After decades as a professional dancer and choreographer, Menina Fortunato decided to pivot to the actual business of dance. That’s when Menina Entertainment was born. In the 15 years since, she’s taken everything she knows about that world and transformed it into a thriving movement. From the very first step, Fortunato has been working on in-person dance events, dance productions, instructional videos, music videos and the big number at awards shows.
Throughout her career, she’s shared stages with Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Paula Abdul and more. And in her role as a producer, she was an associate choreographer for X Factor and America’s Got Talent and a guest judge on Dance Moms.
But when the pandemic hit in 2020, Fortunato knew she had to find a new rhythm. “I started a virtual dance event that I produced from my bedroom while holding a newborn baby,” she tells SUCCESS. “Switching to online programming was very challenging. I struggled financially for almost two years trying to work from home with my virtual dance programs.”
Looking back on it now, Fortunato knows that those challenges became the stepping stones she needed to explore a whole new way to bring dance to the masses. And that transition paid off. “(That) eventually led to restructuring my business to focus on a high-ticket coaching program called ‘The Business of Dance’ where I mentor dancers and help them create their dream dance careers.”
Now, Fortunato is giving us a look at a typical day in the life of her well-choreographed empire.
8:00 a.m. — Up and Out
Like every other busy parent juggling work and family, the first thing on Fortunato’s to-do list is to get her three kids to school. “Once I get home, I drink an herbal tea and make an organic superfood smoothie. I might do a quick yoga, pilates or dance-based workout,” she says.
10:00 a.m. — Get in Touch
This is when Fortunato’s business really gets going. “I have a small team of approximately 10 people and growing. I usually start my computer work, check in with my team on Slack and take Zoom calls.” Doing one-on-one kickoff Zoom calls with every new client she has is one of the ways she differentiates her business by being involved every step of the way.
11:00 a.m. — Create
This is the time of day when Fortunato devotes herself to creating content that will connect her to followers, podcast listeners, students and other clients. “I primarily work remotely from my home office where I have lights, a backdrop, a laptop…
