147 - Joey Vice: Cirque De Soleil’s KOOZA, BalletRED, and Netflix’s Star Search

<p>Interview Date: August 16th</p><p><strong>Episode Summary:</strong></p><p>In this episode of <em>The Business of Dance Podcast</em>, Menina Fortunato sits down with Los Angeles-based performer, choreographer, acrobat, and educator <strong>Joey Vice</strong> to explore the unconventional path that took him from a young competitive dancer in Ohio to performing his dream role with Cirque du Soleil. Joey shares how he transitioned from soccer to dance, developed a strong technical foundation in ballet and jazz, and independently expanded into contemporary and acro. By 12, he had already set his sights on Cirque, studying its artists, training methods, and performance style in preparation for the career he wanted.</p><p>That preparation paid off when Cirque du Soleil contacted Joey at just 18 years old and ultimately cast him in <em>KOOZA</em>. He opens up about the elaborate makeup process, the physical demands of touring, performing up to 10 shows per week, and developing the acting, improvisation, stamina, and versatility required of a Cirque artist. After two years on tour, Joey chose to step away from his childhood dream job to explore the broader dance industry and eventually relocated to Los Angeles.</p><p>Joey also takes listeners behind the scenes of his transition into television and commercial work, including being discovered through social media for <strong>BalletRED</strong> and appearing on Netflix’s <em>Star Search</em>. During the mentee Q&amp;A, he shares advice on strengthening acro technique, overcoming fear, researching who you audition for, embracing individuality, and continuing to train. His message throughout the episode is to stay curious, work hard, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who are pursuing similar goals.</p><p><strong>Shownotes:</strong></p><p><strong>03:56</strong> – From soccer player to passionate dancer</p><p><strong>06:00</strong> – Building his unique acro-contemporary style</p><p><strong>09:06</strong> – Training specifically for a Cirque career</p><p><strong>12:08</strong> – Booking his dream job at eighteen</p><p><strong>14:23</strong> – Learning Cirque’s elaborate makeup process</p><p><strong>19:13</strong> – Inside life performing with Cirque</p><p><strong>25:03</strong> – The unexpected realities of touring young</p><p><strong>28:54</strong> – Transitioning from Cirque to Los Angeles</p><p><strong>29:20</strong> – Social media opens the <em>Star Search</em> door</p><p><strong>30:37</strong> – Eig