The Business of Dance

Interview date: May 3rd, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Gary Edwards shares his remarkable journey from a seven-year-old boy in London learning to dance so he could attend his mother’s events, to becoming a world champion ballroom dancer, international judge, and now CEO and partner of Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He reflects on the unwavering conviction he had from a young age that dance would not just be his passion, but his profession, despite pushback from a world that did not yet see dance—especially for boys—as a serious career path. From his first paid job at 17 to years spent performing, judging, and teaching around the world, Gary’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and saying yes to opportunity.The conversation also dives into the business side of dance in a powerful way. Gary discusses how Arthur Murray has remained successful for more than a century by focusing on fun, connection, and community, while also explaining the urgent need to modernize through social media, updated systems, and broader visibility. He shares entertaining stories about teaching Michael Jackson a cha-cha to “Billie Jean,” spending time with Janet Jackson and other celebrities, and emphasizes that even the biggest stars simply want to be treated like human beings. Most importantly, he offers dancers practical advice on resilience, pivoting through rejection, learning business skills, managing time well, and creating sustainable careers in dance beyond performance alone.Top 10 Show Notes1:29 — Gary began dancing at seven years old5:22 — First paid dance job at 176:01 — Opportunity led him to Arthur Murray9:55 — Fun and community built lasting success12:55 — Social media changed dance business completely16:33 — Never give up, learn to pivot28:29 — Taught Michael Jackson cha-cha to Billie Jean30:40 — Michael transformed completely in dance mode23:56 — UNF partnership creates dance business pathway1:06:13 — Dance changed a veteran’s life foreverBiography:Gary Edwards, CEO of Arthur Murray Dance Studios, has spent over four decades immersed in the dance industry, earning a reputation as a distinguished leader and innovator. As a world-ranked dancer, his competitive achievements have solidified his status within the dance community. In addition to his vast expertise in dance education and studio management, Gary also brings a strong presence in the media world, having collaborated on various dance projects, television appearances, and productions that celebrate the art of dance.Connect on Social Media:Website: www.arthurmurray.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/arthurmurrayintl/​​https://www.instagram.com/ballroomgiant/

Interview Date: April 26th, 2026Episode Summary:In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with Karynn Hough, Director of Millennium Dance Complex Nashville and founder of Fresh Talent Group, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a dance career outside of the traditional LA/New York path. Karynn shares how her daughter’s professional journey helped spark her desire to create more opportunities for Nashville dancers, eventually leading her to launch an agency rooted in mentorship, relationships, and genuine care for talent.Karynn opens up about the growth of Nashville’s entertainment scene, the power of collaboration between agencies, and why dancers should never limit themselves to one box. From casting Emmy-winning commercial work to seeing choreography land inside Fortnite, she reminds dancers that authentic work, strong preparation, and being visible can lead to unexpected opportunities.Throughout the conversation, Karynn gives practical advice for young dancers pursuing representation: follow instructions, keep training, clean up your Instagram, build an EPK, research the people in the room, and be kind to everyone. She also emphasizes the importance of improv, professionalism, persistence, and creating your own opportunities, especially for dancers from smaller cities or nontraditional markets.Show Notes:(00:41) Karynn’s early dance roots and family inspiration(03:27) Why Nashville needed its own talent agency(04:50) How Solace helped inspire Karynn’s career path(06:00) Fresh Talent Group meets Millennium Dance Complex(09:40) Millennium becomes Nashville’s creative rehearsal hub(12:17) Representing dancers, singers, actors, and influencers(14:05) Why Karynn refuses to box dancers in(16:38) Emmy-winning work from authentic creative passion(20:23) Advice for international dancers pursuing American agencies(32:00) Instagram presence matters more than dancers realize(35:20) Why every dancer needs a strong EPK(40:01) The biggest teen mistake: ignoring instructions(42:23) Improv reveals smart, castable dancers quickly(47:00) Auditions begin before entering the room(1:26:58) Small-town dancers need perseverance and uniquenessBiography:Karynn Wright-Hough is an Emmy Award–winning talent agent, entrepreneur, and Founder of FreshTalent Group, a boutique agency representing dancers, choreographers, actors, singers, and specialty talent. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she combines her background in journalism, marketing, and design with a passion for developing artists and building lasting careers.Inspired in part by watching her daughter Solace pursue her own professional path, Karynn launched FreshTalent Group in 2016 to create a trustworthy, family-centered approach to talent representation. She is known for guiding artists holistically — from development and branding to booking and long-term strategy — always prioritizing longevity over quick wins.Under her leadership, the agency has worked with major networks and award-winning artists across country, pop, gospel, and hip-hop. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karynn is a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, enjoys crocheting and crafting, and is most proud of the community and culture she has built through mentorship, integrity, and heart.Connect on Social Media:Website: www.freshtalentgroup.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshtalentgroup/