Recorded October 4, 2026
EPISODE SUMMARY
Misha Gabriel is a dancer, choreographer and actor whose career includes working with Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, rehearsing for Michael Jackson’s This Is It, contributing choreography to Justin Timberlake’s tours, and playing Eddy in Step Up Revolution and Step Up All In. But behind those credits are cancelled tours, devastating rejection and moments when his next chapter was anything but certain. In this conversation with Menina Fortunato, Misha shares what it takes to keep building a career when the opportunities you worked for disappear.
From booking his first tour at 16 to moving to Los Angeles at 17, Misha reveals how training, mentorship and relationships opened doors. He takes us inside the Michael Jackson audition where he was cut, the unexpected second chance that changed his life, and the lessons he learned rehearsing for This Is It. He also opens up about transitioning into acting and creating a European teaching tour instead of waiting for someone else to hire him.
The conversation goes beyond the highlight reel, exploring intentional training, genuine networking, financial preparation and finding your own creative voice. Misha also answers questions from Business of Dance mentees about representation, choreography, moving to LA and handling the emotional highs and lows of the industry. This episode is for dancers, aspiring choreographers and parents who want an honest look at building a sustainable career while protecting the love of dance that started it all.
SHOW NOTES
(02:45) Growing up in a dance family and discovering hip-hop
(05:45) Booking Aaron Carter’s tour at 16 and moving to LA
(11:33) Choreographing for Justin Timberlake and clarifying his touring credits
(12:36) Working with Janet Jackson and navigating cancelled tours
(17:24) Getting cut from Michael Jackson’s audition, then earning another chance
(22:34) Rehearsing This Is It and rebuilding after Michael’s passing
(26:04) Lessons from Michael Jackson’s preparation, knowledge and attention to detail
(29:39) Landing Step Up Revolution and pursuing an acting career
(33:42) Choreographing for the Sacramento Kings and building a teaching tour
(36:43) Creating opportunities through outreach and treating dance as a business
(38:54) Building genuine relationships, staying connected and leading with value
(48:14) Trusting your creative instincts and finding your choreographic voice
(52:08) Training intentionally and preparing for a move to Los Angeles
(1:03:46) Choreographing for So You Think You Can Dance and handling criticism
(1:09:39) Navigating rejection without tying your happiness to career achievements
ABOUT MISHA GABRIEL
Misha Gabriel is a professional dancer, choreographer, actor and educator. His work includes performing with Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, rehearsing for Michael Jackson’s This Is It, and portraying Eddy in Step Up Revolution and Step Up All In. His choreography credits include contributions to Justin Timberlake’s tours and So You Think You Can Dance. He also teaches internationally, helping dancers develop their artistry and professional skills.
CONNECT WITH MISHA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishagabriel/
