Drowned Madonna: Hi Alex, welcome to Drowned Madonna. Tell us something about your childhood and your first steps in the world of dance...

Alex Magno: I started to dance in my homeland Brazil, Rio De Janeiro, during the 80's along with my brother Carlos Magno and 3 other friends. We had a dance group called "Old Jazz" at the time we really did not know the meaning of the word "Old Jazz" we did know what "Old" meant in Portuguese (Velho), but "Jazz" as its true root of the word, not really.

Drowned Madonna: So, what was your own meaning for the word "Jazz"?

Alex Magno: The Bob Fossie movie "All That Jazz" is the perfect example of what the word JAZZ meant to us, it was not just about a style of music, or a style of dance. But above all the word meant style of life; for example the typical phrase "Living La Vida Loca" or other famous phrase such as "La Dolce Vita". Even though we did not know the true meaning of the word, somehow to some extent we were doing that (living la Dolce Vita or should I say dancing "La Dolce Vita").

Drowned Madonna: Where did you usually perform with your group?

Alex Magno: Our group used to dance at night clubs performing on the dance floor, where people use to make a big circle to watch us dancing. Was in one of these NightClubs that I were invited to attend a dance school, at the time I was 13 years old going 14.

Drowned Madonna: When did you understand you were born to dance?

Alex Magno: Before I ever learned how to dance, academically speaking, and for that matter before even I knew how to count music, I was choreographing. That was a gift, the tool that helped me to shape my life and my career.
I was the one who put the steps together, even though none of us had any academic dance training at the time, our group used to mix steps of club dancing and jazz (Ballet Steps) such as an arabesque and etc..

Drowned Madonna: Any TV show or movie that inspired you?

Alex Magno: At the time there use to be a very famous TV show; a TeleNovela called "Baila Comigo" that was a fever at the time. The dance numbers were choreographed by an American choreographer called "Lenny Dale" I use to watch this TV show and would learn some dance steps here and there and put on my dance routines. Other dance films at the time that I watch and that had great influence in my work was "Fame", "All That Jazz", "Flash Dance", "Saturday Night Fever".

Drowned Madonna: What is your professional background?

Alex Magno: Before learning how to dance I used to do Capoeira, then later on shift into Karate; in the future I would never know that learning Capoeira and Karate would help me with my career as a dancer and a choreographer. All of my Dance training comes from Brazil, Rio De Janeiro. Back there I studied Jazz, Brazilian Afro Dance, Modern and Ballet. Some of my teachers were Ana Mello, Renato Vieira, Jorge La Fond and others.

Drowned Madonna: Have you had any other artistic experience but dance?

Alex Magno: Besides dancing also took some acting classes by this great Brazilian teacher Marta Rossman who taught me about the drama and the power of emotions, how to manipulate it while dancing, with out those classes my Dancing and my choreography would never had being the same.

Drowned Madonna: What was your first important job?

Alex Magno: My first professional job in Rio, I worked as a one of the lead dancers for a very well know dance company called "Vacilou Dançou". I also did various shows for TV Globo as a dancers back in Brazil.

Drowned Madonna: Have you done other important experience in Brazil, before flying to the States?

Alex Magno: Brazil was the backbone of my dance and artistic training. It was there in Brazil that at the age of 16 I had the chance to work with American choreographers Dennon Rawles and Sayhber Rawles, who had just choreographed the 1983 "Staying Alive" starring John Travolta for a Brazilian Beer Commercial "Malt 90". Along with the choreographers I also had the privelege to work with 6 American dancers brought to do the commercial; amongst then are: Michael Rooney, Michelle Johnston, Helen Philips, Nyla Fry and Bruce. Working with them was a great experience. I'll never forget that job.

Drowned Madonna: So... when and how did you go to the States?

Alex Magno: A few years later Nyla Fry, one of the dancers from the commercial, was of great help to me as I arrived in LA. Beside giving me a hand by allowing me to stay at her house in Santa Monica, she also pointed me to the right direction, who to take class from, where to go and etc.. There were many other Angels who help me here in the States, I am so thankful and grateful for their help and hold this angels in a very special place in my heart.

Drowned Madonna: What were your first studying experiences in the USA?

