146 - Alex Francoeur: Head Choreographer FIFA World Cup, France’s Got Talent, Révolution, The Voice Canada, PAN - AM Games, Netflix, Ariana Grande, CBS.

<p><strong>Interview Date: August 9th, 2026 </strong></p><p><strong>Episode Summary:</strong></p><p>In this episode of <em>The Business of Dance Podcast</em>, Menina Fortunato sits down with Canadian choreographer <strong>Alex Francoeur</strong> to trace the journey that took him from a nine-year-old boy reluctantly entering his first hip-hop class in Quebec to building a full-time career across performance, choreography, television, live production, and entrepreneurship. Alex shares how early professional opportunities showed him that dance could become a real career, eventually leading him from Montreal to Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, relationships, O-1 visa journey, and willingness to take risks that shaped his path.</p><p>Alex also opens up about the major turning points that redirected his career, including <em>Révolution</em>, receiving a Golden Buzzer on <em>France’s Got Talent</em>, and discovering his voice as a choreographer and creative leader. He explains why genuine relationships matter just as much as talent, how assisting choreographers for years unknowingly prepared him to lead, and why defining success on your own terms can completely change your trajectory.</p><p>The conversation dives into one of Alex’s biggest projects yet: serving as head choreographer for the Opening Ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the massive audition and rehearsal process behind the production. During the Q&amp;A, Alex shares valuable advice about auditions, skeleton crews, networking, personal branding, leveraging opportunities, and treating yourself like a business. Above all, he encourages dancers to enjoy the journey, stay curious, build meaningful relationships, and recognize that every experience is preparing them for what comes next.</p><p>Shownotes:</p><p><strong>00:42</strong> – Starting dance at nine in Quebec</p><p><strong>05:09</strong> – Discovering dance could become a career</p><p><strong>10:28</strong> – Relationships that led to FIFA World Cup</p><p><strong>15:14</strong> – Taking a one-way chance on Los Angeles</p><p><strong>18:04</strong> – <em>Révolution</em> performance changes Alex’s career</p><p><strong>20:11</strong> – Becoming his own brand and business</p><p><strong>22:29</strong> – Unexpected transition from dancer to choreographer</p><p><strong>25:51</strong> – Building an international dance convention company</p><p><strong>28:21</strong> – Defining success on your own term