Recording / Interview Date: October 20, 2025
EPISODE SUMMARY
What helps a dancer build a career that lasts? Join Menina Fortunato on the red carpet at Avalon Hollywood for the 2025 Industry Dance Awards, where conversations with performers, choreographers, educators, and industry leaders go beyond the spotlight to explore the work, relationships, and resilience behind a life in dance.
From embracing your individuality to asking for help and protecting your reputation, this special episode brings together practical lessons for dancers, parents, teachers, and dance-industry professionals. Guests reflect on setbacks, creative opportunities, social media, and the importance of being someone others want to work with. Ian Eastwood champions uniqueness, Travis Wall speaks about seeking support, and Denise Wall shares perspective on learning through challenges.
At the heart of the evening is Dancers Against Cancer. Tia Stokes, Jocelyn Basham, and Noah Lands bring the conversation back to community, compassion, and supporting dance families affected by cancer. Alongside career advice and personal stories, these interviews capture the projects and priorities guests shared on the night of the event.
Whether you work in dance or simply love the art form, step behind the awards for an honest look at what sustains this community: purposeful work, human connection, and the courage to keep growing.
SHOW NOTES
00:00 Red carpet highlights and welcome
01:59 Tia Stokes: Authenticity and resilience
03:31 Jocelyn Basham: The power of human connection
07:09 Enola Bédard: Enjoying the journey
12:40 Protecting yourself as an artist
15:10 Travis Wall: The courage to ask for help
18:03 Noah Lands: The story behind Dancers Against Cancer
22:29 Denise Wall: Learning from setbacks
32:04 Why your reputation matters
32:59 Brooke Lipton: Dance and television
45:24 Social media as your future résumé
47:15 Ian Eastwood: Embracing your individuality
54:38 Blake McGrath: Family and purpose
1:03:37 Building a lasting dance career
1:10:55 Bringing character to your movement
ABOUT INDUSTRY DANCE AWARDS
The Industry Dance Awards celebrates the people shaping dance and supports Dancers Against Cancer. This red carpet special brings together artists, educators, and advocates to share career lessons and highlight the importance of supporting dance families affected by cancer.
CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY DANCE AWARDS & DANCERS AGAINST CANCER
Industry Dance Awards: https://www.industrydanceawards.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/industrydanceawards/
Dancers Against Cancer: https://imadanceragainstcancer.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imadanceragainstcancer/
The Business of Dance: https://www.bizofdance.com/thepodcast
Follow The Business of Dance on Spotify and share this episode with a dancer, dance parent, teacher, industry colleague, or dance fan.
