Alex Magno (choreographer)
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Alexandre (Alex-Andre) Magno was first discovered in 1986 in his native country of Brazil. Alex has a wide vocabulary of dance styles, which includes Hip-hop, Jazz, Ballet, Samba, Flamenco, Tango, Salsa, and Martial Arts. He is also fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and conversational Japanese.[citation needed]
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[edit] Current projects
In his 3rd collaboration with artist Ron Benise, Alex is currently choreographing and co-directing his up-and coming Cuba-Nights Of Fire US and European Tour, due to start in October 2007.
Magno is also under pre-production for Winds of Passion a series of 3 short films, linked into one dramatic and stylized dance feature film. In addition to directing and choreographing all of the films, Magno is also the co-writer.
Just recently 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[1] which incorporates flamenco, afro-Cuban salsa, samba, and more.
Immediately following the hit success of 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.
In 2004, Alex was commissioned by the European company ODE, to create the centerpiece of their 10th anniversary show, to be titled Illusionatics. Earlier in the same year, Mr. Magno was featured in a New York Times article about choreographers, and was dubbed the one to watch.
[edit] 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"[citation needed]. "Intricate dancing and expressions expertly choreographed by Alex Magno" - Variety[citation needed]
In 2001, Madonna called on Alex’s talent again for her Drowned World Tour,[2] this time with even greater demands: 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. Alex was recognized with both an Emmy and American Choreography Award Nomination.
Immediately following Madonna’s tour, Alex began working 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 asked Alex 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.
[edit] Feature Films and Television
62nd Academy Awards, which he co-choreographed with Paula Abdul
In Living Color, in which he also directed the dance segment
Lord of Illusion a Clive Barker film
Somebody to Love, staring Rosie Perez
Liquid Dreams, which 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
[edit] 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 its 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 crowd 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, an original ballet for their upcoming world tour.
Most recently, Alex has completed work for the 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 European company ODE, that was acclaimed by public and critics alike.
[edit] Additional Stage Credits
Franz F. Master of Illusion
Hair 20th anniversary
Jfoxx and Jmen
Love vs, Hate; A Romeo and Juliet Story
[edit] Last notes
In 2002, Alex took some time off once again to expand his skills, graduating from the 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 a music producer, having created original work for his ballets Rendezvous Liaison, Dejame Sonar and Orfeu In The Carnaval Of Souls.
Alex is an educator in the field of dance. He has trained several of today’s top stars including: Christina Applegate, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Lopez, Carlos Gomez, and Melora Hurton.
