149 - Noelle Marsh: Michael Movie, So You Think You Can Dance, Tate McRae, Beyoncé, Palm Royale, Jennifer Lopez and Every Single Step.

<p><strong>Interview Date:</strong> August 30, 2026</p><p><strong>Episode Summary</strong></p><p>In Episode 149 of <em>The Business of Dance Podcast</em>, host Menina Fortunato sits down with Los Angeles-based choreographer, movement director, and performer <strong>Noelle Marsh</strong>. Noelle traces her path from a small dance studio in North Carolina to the world stage, beginning with dance at age three, competing nationally, and appearing on <em>So You Think You Can Dance</em>, which became her gateway into the industry. She opens up about assisting Mia Michaels, being mentored by Brian Friedman, and choreographing and later performing alongside Tate McRae. Noelle also shares what it was like dancing in the <em>Thriller</em> sequence of the Michael Jackson biopic and the emotional weight of stepping into that legacy. The conversation explores her transition from performer to creative lead, moving fluidly between dancing and choreography, the fear and freedom of rejection, and why she believes people feel your thoughts more than your words. The episode closes with a mentee Q&amp;A about authenticity, standing out in the room, building connections, and navigating today's social-media-driven industry.</p><p><strong>Shownotes</strong></p><ul><li><strong>00:50</strong> – Introducing guest Noelle Marsh</li><li><strong>03:10</strong> – Growing up dancing in small-town North Carolina</li><li><strong>04:33</strong> – Getting the call to assist Mia Michaels</li><li><strong>07:00</strong> – Moving to Los Angeles with no plan and no backup</li><li><strong>10:33</strong> – First booking: the Oscars with Adam Shankman</li><li><strong>12:42</strong> – Building a relationship with Brian Friedman</li><li><strong>15:07</strong> – Choreographing and later dancing for Tate McRae</li><li><strong>19:20</strong> – Dancing in the <em>Thriller</em> sequence of the Michael Jackson biopic</li><li><strong>24:04</strong> – Transitioning from performer to choreographer</li><li><strong>27:00</strong> – Winning <em>Every Single Step</em> and gaining creative confidence</li><li><strong>29:48</strong> – Balancing dancing and choreography today</li><li><strong>32:37</strong> – Authenticity, thoughts over words, and reframing rejection</li><li><strong>36:56</strong> – Mentee Q&amp;A: connections, standing out, and social media's role today</li></ul><p><strong>Biography</strong></p><p>Noelle Marsh is a Los Angeles-based choreographer, movement director, and performer whose career moves ac