Episode Summary:

Tiana Gandelman shares a riveting journey through her dance career, from humble beginnings to notable successes alongside iconic pop stars. The episode dives into Tiana's experiences and insights on navigating the evolving landscape of the dance industry.

Tiana's career took off when she moved to Los Angeles after being selected for Britney Spears, "I'm a Slave 4 U" music video and VMAs, which solidified her decision to pursue dance professionally. Her anecdotes about working closely with celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera provide a candid look at the highs and lows of working with top-tier artists. She reflects on the challenges of big auditions and the cutthroat nature of the industry, where even the best dancers can face rejection.

Transitioning from dancing to producing, Tiana discusses the skills and experiences that facilitated her move into choreography and eventually into producing shows such as America's Got Talent and the Grammys. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and versatility, attributing her success in these roles to her extensive background in performance and her ability to adapt to the fast-paced environment of television production.

Tiana and Menina share practical advice for dancers looking to stand out in auditions, highlighting the importance of professional headshots, an effective social media presence, and the ability to market oneself creatively.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Dance career beginnings, risks, and successes with iconic pop stars.

• (6:11) Working with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in the early 2000s.

• (10:52) Career transition from dancer to producer.

• (16:53) Producing and choreography experience on America's Got Talent.

• (18:18) Producing TV shows and the Grammys, challenges and excitement of bringing music and dance together.

• (23:27) Creative director and producer roles in a performance, including duties and responsibilities.

• (28:05) Roles and responsibilities in TV production

• (30:41) Dance and entertainment industry career paths and experiences.

• (35:32) Finding success as a backup dancer, with tips on social media presence and standing out.

• (40:32) Challenges faced by dancers, mental preparation and staying relevant after tours.

• (46:50) Dance auditions, opportunities, and tips.

• (53:40) Dance techniques and college aspirations.

• (57:18) Finding audition opportunities for young dancers.

• (1:03:58) Dance industry evolution, influencer vs. industry career path.

• (1:09:37) Age for touring and performing in the entertainment industry.

Biography:

Tiana started her career as a backup dancer for renowned pop stars like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, accompanying them on world tours like "Stripped," "Back To Basics," and "Circus." She was also featured in music videos for hits such as “I'm A Slave 4 U,” “Dirrty,” “Ain't No Other Man,” and “Can't Hold Us Down.”

After supporting various pop icons for ten years, she shifted gears to choreographing shows like “Dance Your A** Off” and “High School Musical: Get In The Picture,” where her creativity blossomed. This paved the way for her to venture into a career in creative direction for stage performances on primetime television.

Tiana has been a Producer for “The Grammy Awards,” “Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop,” “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The X Factor” (Global), “The Voice,” Josh Groban, Fifth Harmony, Meghan Trainor, JoJo, Fantasia, Becky G Coachella, “The Masked Dancer,” and multiple seasons of the hit show “The Masked Singer.”

Throughout her career, Tiana has honed her craft across various mediums, from film and television, to digital media and immersive experiences. Her versatile skill set and boundless imagination have earned her recognition for delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

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