Alex Magno: In the States around 1986 I was scholarship at the prestigious "Dupree Dance Academy" at the time one of the top dance schools in the country. There I had the privilege to study with many great teachers; such as Douglas Caldwell, Rosemary Rand, Jacky Sleight, Randy Allair, Hama, Tony Coppola, Melinda Cordell and others. It was there that I learned how to do a little tap with "Tony Coppola", which later on, was very helpful because I got the chance to work with Paula Abdul in a music video "The Way That You Love Me".

Drowned Madonna: And what about your first professional jobs?

Alex Magno: My first professional Job here in the States was for Industrial Show where I had to choreograph and dance to my teenage Idol Michael Jackson's Thriller. Then my second job was for a music video choreographed by "Hinton Battle" (from the Tony Award musical Tap Kid), following this I worked with "Kenney Ortega" on many different jobs from music videos to TV, to Films. I continue to work on numerous TV shows, music videos and others, until finally in 1990 I had a chance to Direct and Choreograph my first company work in the USA. The show was called "All Colors Of Personna" which later on became the title for my dance company "Personna Dance Theatre".

Drowned Madonna: Interesting... and then, what did it happen?

Alex Magno: Following this I continues to work as a dancer in Hollywood but also I continue to experimenter with my choreography, creating different shows for my dance company. It was also during this time that I started to teach in LA, I taught a jazz class that started with a Stylized Ballet Bar, going into a technical and challenging across the floor, then ending up with choreography, which in most of the circumstances I choreograph on the spot. Very much as a painter would do in front of a blanc canvas. Once I had the right song to merry with the mood I was in at that specific moment in time, I started to dance, slowly letting art fly, becoming organic, becoming alive. It was through those dance classes and small dance concert that I was able to build a solid foundation of devoted students and friend, who supported and inspired me to create for many years.

Drowned Madonna: What growing experimental procession years! Do you remember some of the people you worked with during this period?

Alex Magno: Carrie Ann Inaba, Carlos Gomes, Ungela Brokman, Laurie Konyak, Greg Russel, Victor Manoel, Calton Wilborn, Cameron English, Sergio Trujillo, Keith Diorio, Luca Tommassini and others.

Drowned Madonna: Alex, how did you become recognizable?

Alex Magno: Little by little my work started to become recognizable, more respectful within the industry (dance community), this continues way of leaving, creating spontaneous art "movements" essentially brought me to work with the supestar Madonna.

Drowned Madonna: Since Madonna is an Icon and she has so many years of experience on stage, as very few artists have, were you a little bit worried about working with such as a monster of modern arts as Madonna?

Alex Magno: Yes.

Drowned Madonna: You worked with Madonna for the first time for her Girlie Show. How did you get in touch with her?

Alex Magno: Though my agent. Through a Demo Video of my Choreography. Amongst all of the top choreographers at the time I was chosen along with another choreographer to be considered. I received a called from my agent, telling me that Madonna liked my work and wanted to meet me in New York as soon as possible. Unfortunately or fortunately I was not able to meet her in NY due to a contract with a Japanese company, which I was supposed to travel on the next day. I went ahead to Japan, due to my contract, and they decided to higher the other choreographer.

Drowned Madonna: And so what happened?!

Alex Magno: Before I left I told Carrie Ann Inaba (Ex-Fly Girls from the Variety Show "In Living Color"), at the time my assistant and also one of my dance company female lead, to submit my Demo Choreography once again for me, but with Madonna's music edited on top of the images. I also told Carrie Ann to attach a picture and a resume of herself, so that she also could be considered to be one of the dancers in the show. Well Madonna did received the package and went ahead and called Carrie Ann for the call back. Carrie Ann made to the end of the audition, getting the job.

Drowned Madonna: Great! And what about you?

Alex Magno: 2 weeks pass, and I returned to the USA. As soon as I returned I called Madonna's production company thanking them once again for thinking of me, and that I was back from my trip, and that if they need any help in the future to please keep in mind. A few weeks passed and I received a phone call from the Girlie Show Director Christopher Ciccone, telling me that he would like to meet me to talk about possibly work on the "Girlie Show Tour". We had a meeting on the following night, he told me about the concept of the show, ask me a few question regarding myself and my work. Then as part of my audition to choreograph the Tour, he told me to make a choreographic piece to "La Isla Bonita", teach the cast of "The Girlie Show" then show to Madonna, and if Madonna likes the work, you are in. And this is how I got to work with her in two tours.

