Recorded October 11, 2026
EPISODE SUMMARY
Paul Kirkland is a dancer, choreographer, creative director and director whose career includes touring with Madonna and Christina Aguilera, performing in Burlesque and Battle of the Year, and working behind the scenes with the Backstreet Boys. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Paul moved to Los Angeles at 18 and built a career that expanded from performing onstage to helping shape major productions. In this conversation with Menina Fortunato, he shares how preparation, relationships and a willingness to keep learning opened doors.
Paul takes us inside life on tour, from performing for massive crowds to protecting his body and maintaining relationships while constantly traveling. He explains how a back injury helped prompt his transition into assisting choreographers and learning the details of lighting, staging and production. He also discusses his work on the Backstreet Boys’ DNA tour and Sphere production, plus helping Jaafar Jackson prepare for Michael through ballet and recovery training.
Beyond the credits, Paul opens up about rejection, reinvention and finding opportunities beyond performing. Answering questions from Business of Dance mentees, he shares advice on moving to LA, developing an individual movement style, presenting your work online and adapting your performance for the camera. His story offers dancers an honest look at building a lasting career through curiosity, adaptability and meaningful connections.
SHOW NOTES
(03:09) Starting dance at three and building a foundation in ballet
(04:18) How one audition led to an unexpected first tour
(07:40) Working with Christina Aguilera and touring with Madonna
(10:32) The excitement of touring and performing for massive audiences
(11:57) Protecting your body and making the most of downtime
(13:38) Pivoting from performing to choreography and production
(16:17) Working with the Backstreet Boys and wearing multiple production hats
(17:18) Inside the Backstreet Boys’ immersive Sphere experience
(21:35) Training Jaafar Jackson in ballet and recovery for Michael
(26:01) Handling the disappointment of being released from a film scene
(33:31) Moving to LA young and showing up with confidence
(35:44) Developing your own movement style beyond studio training
(39:25) How social media, agencies and casting platforms help dancers get seen
(41:38) Creating a digital portfolio that makes your work easy to share
(43:06) Adapting your performance from the live stage to the camera
ABOUT PAUL KIRKLAND
Paul Kirkland is a Los Angeles–based dancer, choreographer, creative director and director originally from Jacksonville, Florida. He began dancing at three and moved to LA at 18 to pursue a professional career. His credits include touring with Madonna and Christina Aguilera, performing in Burlesque and Battle of the Year, and choreographing performances for Dancing with the Stars. His work has expanded into production, stage direction and artist development.
CONNECT WITH PAUL
Instagram: @paulkirklandcreative
