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Alexandre Magno Director/ Choreographer
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.
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.