Drowned Madonna: How long did you rehearse for the Girlie Show?

Alex Magno: We rehearse approximately 3 months.

Drowned Madonna: Which part of the show did you choreograph exactly?

Alex Magno: List of songs choreographed my myself:

Like A Virgin
Bye Bye Baby
I'm Going Bananas
La Isla Bonita
Beast Within
Justify My Love
Rain (Ballet Segment)
Everybody Is A Star

List of numbers co-choreographed by myself and others (includes staging and additional choreography):

Erotica (Pool Dance)
Express Youself
Deep and Deeper
Vogue
Holiday

Drowned Madonna: Alex, tell us more about the creative process, from the very start, up to the final production. How did it develop during the rehearsals?

Alex Magno: Madonna used to give me direction for the next song to work on, every night at the end of the rehearsal. She use to play the music from beginning to the end, improvising and telling me: ...I would like to be something like this, something like that etc.. Then I went to my home and did my homework, listen to the music over and over again, writing down the counts and the important things that Madonna wanted to happen within the number. Then in the next day, early in the morning I would arrived at "SONY" studios old (MGM), at the same stage where great musical film classics, such as "Sing In The Rain" amongst others, were shot. I arrived there before everyone arrived, so that I could get things going, without distractions. Basically I had to choreograph one piece a day, everyone had to work fast and under pressure. Madonna's directions was essential in the creation of the show, it made my work so much easier.

Drowned Madonna: How many things did you change and how many times?

Alex Magno: As far as changes, I changes the number, as many times Madonna would request of me, until it felt most natural to Madonna and it follow her guide lines. While breaking the choreography to her once a while I would ask her; again? She would reply, again and again and again! In my opinion Madonna is who she is today thanks to her hard work and her many hours of dedication to perfect her craft, she is a complete perfectionist.

Drowned Madonna: Who did cast the dancers?

Alex Magno: Madonna herself and The Director (Christopher Ciccone).

Drowned Madonna: Who were your favourite dancer(s)?

Alex Magno: That is a hard question to ask, because in the Girlie Show everyone was so special. Specially because the Girlie Show was all about pure performance, choreography, music and lights. It did not rely on big budge production set, it did not rely on gimmicks, it relied 100% on the talent performers. And this is what makes this tour of Madonna's best Tours in my opinion. There were a few of the dancers whom I knew before the Tour, who I had the privilege to teach dance and work with, such as Carlton Willborn, Carrie Ann Inaba, Luca Tommassini, the great singer/composer/dancer Donna DeLory, whom I also choreographed a music video titled "Just A Dream" in Australia, and finally the beautiful Ungela. All of this people new my work before the Tour. Since more than half of the cast had already worked or studied dance with me, it made my work much easier. But truly everyone in that show was fantastic.

Drowned Madonna: As you know, Luca Tommassini comes from Italy, can you tell something about this guy?

Alex Magno: Until today there is no other dancer like Luca, at least not here in LA. It has been about 12 years since we did "The Girlie Show" And I am yet to see someone taking his spot here in LA. One year after the tour was over, Luca along with Carrie Ann worked with me as Principal Dancers on one of my show called "With Passion" it was a hit. I miss those great times. I miss Luca alot. He has a special place in my heart.

Drowned Madonna: Alex, you have also been asked to work on Drowned World Tour, 8 years later The Girlie Show. Many things have changed since then...

Alex Magno: When we did the "Drowned World Tour" 8 years had passed since we did "The Girlie Show Tour" many things had happen within all of those years. Madonna become a wife, a Mom, a owner of a Record Company, a Golden Globe award winner actress for Evita, converted into Kabbalah, completely change her life style, the woman, the muse was more complete and to some extent a completely different artist and human being all together.

Drowned Madonna: And what about you?

Alex Magno: As to myself many thing happen to my life both personal and professionally that completed me as an artist. But this is the things that in those 8 years were of of great importance to me: I directed and choreographed another 2 "With Passion" shows for my dance company "Personna Dance Theatre" in which generated alot of recognition from the public, professional pears and critics. Along with my music Partner John Tapella I expended my self into producing and composing music, producing many songs for my self album and for Ballets including; "Hiroshima Requiem" a 50 year anniversary of the Hiroshima Bomb, "Rendzvous Liaison" an original ballet piece for Famous Parisian "Lido De Paris" "Lido La Tornee" In which I also Directed and Choreographed the Ballet. The show was a great hit touring in Europe and other countries. I received a special homage award at "Joinville International Dance Festival" the largest dance festival in South America, held in Brazil. in front of 8 thousand international dance fans, After performing along with my dance company "Personna Dance Theatre" I was giving a special homage awards.

