Gold Member and Uptown Girls. Brian has also performed with top music artists such as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Prince, Paula Abdul and more.
Brian soon became one of the most in-demand choreographers in the business and went on to choreograph such shows as Dancing with The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Will & Grace, The Tonight Show, Late Night, Jimmy Kimmel, The Ellen Show, Oprah, MTV VMA’s, VH1 Divas Live, American Music Awards and The Billboard Music Awards.
The list of artists he has Creative Directed & Choreographed for include Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Usher, P!nk, Nicole Scherzinger, Ne-Yo, Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Sam Smith.
He was chosen by Simon Cowell to work on several of his most popular and successful projects, including judging, choreographing, creative directing, and producing The X Factor (US and UK), America's Got Talent, and Britain’s Got Talent
As one of the most sought-after dancers in the business, his film credits include Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, You Got Served, She’s All That, Austin Powers Gold Member and Uptown Girls. Brian has also performed with top music artists such as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Prince, Paula Abdul and more.
Brian soon became one of the most in-demand choreographers in the business and went on to choreograph such shows as Dancing with The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Will & Grace, The Tonight Show, Late Night, Jimmy Kimmel, The Ellen Show, Oprah, MTV VMA’s, VH1 Divas Live, American Music Awards and The Billboard Music Awards.
The list of artists he has Creative Directed & Choreographed for include Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Usher, P!nk, Nicole Scherzinger, Ne-Yo, Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Sam Smith.
He was chosen by Simon Cowell to work on several of his most popular and successful projects, including judging, choreographing, creative directing, and producing The X Factor (US and UK), America's Got Talent, and Britain’s Got Talent
Sophia Lucia
Sophia Lucia is an American dancer who started dancing at the age of two. She began her training at the San Diego Dance Centre, which is owned by her cousin. Later, she moved to Arizona to further her ballet training at Phoenix's Master Ballet Academy.
Sophia's talent was recognized early on. In 2012, a video of her performing 40 turns went viral, leading to her appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She also made a brief appearance on the reality television series Dance Moms.
In 2013, at just 10 years old, Sophia broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive pirouettes, completing an impressive 55 turns. The following year, she was named the Junior Female Best Dancer at the Dance Awards in New York City.
She has appeared in shows such as "Shake It Up", "Dance Moms", "Dancing with the Stars", and "America's Got Talent". In 2015, she starred in Hallmark's "A Nutcracker Christmas"
Sophia's talent was recognized early on. In 2012, a video of her performing 40 turns went viral, leading to her appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She also made a brief appearance on the reality television series Dance Moms.
In 2013, at just 10 years old, Sophia broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive pirouettes, completing an impressive 55 turns. The following year, she was named the Junior Female Best Dancer at the Dance Awards in New York City.
She has appeared in shows such as "Shake It Up", "Dance Moms", "Dancing with the Stars", and "America's Got Talent". In 2015, she starred in Hallmark's "A Nutcracker Christmas"
Jamal Sims
Jamal Sims is a name that resonates in the entertainment industry as a choreographer, director, and executive producer. He made his first significant appearance in Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" video at the age of 17. Gaining prominence for his work on Miley Cyrus' 2009 promotional single "Hoedown Throwdown" for Hannah Montana: The Movie.
His most recent credits include directing an episode of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies as well as choreographing the entire season for Paramount Plus, Disney’s block buster hit Encanto, Netflix’s musical 13: the Musical, and Disney’s Aladdin directed by Guy Ritchie.
Other film credits include Girls Trip, Hairspray, Vanilla Sky, Beauty Shop, 17 again, and the feature films Step Up 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Step Up TV series.
Among his other TV credits are the 82nd Academy Awards, Dancing With the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. He is currently the resident choreographer on the multiple Emmy Awarded RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Drag Race.
Jamal has brought his creativity to numerous music videos and stage shows for Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Usher, P.Diddy, Outkast, Gloria Estefan, and The Spice Girls.
He was nominated for 3 Emmy nominations for “Best Choreography”.
