130 - Austin Lee: Netflix Star Search, Lady Gaga, Doechii, A Week Away: The Series, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and HST Alumni

Interview Date: April 19th, 2026Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast, Austin Lee shares his inspiring journey from a young boy in Orlando putting on living room performances for his family to becoming a working professional dancer in Los Angeles. He reflects on how dance immediately clicked for him after trying many other sports, and how winning a Hollywood Summer Tour scholarship at his very first convention opened his eyes to the possibilities of a real career in dance. From moving to LA alone at just 15 years old to training in the Launch program at The Space, Austin’s story is a powerful example of commitment, independence, and trusting your path from a very young age.Austin also talks candidly about the difficult in-between years of training and transition, when many dancers are not yet booking regularly, and emphasizes the importance of patience, mindset, and trusting your timing. He shares standout moments from his career, including working with Lady Gaga, performing on Star Search, and building momentum through high-level opportunities that followed. Throughout the conversation, he offers honest advice on comparison, recovery, community, financial wisdom, speaking up for yourself, and staying open to the many skills a professional dance career may require. His message to dancers is clear: trust your talent, stay consistent, and don’t give up just because someone else’s timeline looks different from yours.Top 10 Show Notes2:00 — Dance instantly clicked after first class4:29 — First convention scholarship changed his path5:20 — Hollywood Summer Tour opened his eyes6:33 — Moved to LA alone at 1510:43 — First major job on James Corden13:16 — Dancing for Lady Gaga fulfilled dream18:31 — Star Search schedule was intense and fast20:39 — Show visibility led to bigger opportunities22:46 — Trust your timing, not comparison40:54 — Save money and speak upBiography:Austin Lee is a Los Angeles–based professional dancer, choreographer, and artist originally from Orlando, Florida. Renowned for his versatility, precision, and determination, Austin has built a career spanning television, film, music videos, and live performance.His recent credits include being the Dance Champion and Finalist on Netflix’s Star Search with his collective “Movement 55”, working with Lady Gaga on “Abracadabra (Fan Edit)” and appearing in Doechii’s “Anxiety.” Austin has also shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as New Kids On The Block, Jordan Fisher, JoJo Siwa, Snow Wife, and Tash Blake, and has been featured in high-profile creative collaborations including Google, GoPro x Derek Hough and etc. His television and film work includes the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Late Show with James Corden, So You Think You Can Dance, NBC’s World of Dance, Disney’s Fam Jam, Amazon Prime’s Tiny Dancers, and A Week Away: The Series.A graduate of the prestigious Launch Training Program at The Brea Space, Austin dedicated five years to refining his craft while cultivating lasting relationships within the industry. He currently travels nationwide as a Radix Pro Assistant, working alongside renowned choreographers such as Brian Friedman, Tessandra Chavez, and Tyce Diorio, bringing inspiration, mentorship, and high-level artistry to dancers across the country.Grounded in authenticity and driven by a passion for storytelling through movement, Austin continues to carve out a powerful creative voice. As both a performer and collaborator, he remains committed to growth, connection, and pushing the boundaries of what dance can communicate—marking him as an artist to watch as his career continues to unfold.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinblaiselee/