The Business of Dance Podcast host captures exclusive red carpet interviews at the Beverly Hilton charity gala benefiting Dancers Against Cancer

Beverly Hills, CA - The Gala of the Stars, one of the most glamorous and inspiring nights in the dance world, united icons, choreographers, and rising talent at the Beverly Hilton for an unforgettable celebration benefiting Dancers Against Cancer (DAC). On the red carpet, Menina Fortunato, host of The Business of Dance Podcast, interviewed honorees, presenters, and creative leaders, offering listeners a rare behind the scenes look into the artistry, community, and compassion that define the industry.

Hosted by Maks Chmerkovskiy and produced by Noah Lands, the annual gala raised more than $700,000 to support dancers and families affected by cancer. The evening featured appearances by Debbie Gibson, recipient of the Advocate Award, JoJo Siwa, honored with the Humanitarian Award for her decade long support of Dancers Against Cancer, Derek Hough, who received the Innovator Award for his groundbreaking contributions to dance, and Janet Jackson, who was presented with the prestigious Icon Award by Liza Minnelli.

The opening number, choreographed by JoJo Siwa, featured more than 80 young dancers known as the DAC ICONS from The Business of Dance online mentorship, Project X (Dance Moms cast), Mathers Dance Company, and other exceptional youth performers, symbolizing hope, resilience, and unity through dance.

“It was truly an honor to be part of such an iconic night celebrating dance and raising money for a great cause,” said Menina Fortunato, host of The Business of Dance Podcast. “The cancer hope stories, the speeches, and the performances were deeply inspiring.”

Featured Red Carpet Interviews

Menina spoke with award recipients, presenters, and creative leaders, including:

• Debbie Gibson – Advocate Award Honoree and Performer

• JoJo Siwa – Humanitarian Award Honoree and Choreographer

• Abby Lee Miller – TV Personality (Dance Moms, Madhouse, Abby Lee Dance With Me)

• Chris Hughes – Presenter

• Allison Holker - Presenter (SYTYCD, DWTS)

• Julie McDonald – Trailblazer Award Honoree

• Vincent Paterson – Presenter (Director / Choreographer Michael Jackson, Madonna)

• Mandy Moore – Live Performance Choreographer of the Year

• Anita Mann – Philanthropist of the Year

• Jeff Thacker – Television Producer (So You Think You Can Dance)

• Robbie Blue – Role Model Award Honoree (Choreographer for Tate McRae VMA performance)

• Enola Bedard - (Dancer, Singer, Influencer 25M+)

• Richard Jay-Alexander – Presenter; Broadway Director / Producer (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon)

• Cris Judd (Michael Jackson, Usher, MTV VMAs) and Kelly Judd

• Lance Guillermo and Danielle Sten-Guillermo – Presenters for Christopher Scott’s Film Choreographer of the Year Award

• Autumn Miller – Dancer (Beyoncé, J Balvin)

• Sophia Lucia – Dancer and Social Media Influencer

• Sabrina Bryan – Dancer, Singer (DWTS, The Cheetah Girls)

• Chelsie Hill – Founder of The Rollettes and Disability Advocate

Some of the invited special guests included Janet Jackson’s choreographers and tour dancers, such as Tina Landon, Kelly Kono, Nicole Edmonds, Jenna Dewan, Dean Lee, Gil Duldulao, Laurie Sposit, and Nick Flores, to name a few.

About The Business of Dance Podcast

The Business of Dance Podcast, hosted by Menina Fortunato, celebrates the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of the global dance community. Menina, whose professional credits include Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Earth Wind & Fire, Luis Miguel, Luke Bryan, and Paula Abdul, continues to bridge the gap between art and business, spotlighting dancers, choreographers, and producers shaping the next generation of the industry.

Full interviews from the Gala of the Stars red carpet will appear in upcoming episodes of The Business of Dance Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Follow @thebizofdance, @meninafortunato, @imadanceragainstcancer, and @galaofthestars for behind the scenes coverage and exclusive red carpet moments from the 2025 Gala of the Stars.

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