Alexandre (Alex-Andre) was first discovered in 1986 in his native
country of Brazil, where he was he was immediately recognized as a
unique, passionate, and talented artist. Very few choreographers
can match Alex’s wide vocabulary of dance styles; which include:
Hip-hop, Jazz, Ballet, Samba, Flamenco, Tango, Salsa, and Martial
Arts. He is also fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian,
and conversational Japanese.
Alex’s Current Projects:
For the
3rd time Alex is collaborating, with artist Ron Benise,
choreographing and co-directing his up-and coming “Cuba-Nights Of
Fire” US and European Tour, due to start in October 2007.
Mr.
Magno is also under pre-production for “Winds Of Passion” a series
of 3 short films, linked together into one dramatic and stylized
dance feature film. In addition to direct and choreograph all of
the films, Mr. Magno is also the co-writer.
Just recently Mr.
Magno created for ODE (a Norwegian Dance Co.) “La Rueda” a Latin/
Cuban ballet, Inspired on a collection of established and new Latin
Artists; using popular and classic Latin songs such as Celia Cruz’s
life anthem “La Vida Es Un Carnaval”.
In the beginning of 2006
Alex completed his work on "Orfeu In The Carnival of Souls" a
full-length original ballet commissioned by New York's Ballet
Hispanico. In addition to conceive and choreograph the Ballet, Mr.
Magno directed, produced the entire Sound Track and also co-wrote,
most of the original music made for the Ballet. The company will be
touring the US and internationally with this piece in the coming
season. “Orfeu In The Carnival Of Souls” received raving reviews
from (The Villager - Sara G. Levin): The premier of Alexandre
Magno’s “Orfeu in the Carnaval of Souls,” a Brazilianized version
of Orpheus’s descent into the underworld by Ballet Hispanico, was
splendidly seductive.
In one duet the lovers are so entangled in
swings and splits, they look like they could get lost weaving
through each other…The music, a wonderful collection of samba,
waltz, and Spanish guitar, changes to match the creepy mood,
setting an uneasy tone to contrast the willowy love scenes. …Above
all, “Orfeu’s” Broadway-style performance adds pizzazz to this
classic story and delivers compelling, convincing characters.
Alex
appeared, directing and choreographing “The Eternal” a short film
written by Zalman King, for BRAVO T.V. that aired as part of
Bravo’s “Forty Duce” series. He was also choreographed for the show
So You Think You Can Dance, on Fox, as one of the shows first guest
choreographers.
Alex choreographed the video “Sway” for the
Pussycat Dolls, which is from the soundtrack to “Shall We Dance.”
In Dec. of 2005, Magno worked with famed Flamenco Guitarist Ron
Benise, choreographing and staging “Nights Of Fire” a PBS special;
which incorporates flamenco, afro-cuban salsa, samba, and more.
Immediately following the hit success of Mr. Magno’s work on
the PBS Special, Alex went on to work on Benise’s 2006 National
Tour; re-mounting, choreographing in addition to sharing the stage
with Benise as a one of the lead performer. Alex’s work on Benise’s
2006 Tour received great reviews, such as: “...fiery
entertainer...one of the most colorful live shows of the season. A
virtuoso guitarist, composer and producer, his Spanish guitar
arrangements touch on all points of the musical globe, from Spain,
Africa and Brazil to France. Surrounding him on stage is a
40-person cast that takes in exotic drums, Gypsy violin, flamenco
dancers, Cirque performers, Brazilian samba dancers and
percussionists, African tribal drummers, Havana horns and brilliant
lighting." --Fred Shuster, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS (4/18/06)
In
2004, Alex was commissioned by the prestigious European company
ODE, to create the centerpiece of their 10th anniversary show, to
be titled “Illusionatics.” Earlier in the same year, Mr. Magno was
chosen to be featured in a New York Times article about
choreographers, and was dubbed “The one to watch.”
Alex’s
commercial work:
In 1993 Alex was hand picked by Madonna to be the
choreographer of her world tour and HBO special “The Girlie Show.”
She recognized not only his choreographic talent, but also his
unique ability to mix sensuality and strength in a dynamic way that
was still commercially viable. Since the show was going to be so
theatrical, and rely so much on the staging and choreography,
Madonna knew that she needed a choreographer who understood how to
make a dramatic show that didn’t rely on gimmicks or spectacles.
Alex was the only choreographer that could fulfill her vision, and
together they made the “Girlie Show” one of the most sensual and
artistic tours to this day. Alex’s work on the “Girlie Show” has
been called “Provocative, sensual, outstanding, and genius.”
