144 - Ivan FLIPZ Velez: You Got Served, 3X World Champion, Honey, Janet Jackson, Cirque Du Soleil, LL Cool J, The Voice, Missy Elliot, AGT.

<p>Interview Date: August 2nd, 2026</p><p>Episode Summary:</p><p>In this episode of <strong>The Business of Dance Podcast</strong>, Menina Fortunato sits down with legendary B-boy, choreographer, creative producer, and three-time World Champion <strong>Ivan “Flipz” Velez</strong> for a conversation about building a career that lasts.</p><p>Ivan shares his journey from discovering breaking and pursuing his passion in New York to becoming a professional dancer, touring internationally, working across major dance films, performing at the Olympics, and eventually expanding his career into choreography, casting, producing, stunt work, and motion capture.</p><p>Beyond the credits, Ivan gets candid about the qualities that have sustained his career: <strong>professionalism, humility, kindness, preparation, persistence, and being willing to help others</strong>. He explains why being the most talented dancer in the room isn&#39;t enough and how reputation, relationships, representation, and consistently showing up prepared can create opportunities for decades.</p><p>The conversation also explores agents, managers, publicists, personal branding, social media, and the importance of putting yourself and your work out into the world—even before you feel completely ready. Ivan reminds dancers that their individual talent deserves to be seen and that there is room for everyone to succeed.</p><p>During the mentee Q&amp;A, Ivan shares lessons from decades in breaking, including resilience, humility, navigating injuries, and continuing to evolve. His story is a powerful example of how dance can become the vehicle to an entire career in entertainment when artists refuse to limit themselves to a single title.</p><p>Shownotes:</p><p><strong>00:00</strong> — Meet legendary B-boy Ivan “Flipz” Velez</p><p><strong>08:31</strong> — Chasing breaking’s roots all the way to NYC</p><p><strong>09:25</strong> — Betting on himself before booking <em>Honey</em></p><p><strong>24:40</strong> — Reflecting on decades of unforgettable career milestones</p><p><strong>26:43</strong> — Why helping others can shape your career</p><p><strong>30:20</strong> — Professionalism becomes the secret to career longevity</p><p><strong>31:02</strong> — Staying humble when someone is always better</p><p><strong>40:16</strong> — How representation helped protect and elevate him</p><p><strong>44:31</strong> — Building the agent-manager-publicist dream team</p><p><strong>48:56</strong> — Understanding publicity