Menina Fortunato started her professional career at the tender age of twelve in Vancouver where she grew up. Presently, she is occupied with her hectic schedule as an international freelance dancer, teacher, choreographer, model and actor. She has performed extensively in North America, Asia and Europe in front of stadium crowds appreciated by millions internationally. To know more about the artist, well glue yourself in here as we have the honor of having her interview on our channel.
1. You stepped into your professional career when you were twelve, pretty young age huh! Could you please tell us a little about how you started and what sort of response are you getting now?
Menina: I was a gymnast as a young child, then I transitioned into dancing at age 8, and started acting and working in the entertainment industry by the time I was 12. My parents were both performers so they taught me a lot about the industry. After 3 years of post-secondary education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, I realized that I needed to follow my passion for performing and take it to the next level and move to Los Angeles. I had a great start. After 3 weeks of living in LA, I booked a Super Bowl commercial campaign with PEPSI. I have been very fortunate to be continuously working every since. I have been very successful, but I still feel like I have so much more I want to accomplish.
2. When are you at your best – on stage during a Live concert or in studio? How do you handle the adrenaline rush in front of the crowd?
Menina: I love being in front of the camera, but I will say that there is nothing like being on stage in front of thousands of screaming spectators. It’s an incredible rush that I can’t explain. I feed off of their energy and I usually give my best performance with a large crowd. Strangely enough, I get more nervous performing in a studio where there are only a few viewers.
3. As an actress what do you feel, your creativity came out more with the independent films or while working under a banner?
Menina: In general, there is usually more room for creativity on independent films since the producers and directors are usually more flexible when it comes to on set adjustments and changes. When I am working on a studio film, I feel like I have to just do what I am told and stick to the direction that is given.
4. You have been a dancer, teacher, choreographer, model and actor, how has been the journey up till now?
Menina: I have so many different interests, so Instead of focusing on one craft, I tend to always have my hands in many baskets. It’s a blessing and a curse, but I don’t think I would want it any other way. As long as I am in the entertainment business, I am happy. You can go to Meninaonline.com to stay up to date with what I am working on.
5. Since, you are a professional dancer and have danced with rocking starts like, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Earth Wind & Fire, Paula Abdul to name a few, so here I am curious to know, do you choreograph the films as well, in where you are a acting?
Menina: All the films that I have worked on as an actress, I haven’t been the choreographer. I usually prefer to focus on one responsibility at a time.
6. Would you please acquaint our readers with your new program, ‘The Hollywood Summer Tour’? What is it all about?
Menina: Hollywood Summer Tour is a program that I started with the intention to educate, guide and inspire those wishing to pursue a career in dance on TV, films, music videos, live shows etc.
The 10 day tour includes intensive training, workshops, a photo shoot for new headshots, meeting with agents, consultation with an immigration attorney (for non-Americans), market tools such as a website, resume formatting, sightseeing all over Los Angeles while being pampered at a luxury resort. You can go to Thehollywoodsummertour.com to learn more.
7. Menina, what are your other interests besides your work? How are you able to snatch out time for so many things? I would appreciate if you can share your working and lifestyle with us.
Menina: Believe it or not, I am a computer nerd. I love being creative with graphic designing, website building, surfing the web and responding to emails. I also have an online business, Meninamusic.com where I sell over 2 million music downloads. I have always been good at multi-tasking. I get bored easily and I am always happiest when I have a lot going on. I love to travel and have been very fortunate to tour all over the world with several recording artists. Even though I love getting paid to perform and travel, but I enjoy being home and resting as well. Like most women, I enjoy shopping, going to the movies, cooking a good meal at home, getting pampered at a spa and going to the pool. Sometimes I get so caught up with my work that I forget to take time for myself. Usually those around me have to tell me to slow down.
8. Where do you see yourself after five years? I mean any dreams or plans, for the coming future?
Menina: In the next 5 years, I hope to be married and starting a family, while also still pursuing my career in the entertainment industry. I want to be a working mom, just like my mother is. I would love to have a home in both LA and Vancouver so I can enjoy the best of both worlds.
9. Any words of wisdom, you’d like to give to the budding artists?
Menina: Stay focused, study your craft, market yourself and don’t every stop dreaming.
10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on the Instablogs News Network and all its related sites. Which one is your favorite?
Menina: I will be honest… I am new to the Instablogs News Network. I had a chance to browse around, and from what I’ve seen so far, I really like Coolcelebs.org I am really glad you found me and I am thankful for the exposure on your network.
Now, some rapid fire questions,
1. Describe yourself in one word.
Menina: Driven.
2. Who is the most influential person in your life?
Menina: I have so many influences, but I am probably most influenced by my parents since they raised me.
3. What is the best feeling in the world?
Menina: That’s really a tough question. I love the feeling of accomplishment, but I also enjoy the simple pleasures like a good meal, a good rest, a romantic evening with my bf, a massage and a great workout.
4. What is the worst feeling in the world?
Menina: Losing a loved one.
5. If given a chance, what would you like to change in the world?
Menina: WAR!!! I don’t believe in it and it drives me crazy when our world resorts to violence to solve a problem.
Before signing off, I’d like to thank Menina for taking time out to do an interview with us, it is greatly appreciated. Also, we’d like to wish her success for all her future endeavors.
