Alex Magno (choreographer)
Encyclopedia
Alexandre Magno is a Brazil
ian born, Emmy
Nominated choreographer and director. Alex has a wide vocabulary of dance styles, which includes Hip-hop, Jazz
, Ballet
, Samba
, Flamenco
, Tango
, Salsa
, and Martial Arts
. Some of his credits include: Madonna, Yanni, Britney Spears, The infamous Lido La Tourné, Ballet Hispanico, The Ringling Brothers Circus
, and the Academy Awards
all the while continuing work with his own highly acclaimed dance company, “Personna Dance Theatre".
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" (Daily Variety, November. 22, 1993). "Intricate dancing and expressions expertly choreographed by Alex Magno" - "Daily Variety, November. 22, 1993"
In 2001, Madonna called on Alex’s talent again for her Drowned World Tour
, 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.
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.
In December 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 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 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 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):
Last year Mr. Magno Produced, Staged and Choreographed "Benise Th Spanish Guitar", he then went on to direct and choreograph "Benise" 40 city US Tour, ending the tour at the "Chicago Theatre"
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 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.
. 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.
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian born, Emmy
Emmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
Nominated choreographer and director. Alex has a wide vocabulary of dance styles, which includes Hip-hop, Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
, Ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
, Samba
Samba
Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in Bahia and with its roots in Brazil and Africa via the West African slave trade and African religious traditions. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival...
, Flamenco
Flamenco
Flamenco is a genre of music and dance which has its foundation in Andalusian music and dance and in whose evolution Andalusian Gypsies played an important part....
, Tango
Tango (dance)
Tango dance originated in the area of the Rio de la Plata , and spread to the rest of the world soon after....
, Salsa
Salsa (dance)
Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins in Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish and African cultures.Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "suelta" and "Rueda de Casino" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle...
, and Martial Arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
. Some of his credits include: Madonna, Yanni, Britney Spears, The infamous Lido La Tourné, Ballet Hispanico, The Ringling Brothers Circus
Ringling Brothers Circus
The Ringling Brothers Circus was a circus founded in the United States in 1884 by five of the seven Ringling Brothers: Albert , August , Otto , Alfred T. , Charles , John , and Henry...
, and the Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
all the while continuing work with his own highly acclaimed dance company, “Personna Dance Theatre".
Projects
In 1993 Alex was hand picked by MadonnaMadonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
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" (Daily Variety, November. 22, 1993). "Intricate dancing and expressions expertly choreographed by Alex Magno" - "Daily Variety, November. 22, 1993"
In 2001, Madonna called on Alex’s talent again for her Drowned World Tour
Drowned World Tour
The Drowned World Tour was the fifth concert tour by American singer-songwriter Madonna in support of her seventh and eighth studio albums Ray of Light and Music. It was also her first tour in eight years, following The Girlie Show World Tour in 1993...
, 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
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
asked Alex to choreograph for her ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
special and MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
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.
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.
In December 2005, Magno worked with famed Flamenco
Flamenco
Flamenco is a genre of music and dance which has its foundation in Andalusian music and dance and in whose evolution Andalusian Gypsies played an important part....
Guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Ron Benise, choreographing and staging Nights Of Fire a PBS
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
special 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.
Alex appeared, directing and choreographing The Eternal a short film written by Zalman King
Zalman King
Zalman King is an American film director, writer, actor and producer. His directing and writing productions are known for incorporating erotica as a centerpiece to plots which are nevertheless about greater issues.-Acting:As a young man in 1963 he played a gang member on Alfred Hitchcock Presents...
, 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
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
, as one of the shows first guest choreographers.
Alex choreographed the video Sway for the Pussycat Dolls
Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
, which is from the soundtrack to Shall We Dance.
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.
Recent
Magno had the privilege to collaborate with "Yanni" as "Artistic Director and Choreographer for Televisa and for Yanni's 2008 PBS TV Special "Yanni Voices" which feature 4 amazing new artists: Natahan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills, as well as a world class orchestra and 4 Latin Artists: José José, Lucero, Christian Castro and Olga Tañon. This special was nominated for a Luna award in Mexico.Last year Mr. Magno Produced, Staged and Choreographed "Benise Th Spanish Guitar", he then went on to direct and choreograph "Benise" 40 city US Tour, ending the tour at the "Chicago Theatre"
Current
Magno is also under pre-production for Winds of Passion a series of three 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.
Feature Films and Television
- 62nd Academy Awards, which he co-choreographed with Paula AbdulPaula AbdulPaula Julie Abdul is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actress and television personality.In the 1980s, Abdul rose from cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers to highly sought-after choreographer at the height of the music video era before scoring a string of pop music-R&B hits...
- In Living Color, in which he also directed the dance segment
- Lord of Illusion a Clive BarkerClive BarkerClive Barker is an English author, film director and visual artist best known for his work in both fantasy and horror fiction. Barker came to prominence in the mid-1980s with a series of short stories which established him as a leading young horror writer...
film - Somebody to Love, starring Rosie PerezRosie PerezRosa María "Rosie" Pérez is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, director and community activist.- Early life :...
- Liquid Dreams, which won critical acclaim for choreography at the 1991 Cannes Film FestivalCannes Film FestivalThe Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
- 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
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
Hiroshima
is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It became best known as the first city in history to be destroyed by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces dropped an atomic bomb on it at 8:15 A.M...
. 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.
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, graduating from the New York Film AcademyNew York Film Academy
New York Film Academy - School of Film and Acting is a film school andacting school based in New York City, Universal City, California, USA and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. NYFA offers short-term film-making and acting courses, as well as one- and two-year conservatory and Master of Fine Arts...
. 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
Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate is an American actress. She is best known for playing Kelly Bundy on the Fox sitcom Married... with Children. Since then, she has established a film and television career, winning a Primetime Emmy and earning Tony and Golden Globe nominations...
, Elizabeth Berkley
Elizabeth Berkley
Elizabeth Berkley is an American television, film, and theatre actress. Berkley's most notable roles were in the television series Saved by the Bell, as brainy feminist Jessie Spano, and the 1995 Paul Verhoeven film Showgirls, as exotic dancer Nomi Malone.-Early life:Berkley was born and raised...
, Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
, Carlos Gomez
Carlos Gómez
Carlos Argelis Gómez Pena, nicknamed "Go-Go", is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.-Minor leagues:...
, and Melora Hurton.