His most recent credits include directing an episode of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies as well as choreographing the entire season for Paramount Plus, Disney’s block buster hit Encanto, Netflix’s musical 13: the Musical, and Disney’s Aladdin directed by Guy Ritchie.
Other film credits include Girls Trip, Hairspray, Vanilla Sky, Beauty Shop, 17 again, and the feature films Step Up 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Step Up TV series.
Among his other TV credits are the 82nd Academy Awards, Dancing With the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. He is currently the resident choreographer on the multiple Emmy Awarded RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Drag Race.
Jamal has brought his creativity to numerous music videos and stage shows for Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Usher, P.Diddy, Outkast, Gloria Estefan, and The Spice Girls.
He was nominated for 3 Emmy nominations for “Best Choreography”.
Paul Becker
Paul Becker is a distinguished figure in the entertainment industry, carving out a stellar career as a director, choreographer, writer, and producer. His ascent from an impassioned self-learner in dance to an acclaimed choreographer exemplifies dedication and artistic innovation.
From the streets of Victoria, British Columbia, Becker's affinity for movement was ignited by the rhythmic pulses of breakdancing and hip-hop during his early teens. By the age of 19, he had already made his choreographic debut, a transition fueled by his experience on the set of "Chicago," a film that won accolades for its choreography.
Becker's choreographic imprint spans over 300 projects, including high-profile films like "Deadpool 2," "Disney's Descendants," and the "Twilight" series. His television credits are equally impressive, featuring popular series such as "The Last of Us," "Riverdale," and "American Horror Story: Hotel." His knack for storytelling through dance and the transformation of non-musical works into dynamic musical spectacles speaks to his ingenuity and versatility.
His contributions to the art of dance have been recognized with nominations for three world choreography awards and an MTV award victory for "Best Musical Number" in 2021. Moreover, he has been honored with the Leo Award for his outstanding choreographic achievements in film.
Expanding beyond choreography, Becker has produced and creatively directed "Canada's Got Talent" and co-produced the Inaugural Celebration for President Joe Biden. His directorial flair was also showcased at the Pan American Games' closing ceremonies in 2015.
However, Becker's path was fraught with hardship. He recounts the loss of his home during the financial crisis, a period during which he worked at FAO Schwartz Toy Store. It was this twist of fate that connected him with Kenny Ortega, sparking collaborations that propelled him to new heights.
Paul Becker's narrative is more than a chronicle of professional success; it's a source of inspiration, showcasing the fruits of passion, ingenuity, and an unwavering spirit. His ongoing work in the realm of dance and choreography continues to motivate those who dream of a life in the creative arts.
From the streets of Victoria, British Columbia, Becker's affinity for movement was ignited by the rhythmic pulses of breakdancing and hip-hop during his early teens. By the age of 19, he had already made his choreographic debut, a transition fueled by his experience on the set of "Chicago," a film that won accolades for its choreography.
Becker's choreographic imprint spans over 300 projects, including high-profile films like "Deadpool 2," "Disney's Descendants," and the "Twilight" series. His television credits are equally impressive, featuring popular series such as "The Last of Us," "Riverdale," and "American Horror Story: Hotel." His knack for storytelling through dance and the transformation of non-musical works into dynamic musical spectacles speaks to his ingenuity and versatility.
His contributions to the art of dance have been recognized with nominations for three world choreography awards and an MTV award victory for "Best Musical Number" in 2021. Moreover, he has been honored with the Leo Award for his outstanding choreographic achievements in film.
Expanding beyond choreography, Becker has produced and creatively directed "Canada's Got Talent" and co-produced the Inaugural Celebration for President Joe Biden. His directorial flair was also showcased at the Pan American Games' closing ceremonies in 2015.
However, Becker's path was fraught with hardship. He recounts the loss of his home during the financial crisis, a period during which he worked at FAO Schwartz Toy Store. It was this twist of fate that connected him with Kenny Ortega, sparking collaborations that propelled him to new heights.
Paul Becker's narrative is more than a chronicle of professional success; it's a source of inspiration, showcasing the fruits of passion, ingenuity, and an unwavering spirit. His ongoing work in the realm of dance and choreography continues to motivate those who dream of a life in the creative arts.
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