138 - Gala of The Stars: Gala of The Stars w/Menina Fortunato Anita Mann, Jeff Thacker, Robbie Blue, Jojo Siwa and more.

Interview Date: October 20th, 2025Episode Summary:This special red carpet episode of The Business of Dance Podcast takes you inside the Gala of the Stars at the Beverly Hilton, a powerful evening supporting Dancers Against Cancer. Host Menina Fortunato interviews some of the most influential names in dance and entertainment, capturing real-time insights, career advice, and heartfelt moments from industry legends, rising stars, and changemakers.Throughout the episode, guests like Debbie Gibson, Abby Lee Miller, Robbie Blue, Allison Holker, and Vincent Paterson share what it truly takes to build a sustainable career in the dance industry. From mastering your craft and showing up prepared, to understanding your value, building relationships, and thinking long-term, a common theme emerges: success in dance is as much about professionalism, mindset, and business awareness as it is about talent.Beyond career insights, the episode highlights the deep sense of community within the dance world—celebrating mentorship, friendship, philanthropy, and resilience. With emotional stories, legacy reflections, and powerful advice, this episode serves as both inspiration and a reminder that dance is not just an art form, but a vehicle for impact, connection, and purpose.Show Notes 0:00 – Red carpet kickoff at Gala of the Stars2:30 – Debbie Gibson on longevity and performer value5:45 – Advice: be early, prepared, and unique9:10 – JoJo Siwa on impact and fundraising excitement12:00 – Abby Lee Miller on professionalism and presentation16:45 – Robbie Blue on Tate McRae VMA concept20:30 – What choreographers look for in dancers25:15 – Allison Holker on vision, goals, and longevity30:40 – Julie McDonald on treating dance as a business35:20 – Vincent Paterson on podcast inspiration story40:10 – Sabrina Bryan on career longevity and adaptability45:55 – Autumn Miller & Sophia Lucia on growth and goals52:30 – Industry leaders on philanthropy and impact57:40 – Business advice: training, finances, and branding1:02:45 – Closing reflections on community and purposeConnect on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/industrydanceawards/https://www.facebook.com/IndustryDanceAwards/https://www.instagram.com/imadanceragainstcancer/https://www.facebook.com/iadacfoundation/Websitehttp://industrydanceawards.com/http://imadanceragainstcancer.org/Connect with GuestsDebbie Gibson - https://www.instagram.com/debbiegibson/Jojo Siwa - https://www.instagram.com/itsjojosiwa/Abby Lee Miller - https://www.instagram.com/therealabbylee/Robbie Blue - https://www.instagram.com/itsrobbiesworld_/Allison Holker - https://www.instagram.com/allisonholker/Julie Macdonald- https://www.instagram.com/juliemcdonaldmsa/Vincent Paterson - https://www.instagram.com/vlpla/Sabrina Bryan https://www.instagram.com/sabrina.bryan/Sophia Lucia https://www.instagram.com/_sophialucia/Autumn Miller - https://www.instagram.com/autumnmiller/Danielle Guillermo - https://www.instagram.com/daniellestenguillermo/Lance Guillermo -https://www.instagram.com/lancefreshness/Enola Bedard - https://www.instagram.com/enola.bedard/ Anita Mann - https://www.instagram.com/anitamannprod/Jeff Thacker -https://www.instagram.com/jeffthacker/Richard Jay Alexander - https://www.instagram.com/broadwaydick/Tia Stokes - https://www.instagram.com/thetiabeestokes/Mandy Moore- https://www.instagram.com/nopenother/Michelle Webb -https://www.spotlightevents.com/about-index