“Intricate dancing and expressions expertly choreographed by Alex
Magno” - Variety
Then in 2001 Madonna called on Alex’s talent
again for her “Drowned Word Tour”, this time her demands were even
greater for him: Tango, Salsa, Flamenco, Karate, Kung Fu, Samurai
sword work, a Contortionist, and a traditional Javanese dancer! She
knew that only Alex would be able to handle such a tall order with
the integrity and passion that her vision deserved. For all his
hard work, Alex was recognized with both an Emmy and American
Choreography Award Nomination.
Immediately following Madonna’s
tour, Alex began working on for the male pop group “Plus One” on
their 2002 “Obvious’ tour. Alex was able to break boundaries on
this tour, moving away from the formatted “Boy Band” look, and
bring not only individuality, but artistry and dynamics to the
genre.
In 2003 Britney Spears brought Alex in to choreograph
for her ABC special and MTV club tour, in which his work was called
“sensual, seductive, and mature” by US Weekly. She personally
brought Alex in to add a dynamic, artistic edge to her
work.
Feature Films and Television:
“62nd Academy Awards”,
which he co-choreographed with Paula Abdul
"In Living Color," in
which also he directed the dance segment
"Lord of Illusion" a
Clive Barker film
"Somebody to Love," staring Rosie Perez,
"Liquid Dreams" that won critical acclaim for choreography at the
1991 Cannes Film festival,
"Brasil 500 Anos" A star-studded
spectacular celebrating Brazil’s 500th birthday,
"The Golden
Eagle Awards" for Nosostro TV,
"Just a Dream." A video for MCA
recording artist Donna Delory
Alex’s Theater Work:
In 1989 Alex
formed his own dance company, Personna Dance Theater, to expand his
choreographic vision, and prove that a dance company born in L.A.,
could hold it’s own on a worldwide stage. He wanted to show that
Artistry and Commerciality could be combined in a in an exciting,
provocative, and sensual way. Alex successfully produced a five
show series “With Passion…” which won him the acclaim and respect
of the entertainment community. Then in 1998, Alex and his company
were invited to be the featured company for “Joinville,” The
largest dance festival in South America. At this festival, in front
of an international crowed of over 8,000 fans, Alex received a
special homage award for artistic excellence in the realm of
choreography.
In 1996, Alex took on one of the most serious
jobs of his career. He was hired to choreograph, write, and compose
“Hiroshima Requiem,” a dance concert commemorating the 50th
anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Alex was chosen to be the
one to lead this project because of his integrity and dedication to
artistic exploration of truth through dance.
Then, after a two
year break from the stage, in which Alex was improving his skills
as a composer, writer, and editor, he returned. The world famous
Parisian Lido Show called upon Alex’s vast knowledge to direct,
choreograph, and compose “Rendezvous Liaison,” and original ballet
for their upcoming world tour.
Most recently Alex has completed
work for the prestigious Ballet Hispanico in NYC. He created an
original ballet based on the popular Hispanic music of the 40’s and
50’s. Ballet Hispanico will debut this work in their 2004 season.
Alex has received rave reviews for his work Dejame Sonar.
In
2003 Alex was commissioned by several dance companies, both
domestic and international, to create original works for their
company. Highlights include: Odyssey dance company, for which Alex
created a piece based on the mythic story of Euridice; An original
ballet based on Shakespeare’s Othello for Origins Company that was
a unique fusion of latin ballroom, Jazz, and Hip-hop; and lastly,
Mr. Magno created a compelling piece for the prestigious European
company ODE, that was acclaimed by public and critics alike.
Additional Stage Credits:
Franz F. “Master of
Illusion”
“Hair” 20th anniversary
“Jfoxx” and “Jmen”
“Love vs,
Hate; A Romeo and Juliet Story”
Last notes
In 2002 Alex took
some time off once again to expand his skills and attended and
graduated from the prestigious New York Film Academy. He is now
working on expanding his career into the realm of feature film
directing, as well as continuing his choreographing and artistic
directing. He is truly a complete artist now, not only shaping the
movement, but able to combine it with all the multi-media
technology we have today to make a truly original and interactive
live experience.
Alex is also an accomplished music producer,
having created original work for his ballets “Rendezvous Liaison,”
“Dejame Sonar” and “Orfeu In The Carnaval Of Souls” Alex’s
understanding of music is a huge asset to him while working as both
director and choreographer, being able to communicate with
musicians in their own language.
Alex is also known
internationally as a master educator in the field of dance. He has
also had the great privilege to train several of today’s top stars
including: Christina Applegate, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Lopez ,
Carlos Gomez, and Melora Hurton to name a few.
Alex brings
passion, caring, and dedication to every project he is involved
in.