Episode 8 – From Mia Michaels’ Assistant at 15 to Tony-nominated Producer: Ioana Alfonso’s Journey
Episode Summary
What does it take to go from assisting one of the industry’s most celebrated choreographers at just 15 years old to becoming a Tony Award-winning producer, Broadway performer, and multi-faceted director? For Ioana Alfonso, it’s been about embracing what makes you different, staying in service to the work, and building a career that refuses to fit into a single box.
In this powerful episode of The Breakthrough Collective, Io takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable journey —from her multicultural upbringing across the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Miami, to originating roles in Wicked and 9 to 5, to working as Associate Director on Othello with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. She opens up about the inner work required to stay resilient in a challenging industry, why she’s only recently begun leading with her Latina heritage, and what it means to serve underserved communities through inclusive performance.
This isn’t just a conversation about making it in entertainment—it’s about the intentional choices that shape impact, the power of storytelling to heal and shift culture, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply name the obstacle standing between you and joy.
About Ioana Alfonso
Ioana Alfonso (or “io” as her friends affectionately call her) is a multi-hyphenate artist who has seamlessly transitioned from dancer to Broadway performer, actor, director, and producer.
By age 15, io was already working professionally as an assistant to Emmy-winner Mia Michaels, receiving classical training at the prestigious New World School of the Arts. Her early career included performing with legendary dance companies and studying at Jacob’s Pillow, where she performed works by Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham.
io made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Wicked, later starring in 9 to 5 alongside Dolly Parton. Her television credits include roles in Master of None, Nurse Jackie, and Smash. As a creative professional, she has collaborated with award-winning directors like Joe Mantello, Julie Taymor, and Kenny Leon.
A Tony Award-winning producer for Buena Vista Social Club, io has also worked as Associate Director on Broadway productions including American Son and Othello (starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal)..
Beyond performance, io is dedicated to using arts as a tool for empowerment, working with charitable organizations to inspire individuals and promote unity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✨ How growing up across three cultures shaped Io’s artistic voice — and why she sees identity as a superpower.
✨ What she learned from assisting Mia Michaels at 15, and how that early mentorship shaped her approach to creative leadership.
✨ The surprising life lessons the ocean taught her about surrender, flow, and resilience.
✨ What it was like to collaborate with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal on Othello — and the responsibility of reimagining a classic through a modern lens.
✨ How Io reconnected with her roots through Buena Vista Social Club — and why authenticity became her creative compass.
✨ Why storytelling is a form of collective healing, and how artists can use their gifts to shift culture and empower others.
Breakthrough Lessons
Leading With Identity: 3 Creative Shifts for Owning Your Voice
Ioana Alfonso’s story is a masterclass in redefining what success looks like when you stop trying to fit in and start leading with who you are. Her journey reminds us that artistry, leadership, and authenticity are not separate — they’re intertwined.
Here are three lessons inspired by her breakthrough:
- Embrace your “and.” You don’t have to choose between being a dancer and a director, performer and producer — the power is in the combination.
- Root your work in service. Staying connected to purpose makes even the biggest stages feel meaningful.
- Name your obstacles. The simple act of identifying what’s blocking you creates space for transformation.
✨ Reflection prompt: What part of your story have you been minimizing that’s actually your superpower?
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Episode Chapters
00:00 — Intro
02:35 — Big Hair & Unique Name: Leading with What Makes You Different
06:15 — From Celebrating Culture to Leading with It
08:32 — The Artist’s Daughter: A Journey Across Cultures
10:45 — From Mia Michaels’ Assistant at 15 to Claiming Her Own Spotlight
13:30 — Originating Roles in Wicked & 9 to 5: What Draws Her to Meaningful Projects
20:35 — Making Classics Current: Associate Directing Othello on Broadway
27:30 — Buena Vista Social Club: Creating an Authentic, Culturally Rooted Production
34:25 — How She Navigates Being a Multi-Hyphenate Artist
38:53 — When a Project Looks Impossible: The First 10% You Solve
44:08 — The Power of Accessibility: Making Space for Audiences with Special Needs
49:00 — The Importance of Storytelling: Healing, Community & Cultural Shift
50:16 — A Childhood by the Ocean: The Moment That Still Influences Her Decisions
51:55 — The Magical Moment She Knew Dance Was Her Path
56:36 — Staying Resilient in a Challenging Industry: Working from the Inside Out
59:17 — A Simple Shift: Identify the One Thing Holding You Back
1:01:21 — Guiding Wisdom: Quotes That Shaped Her Journey
1:05:37 — Outro
Resources & Links
Ready for Your Breakthrough?
🧭Take the Free 3 Hidden Blocks Quiz
Discover which hidden block is holding you back and get your personalized
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👉 Take the Quiz: https://offers.thisistbc.com/the-breakthrough-Quiz
📖 The Story Reset Method Workbook
Rewrite the stories holding you back and design your next chapter.
👉 Learn More: https://offers.thisistbc.com/the-story-reset-method
More from The Breakthrough Collective
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Connect with Ioana Alfonso
🌐 Website: www.ioanaalfonso.com
📱 Instagram: @IoanaAlfonso
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Sources: Guest bio and photo provided by Ioana Alfonso; episode content from The
Breakthrough Collective Episode 8