Drowned Madonna: Great! How did you get the job for the Drowned World Tour?

Alex Magno: Before I received a call to possibly work on the Madonna's "Drowned World Tour" myself along with my writing partner and assistant choreographer Kelley Parker, not knowing if there was a concept, director or a choreographer attach to Madonna's new tour, put together a package for Madonna's new Tour, the package included a full concept for her tour, set ideas, costumes, a possible set music list for the entire show and a current Demo Choreography of my work. We went ahead and send the package to Madonna's manager which I kept in touch through the pass years, via fax, e-mail, phone calls and letters.

Drowned Madonna: So... what happened?

Alex Magno: Coincidentally the concept that myself and my writer partner Kelley Parker had put together was similar to Madonna's concept, specially the Asian section, from this package we got a phone call from our agent Tony Selsnick telling us that Jamie King was directing the Tour and that Madonna would like to have me run the audition here in LA to cast the dancers and that also this audition would serve as part of my audition to choreograph the Tour. I took the challenge with some hesitation at first, but then was able to shake it off and did the audition to the music Frozen, which I personally edited and re-mix the track to fit to the concept of the piece. There were 3 audition calls to cast the dancers. In the final call back, Madonna was there to cast the dancers along with the director and the choreographers. It wasn't until the audition was over and the dancers were cast that I found out that I got the Tour.

Drowned Madonna: Which songs did you choreograph for the tour?

Alex Magno: Here is the list:

Candy Perfume Girl
Beautiful Stranger
Frozen
Open Your Heart
Nobody's Perfect
Mer Girls Part I (Part of the Bird Man's Solo)
Sky Fits Heaven (Co-Choreograph)
Mer Girl Part II
What Feels Like (Dance Brake)
Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Lo Que Siente La Mujer
La Isla Bonita

Drowned Madonna: Was it a challenging experience?

Alex Magno: Overall, this tour had alot of challenges, first of all, Madonna did not want to dance as much, and she did not want to sing using the head Mic set, but a hand held mic at the entire tour. This made it very challenging to create choreographic movements holding the Mic. Since Madonna's time was very limited to us, split between her family and her work, I did not had the same directed connection as I did with the Girlie Show Tour, this made things a littler harder and complicated at times. So most of the direction from her was pass through the Director. Nevertheless it was pleasure to collaborate with Madonna and her Director, in the end after all of the pain, pressure, frustrations, it paid off. Myself along with my colleagues, choreographers Jamie King and Deborah were nominated for best choreography from the Emmy and the "American Choreographers Award".

Drowned Madonna: Is it true that Madonna learnt "Karate" for the Geisha Section of the show?

Alex Magno: Yes.

Drowned Madonna: We have been told that, at the very beginning, Madonna chose a different wig for this section, but then she changed her mind. We had the chance to see a pic of it and it was very beatiful. Do you know why she changed her mind?

Alex Magno: No, I don't really no why, but I have a strong guess is that the original idea was inspired after a famous Japanese movie were the female lead actress had a very long hair, however due to all of the choreography involved in this segments it was very obvious that this long wig would had limited her movements for this piece. This is just a thought.

Drowned Madonna: Did you rehearse the dance routines along with the audio or did you rehearse them separately and you mixed all together at the end ? How did it work?

Alex Magno: First we rehearsed the piece with CD version, then as the band got the new arrangement done we would get daily up-date version of the song. Collaborating with the music director to get the music to fit the choreography. Until finally all of the pieces of the puzzle are put together, we start to rehearsal with the band and Madonna live, slowly making the necessary adjustments as we go. Then the lights are added to the show, then props and the set and the videos.

Drowned Madonna: How was your experience working with Jamie King?

Alex Magno: Working with Mr. Cool himself was so much fun, there was a time when I started to choreograph for "Frozen" that Jamie was in the room collaborating with me in a section of Frozen by playing Madonna, unfortunately did not make into the tour, but made us find different approaches to the piece. My favorite moment watching Jamie working, was to see him creating "Holiday" for Madonna, Donna and Nicky. It is then that I was reminded, beside being a great choreographer, of how great of a dancer Jamie is.

