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The Business of DanceAuthor: MENINA FORTUNATO
Welcome to the 'Business of Dance' with your host Menina Fortunato. Tune in as we dive into insightful interviews with industry experts, sharing personal journeys and career advice for aspiring pro dancers. This podcast is your key to turning your dance dreams into reality. Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Performing Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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126 - Jason Williams: So You Think You Can Dance, Lady Gaga, High School Musical, Beyoncé, Dancing with The Stars and NOIR Dance Company.
Sunday, 29 March, 2026
Interview Date: March 8th, 2026In this inspiring episode, Jason Williams shares his journey from a curious three-year-old stepping into dance class to becoming a globally recognized performer, choreographer, and creative visionary. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from boldly inserting himself into opportunities like So You Think You Can Dance to working with icons such as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Jason emphasizes the power of initiative, reminding dancers that “visibility is your responsibility” and that success often comes from fearlessly putting yourself in the room.As the conversation unfolds, Jason opens up about his evolution beyond performing and into creative direction and entrepreneurship. Feeling unfulfilled despite professional success, he made the bold decision to pivot, ultimately creating his own work, including a sold-out production in New York. His story highlights a powerful truth: when opportunities don’t exist, you must create them. This shift into producing and directing allowed him to fully step into his identity as a visionary artist.The episode also dives into mindset, identity, and the balance between artistry and business. Jason introduces a memorable analogy of being a “dolphin among sharks,” encouraging dancers to embrace both their creativity and business acumen. Through Q&A with young dancers, he reinforces the importance of versatility, authenticity, and personal branding—leaving listeners with actionable advice and a renewed sense of empowerment in navigating the dance industry.Shownotes:0:01 – Guest intro + career highlights overview4:00 – Started dance at age three by chance6:54 – Passion became serious in competitive training years9:03 – Bold move led to SYTYCD opportunity10:30 – “Visibility is your responsibility” mindset13:32 – Importance of identity beyond just talent14:13 – Post-show hustle and booking major jobs19:18 – Working with Lady Gaga and career highlights24:55 – Transition from performer to creator/producer35:06 – Artist vs. business mindset (“dolphin vs shark”)Biography:Jason Williams is a movement architect, dancer, director, and visionary whose work pulses with spirit, sensuality, and soul. Rooted in culture and shaped by experiences, his artistry is spiritual, intentional, and joy-forward—crafted to move both body and soul.A finalist on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 2), Jason has built an international career across film, television, stage, and commercial work. His credits include High School Musical, FAME, Dirty Dancing, and Hairspray LIVE, with TV appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race, POSE, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dancing with the Stars, SNL, and more.He’s performed with icons like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and many more. He has graced stages at the Oscars, BET Awards, MTV Awards, Emmys, and Billboard Music Awards.Jason wrote, directed, choreographed, and produced The Jason Williams Experience: LIVE!—a sold-out production at NYC’s Alvin Ailey Theater. In 2024, he launched NOIR, a bold new dance company and platform celebrating excellence, identity, and community.Internationally known for his jazz-rooted technique, soulful musicality, and transformational teaching, Jason’s choreography awakens presence, honors lineage, and ignites joy. With a signature style blending foundation, feeling, and truth, his work isn’t just unforgettable—it’s undeniable.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: thejasonwilliamsexperienceWebsite: https://www.thejasonwilliamsexperience.com/
