Interview Date: August 2nd, 2026
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary B-boy, choreographer, creative producer, and three-time World Champion Ivan “Flipz” Velez for a conversation about building a career that lasts.
Ivan shares his journey from discovering breaking and pursuing his passion in New York to becoming a professional dancer, touring internationally, working across major dance films, performing at the Olympics, and eventually expanding his career into choreography, casting, producing, stunt work, and motion capture.
Beyond the credits, Ivan gets candid about the qualities that have sustained his career: professionalism, humility, kindness, preparation, persistence, and being willing to help others. He explains why being the most talented dancer in the room isn't enough and how reputation, relationships, representation, and consistently showing up prepared can create opportunities for decades.
The conversation also explores agents, managers, publicists, personal branding, social media, and the importance of putting yourself and your work out into the world—even before you feel completely ready. Ivan reminds dancers that their individual talent deserves to be seen and that there is room for everyone to succeed.
During the mentee Q&A, Ivan shares lessons from decades in breaking, including resilience, humility, navigating injuries, and continuing to evolve. His story is a powerful example of how dance can become the vehicle to an entire career in entertainment when artists refuse to limit themselves to a single title.
Shownotes:
00:00 — Meet legendary B-boy Ivan “Flipz” Velez
08:31 — Chasing breaking’s roots all the way to NYC
09:25 — Betting on himself before booking Honey
24:40 — Reflecting on decades of unforgettable career milestones
26:43 — Why helping others can shape your career
30:20 — Professionalism becomes the secret to career longevity
31:02 — Staying humble when someone is always better
40:16 — How representation helped protect and elevate him
44:31 — Building the agent-manager-publicist dream team
48:56 — Understanding publicity as an investment in yourself
54:38 — Put yourself out there before you’re ready
1:13:00 — What breaking taught Ivan about life
1:14:43 — The physical sacrifices behind a breaking career
1:16:25 — Passion and persistence through major injuries
1:23:37 — Commit, execute, and never limit your possibilities
Biography:
Ivan “Flipz” Velez is a host, choreographer, creative producer, three-time World Champion, and renowned B-boy who began his career as a dancer and stunt performer.
Throughout his career, Ivan has toured the world with top international music icons and acted and danced in major dance films spanning the past two decades. He is also the founder of the internationally recognized Skill Methodz Crew, one of the most elite and legendary B-boy crews in the world.
Ivan continues to act in film and on stage while performing and creating across commercial projects. His infectious positive energy, endless creativity, and commitment to excellence have established him as more than an exceptional performer—he has become a trusted collaborator and creative force across entertainment.
Having built his career around his unique style, inventiveness, and out-of-the-box thinking, Ivan has carried that same creativity behind the camera, expanding his work into choreography, casting, and producing.
“See the INVISIBLE… can do the IMPOSSIBLE.” — Ivan “Flipz” Velez
https://www.instagram.com/ivanflipzvelez?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=2i6wdlr5giti
Website: https://www.ivan-flipz-velez.com/