Drowned Madonna: As for the Drowned World Tour dancers... everybody noticed the talented Tamara, "The Candy Perfume Girl"... Tell us something about her.

Alex Magno: Tamara was a blast to work with, just an amazing dancer. Choreographing "Candy Perfume Girl" on her was so much fun, because she could do anything and more. She made my work easier, Madonna and Jamie pick the right person for this section. As if the song itself was made for her to dance.

Drowned Madonna: What can you say about Donna and Nikki?

Alex Magno: Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! My favorite part of hearing them singing together with Madonna, was on the Girlie Show Tour" during "Rain", it was breath taking. Then on the "Drowned World" was with "Holiday" Jamie King did an amazing job with the trio. The Chicas looked great.

Drowned Madonna: Which choreography did you like the most from "The Girlie Show" and which one from "Drowned World Tour"?

Alex Magno: From the Girlie Show:

Vogue
Beast Within
La Isla Bonita
Holiday
Justify My Love

From the Drowned World:

Paradise (Not For Me)
Frozen
Human Nature
Don't Cry For Me (Tango)
La Isla Bonita
Holiday
Music

Drowned Madonna: Many people like to say that Madonna's success simply relies to other people's talent. Obviously Madonna like to work with talented people and this works, but also from your words we can understand that she is involved in every single step, she gives guidelines and input in order to realize the choreography of the two shows. Isn't it?

Alex Magno: Yes, 100% on both shows.

Drowned Madonna: What did you get from these experiences?

Alex Magno: I learned how to work under pressure, without letting it destroy my artistic self esteem.

Drowned Madonna: What do you have to do when you work for Madonna?

Alex Magno: When you work for Madonna you must listen to her directions, which she is very clear in telling you. I don't mind because in all fairness it makes my work easier. It is only difficulty when you don't have a direct contact with her, which happen on the "Drowned World Tour".

Drowned Madonna: Are you ready to work with Madonna again?

Alex Magno: Yes, anytime.

Drowned Madonna: Is there any Madonna videos that you would have liked to choreograph?

Alex Magno: Yes, Frozen, Human Nature, Justify My Love, I Want You, La Isla Bonita.

Drowned Madonna: Which is the most inspiring Madonna's song for you? Why?

Alex Magno: Frozen. Because of its beautiful melody, lyrics, orchestration and the great rhythm section. Over all, the song has many layers of colors. The first time I heard the song was when I watched the music video, I was completely taken by the beautiful, dramatic, dreamy escape cinematic images. Definitely one of her best work ever.

Drowned Madonna: Alex, you also worked with Britney Spears. What are the differences between Britney and her Muse, Madonna?

Alex Magno: Honestly speaking I don't think it is fair to compare both of them. Britney still too young in her career, she have many years ahead to grow as a person and an Artist. You see, it took Madonna many years to be the Muse that she is today, and it takes alot of courage, determination, and a constant creative heart to keep up with the times, to become a well respectful Star, admired by its peers. Britney has the potential to be all that, it is up to her to find her path. Working with Britney was a pleasure, she is definitely a great performer who deserves all of my respect and admiration. But really it is not fair to compare them like this, even though the general public like to do so.

Drowned Madonna: Alex, you earlier said that learning Capoeira and Karate helped you with your career as a dancer and a choreographer. Any example?

Alex Magno: In Madonna's Drowned World Tour" for example; I was able to put my many years of training Karate into use on the Asian Section (including "Frozen", "Sky Fits Heaven" and "What It Feel Like" - the 3 girls martial arts dance break number). In my new Ballet work "The Red Guitar" inspired by the film "Black Orpheus" for NY based dance company "Ballet Hispanico" I will utilize steps of Capoeira during the fight scene between Orpheus and Death.

Drowned Madonna: We know that you collaborate with so many artists... Tell us more of your other experiences.

Alex Magno: The Pussy Cats Dolls, Christina Applegate (2005 "Sweet Cherity" nominated for a Tony Award), Elizabeth Burkly, Gloria Estefan, Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Bruce Willis, Paula Abdul, Rosie Perez, Anthony Quinn, Harvey Katel (Feature Film: Somebody To Love), The Fly Girls: Cari French, Deidre Lang, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Ann Inaba, Lisa Marie Todd, Michelle Whitney-Morrison.

