Los Angeles, CA, United States, October 26th, 2025, FinanceWire
The red carpet at the 2025 Industry Dance Awards shimmered with star power as Menina Fortunato, host of The Business of Dance Podcast, interviewed the dance world’s most inspiring performers, choreographers, and creative leaders.
Held at Avalon Hollywood, the annual event honored excellence across competitive and commercial dance while raising vital funds for Dancers Against Cancer (DAC), a nonprofit supporting dancers and families impacted by cancer.
“I interview industry pros by sharing their stories to educate on the business of dance and inspire the next generation. My mission is to elevate the voices of the dance community — to not only be seen but to be heard.”
— Menina Fortunato, Host of The Business of Dance Podcast
Featured Interviews — Industry Dance Awards 2025 (Avalon Hollywood)
Hosted by Menina Fortunato, The Business of Dance Podcast
Menina spoke with this year’s honorees, presenters, choreographers, and industry leaders, spotlighting the creativity and compassion that define the dance community.
Award Honorees
- Enola Bedard — Breakout Artist Award (Dance Influencer, 25 M Followers)
- Sophia Lucia — Breakthrough Artist Award (Dance Moms, World Record Holder)
- Blake McGrath — Influencer Award (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, SYTYCD)
- Laurieann Gibson — Vanguard Award (Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj)
- Robert Green — Future Visionary Award (Versace Choreographer)
- Denise Wall — Educator Award (Travis Wall’s Mentor, Renowned Educator)
- Molly Long — Viral Trendsetter Award (Project 21, DWTS, World of Dance)
- GiaNina Paolantonio — Innovator Award (Matilda the Musical, The Greatest Showman, Dance Moms, Mariah Carey Tour)
Presenters & Hosts
- Tia Stokes — Host (Dancer, Studio Owner & Cancer-Survivor Mentor; Founder of The Vault Dance Studio and Kalamity Performance Troupe)
- Cris Judd — Presenter (Michael Jackson, Cher, Céline Dion)
- Gil Duldulao — Presenter (Janet Jackson Dancer, Choreographer & Creative Director)
- Jackie Sleight — Presenter (Owner of LA Dance Magic)
- Brooke Lipton — Presenter (Britney Spears, Glee)
- Autumn Miller — Presenter (Beyoncé, J Balvin)
- Olivia Alboher — Presenter (SYTYCD)
- Ian Eastwood — Presenter (World of Dance)
- Michelle Soutier — Presenter & DAC Board Member
Industry Creatives / VIP Guests
- Abby Lee Miller — Choreographer / Studio Owner / TV Personality (Dance Moms, Mad House, Abby Lee Dance With Me)
- Noah Lands — Producer, Industry Dance Awards & President, Dancers Against Cancer)
- Travis Wall — SYTYCD Emmy-Winning Choreographer
- Paris Cavanagh — Australian Choreographer (Becky G, Pepsi)
- Tony G — Choreographer (Bring It On, Taylor Swift)
- Brian Anthony — Talent Manager / Dancer (Star Search, Paula Abdul)
- Ivan “Flipz” Velez — Dancer / Choreographer (You Got Served, Step Up 3D)
- Rhee Gold – Dance Educator / DanceLife Teacher Conference
A Platform for the Dance Community
Through The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato continues bridging the gap between performance and entrepreneurship, offering dancers worldwide an inside look at the business behind the artistry.
Each red-carpet conversation shares insight, advice, and inspiration directly from the industry’s top professionals.
Full interviews from the 2025 Industry Dance Awards will be released on The Business of Dance Podcast and across social platforms @thebizofdance and @meninafortunato.
About Menina Fortunato
Menina Fortunato is a professional dancer, producer, mentor, and podcast host whose credits include Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Earth Wind & Fire, Luis Miguel, Luke Bryan, and Paula Abdul.
Featured in over 400 media outlets including Forbes, Success Magazine, ABC, NBC, FOX, Billboard, and Inside Dance Magazine, Menina is the founder of The Business of Dance Mentorship & Podcast, empowering the next generation of dancers to build successful, sustainable careers.
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www.bizofdance.com
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