LOS ANGELES, USA, October 27th, 2026, FinanceWire
The Business of Dance podcast host interviews Krista Miller, Michael Dameski, JoJo Siwa, Brian Friedman, Allison Holker and Sasha Farber in support of Dancers Against Cancer
Menina Fortunato, dance mentor and host of The Business of Dance podcast, returned to the red carpet at the 2026 Industry Dance Awards on October 21 at Avalon Hollywood. Her coverage featured interviews with the evening’s honorees, presenters and dance industry leaders as the community gathered in support of Dancers Against Cancer (DAC).
Fortunato’s featured interviews included Krista Miller, co-founder of The Brea Space and recipient of the Dance Educator of the Year Award; Michael Dameski, a dancer on Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball tour and runner-up on NBC’s World of Dance, who received the Future Visionary Award; and JoJo Siwa, a recording artist and television personality known for Dance Moms. Siwa, a Dancers Against Cancer board member, choreographed DAC ICONS, which performed during the show featuring mentees from The Business of Dance.
She also spoke with Brian Friedman, choreographer for Britney Spears and former creative director and judge on the UK’s The X Factor, who presented Miller’s award; Allison Holker, a So You Think You Can Dance All-Star and former Dancing with the Stars professional, who presented the Stephen “tWitch” Boss Legacy Scholarship; and fellow presenter Sasha Farber, a professional dancer known for Dancing with the Stars.
Additional honorees interviewed by Fortunato included Terry Tansey-Schulke, recipient of the Lifetime Legacy Award, and Ciara Hines, this year’s Stephen “tWitch” Boss Legacy Scholarship recipient. Presenters Marinda Davis, Marcea Lane and Pressley Hosbach also joined her on the red carpet.
The interview lineup also featured Brooke Lipton, the 2026 Emmy-winning choreographer for Palm Royale and co-choreographer of Glee; Dana Wilson, vice president of the Choreographers Guild, whose performance credits include three world tours with Justin Timberlake; and Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit, whose dance brands include Universal Dance Association (UDA) and CLI Studios, home of CLI Conservatory. Their participation brought together perspectives from television, choreography and dance industry leadership.
The charitable purpose of the evening remained central to the coverage. Fortunato spoke with Noah Lands, founder and CEO of Dancers Against Cancer, and Jocelyn Basham, DAC Director. Dancers Against Cancer provides financial assistance to dancers, dance educators, choreographers and their families affected by cancer.
Additional interviews included Gina Urso-Dudash, Bill Langley, Margie Valine, Macy Lemon, Jessica Barr, Susan Barr and Business of Dance mentee Anna Lee Rohovec, completing a lineup that represented established professionals, educators and emerging talent.
The conversations explored the work and shared purpose behind the celebration. Miller reflected on the dedication involved in dance education, Dameski spoke about inspiring the next generation, and Farber emphasized the importance of the community coming together for a common cause. These perspectives align with Fortunato’s work through The Business of Dance, helping dancers understand the professional journeys and relationships behind a career in the industry.
For more information about The Business of Dance and its podcast, visit www.bizofdance.com/thepodcast.
About Menina Fortunato and The Business of Dance
Menina Fortunato is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and mentor. She has worked with global superstars such as Paula Abdul, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Her television credits include work on the creative teams of America’s Got Talent and The X Factor, her role as Maras on Star Trek: Enterprise, and serving as a judge on Dance Moms. She hosts The Business of Dance, the #1 rated dance career podcast, and leads its online mentorship program, providing professional advice and inspiration to dancers worldwide and helping them elevate their careers. Learn more at www.bizofdance.com.
About Dancers Against Cancer
Dancers Against Cancer is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to dance educators, choreographers, dancers and their families impacted by cancer. Supported by the dance community, its fundraising initiatives include the Industry Dance Awards and Gala of the Stars. Learn more at www.imadanceragainstcancer.org.