Drowned Madonna: Looking back at your career, which is your favourite experience, that one you can say "Unique"? And what about the artists you have worked with?

Alex Magno: As a dancer was working with Michael Jackson on the Music Video "Blood On The Dance Floor" Directed and choreographed by the brilliant Vincent Paterson. I had a ball working in this video because Vincent invited all of the top dancers to be part of this video, the cast included dancers such as: Myself, Jamie King, Luca Tomassini, Robin Antin, Kevin Stea, and others. There were no auditions held, Vincent called the best to be part of the video. In my opinion it was a historical moment for the dance community. As a choreographer was to be a guest Artist for the show "In Living Color" in which I conceived, choreographed and directed a dance piece for the "Fly Girls" definitely one of my best work on TV, the piece until today still holding it self. It brings a big smile across my face every time I see the piece.

Drowned Madonna: Who is, at the moment, the best choreographer?

Alex Magno: That is a hard question to answer since we have at least 50 choreographers in LA right now, out of those 50 about 10 to 15 can really be called choreographers, the rest call them self choreographers, but don't really know the true art of choreography in my humble opinion. There is really no such a thing as best choreographer, there is however people who do a specific style better than others, there is also the ones that are great business man and therefore are able to extent their career further that the others. There is also those who are great communicators, great directors, but not necessary a good choreographer as far as dance steps is concerned. Popularity and fame does not equal to be the best. In any case here is a small list of choreographer know and un-know from LA, whom I have a great admiration for: Vicent Paterson, Liz Imperial, Jamie King, Keith Young, Wade Robson, Dee Caspary, Mandy More, and others...

Drowned Madonna: We know that you have been busy directing and choreographing the short film ETERNAL, to be aired as part of Bravo’s new original series FOURTY DUCE, and you also just finished choreographing the first video of the new group PUSSYCAT DOLLS, for their single on Jennifer Lopez’s new film SHALL WE DANCE. Tell us more about these projects...

Alex Magno: The out takes of Short film "Eternal" just recently aired on Bravo TV as part of the FOURTY DUCE Reality TV Show. In the film I use to Male actors and Dancers (Jason Yribar and Jordie Caballero) to play the leads, the 2 opposing Vampires. The Short Film "Eternal" was originate written by Producer/Writer and Director Zalman King (Author of 9 1/2 Weeks and others) Then myself along with my writer partner Kelley Parker adapted the script to a stylized Dance Short Film with Narration and dialogue. I use the female dancers from the FOURTY DUCE to play the other woman roles in the film and ask my partner (Actress/Dancer) Kelly Parker to play the lead (who also worked as assistant choreographer on the Drowned World Tour, Britney Spears MTV Tour and the Britney ABC Special with me). As far as the The music video for the PUSSYCAT DOLLS, I was invited by choreographer Robin Antin the owner and lead of the group (also one of my old times dance students and friend) to choreograph a tango section with five couples. The video ended up being great, the girls were fantastic, It was a blast working with such a talented female group.

Drowned Madonna: You were also commissioned by several companies this year to created ground breaking original multimedia work both domestic and international including "Oden", a Fellini inspired ballet. Do you know Fellini?

Alex Magno: Yes, I love Fellini's work; one of my favorite films is "La Dolce Vita" and "8 1/2." Ballet Hispanico has commissioned me to create two new ballets for them. The first is based on the Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but set in modern day Brazil. The second, is currently entitled "Palladium Nights" and will premiere at the Lincoln Center in NYC in April of 2006. This show will be the first of it's kind to premiere at the Jazz Center, it is a collaboration of Ballet Hispanico and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Autoro O'Farrell. It is a very exciting opportunity to choreograph to the great music of the Palladium era, with an 18 piece orchestra on stage with us!

Drowned Madonna: As you told earlier, in 1996, you were hired to choreograph, write, and compose “Hiroshima Requiem,” a dance concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Tell us about this serious job...

Alex Magno: I was honored to be asked to create such a big historical ballet. It took me approximately 1 month to create the Ballet in Tokyo, using a complete a cast of approximately 25 to 30 dancers, 2 lead female dancers; one representing "Earth" (Light, Hope, Peace and Nature) and the other "Oppression" (Darkness, Hunger, Death, War, Power and Others).

Drowned Madonna: After the "Drowned World Tour", in 2002 you attended and graduated from the prestigious New York Film Academy. Why did you wanted to do it?

Alex Magno: I did first of all because I believe that directing and choreograph is basically the same thing, you have to create a world out of nothing. When I choreograph sometimes I create a concept that is inspired by a piece of music, or a newspaper article, a magazine, a picture, or a person you meet or know, or sometimes based on my personal experiences or someone else. But in general, the process is very much how a director process is, first I decide a theme that moves me at that specific time in my life, then I chose a song that best match the theme, then I image a character or characters, then I image that character in its' own world, then out of the music comes the desire to be, to walk, to fight, to love, to hate, to cry, to live or to die. Then out of the music or the text we find that our main character has needs, it has goals, it has desires, it has conflicts, it's sorrow, it's madness. Then a world is introduced to this character, he must in order to continue to exist, to find his way out of the endless labyrinth of pain and pleasure, interact with himself, with others and with the world. And like a ball of snow falling from the mountain, we go creating,falling into the arms of art. You see I always though of choreography in my ballets as silent poetry; moving images, in a very organic and cinematic way of thinking, linear and none linear ways. This was one of the reason why I went to film school, I also went to film school because I wanted to be able to communicate with my talent and crew in a cinematic way, in the same language. It was more for technical reasons then for artistic reasons, I wanted to feel more completed as an artist, there is so much more that I would like to learn, in truth there will be always something to be learned in life. As time passes I feel that I am becoming more and more hungry for knowledge. There is so much to do and so little time, preparation is the key to a great project. And that is an art in itself, which needs alot of attention.

Drowned Madonna: We know that you are also an accomplished music producer. Did it help you?

Alex Magno: Yes, because I have much more flexibility to create the world that I need for my Ballet pieces, there is less limitation, musically speaking. I can score the piece from beginning to the end, give a new face to an old song, change a rhythm section syncing to the movements, edit background music and special effect sounds to the over all ballet. I believe that sound (music) when used correctly it hit the soul of an audience faster, but it is the combination of both the visual and the audio that does the trick.

Drowned Madonna: What about your next projects?

Alex Magno: (Ballet Hispanico) - The Red Guitar (inspired by the classic Brazilian film "Black Orpheus", based on the Tragic Greek Mythology of Orpheus & Eurydice) to be premiered in Oct. of 2005 at the Joyce Theatre in NYC. (Ballet Hispanico) - The Palladium Nights (accompany by the "Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra" conductor "Arturo O'Ferrel") to be Premiered in April of 2006 at the Lincoln Center. "Reversal Of Fortune", a short film starring Jordie Caballero and Kelley Parker about a husband who is wrongly accused of beating his wife, then is sentenced to jail, then after his release from Jail, resolves to get even with his ex-wife. "Vendedor De Sonhnos", a film loosely based on my life, telling the story of me growing up in Brazil, starting dance and finally arriving in the States after winning a first price for choreography on a dance competition, which brought me to LA. It will highlight the ups and down of my life and work until now.

Drowned Madonna: You are now working on expanding your career into the realm of feature film directing... What do we have to expect...?

Alex Magno: "All That Jazz" baby! And more.

Drowned Madonna: We know that you love dancing, what else have you a passion for?

Alex Magno: Singing, Music, Food, Set Design, Costume Design, Acting, Painting.

Drowned Madonna: Recently Madonna said: "Dream impossible dreams!" Does it work?

Alex Magno:Yes, it does work. But sometimes it hurts alot, because not everyone is a dreamer like you. I am a dreamer, who have been able to make some of my dreams come true, however there is so much more dreams inside my heart, inside my head waiting to find a home, to find the right field to grow into becoming reality. Everyday I have to remind myself to keep my feet on the ground, while looking beyond into the endless horizon, up, under, though and over the Rainbow. Into the endless Sea Of Dreams inside your soul.

Drowned Madonna: Alex, you are fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and conversational Japanese. How would you say hello to our Italian readers?

Alex Magno: Sorry but I am able to communicate better through the spoken Italian, verses the written Italian.. Nevertheless here it goes: Un bacio grande a tutto. Tenere a vivere la Vita Dolce.

Credits

Thanks to Vincenzo aka Vincy for additional questions.