From the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro to the biggest stages in the United States, Alexandre Magno’s journey is a powerful story of talent, persistence, and cultural exchange. A dancer and choreographer who worked with icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson, Alexandre transformed humble beginnings into an international career. His story reflects how Brazilian creativity continues to influence global pop culture and the entertainment industry.

 

By Katia Moraes

Dance became a path of transformation, discipline, and global recognition.

Dance became a path of transformation, discipline, and global recognition.

Alexandre is sitting in front of me, talking passionately about what he loves to do in life. We met at a Panera Bread Café in Studio City and spoke about his experiences — from being a dancer at Carlota Portela’s Dance Company in Rio de Janeiro to choreographing for Madonna. Alexandre enjoys telling his story, and I can feel a strong and joyful energy vibrating through his words.

A Dancer and Choreographer’s Story

“My family is very simple, and I grew up in Vila Kennedy, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro. When I was a kid, I practiced capoeira and karate.”

During the 1970s, Alexandre and a group of friends performed at parties, copying choreographies inspired by the movie Saturday Night Fever. It was the disco era, and dance was everywhere.

It was during one of these performances that a professional dancer noticed their talent and introduced them to a dance academy in Cascadura, another suburb of Rio. There, Alexandre learned his first fundamental lesson: counting the steps.

“It helped us clean the act, add costumes, and inspire more kids to dance. It was a great time because the soap opera Baila Comigo (Dance With Me), from TV Globo, was on the air, and everybody wanted to learn how to dance.”

“When I told my father I wanted to be a dancer, he was a little apprehensive. I think he thought I was gay.”

The Turning Point: Carlota Portela Dance Company

A lot happened after that year. The real decision to become a dancer came when Alexandre was 16 years old, after watching Caos do Porto (Port Chaos), a show by Carlota Portela Dance Company.

“I strongly felt that this was what I wanted to do in my life, especially after seeing Renato Vieira’s choreography.”

Alexandre discovered that Renato’s dance space was located in Jardim Botânico. Getting there from Vila Kennedy meant two hours of commuting, involving buses and trains. But it was worth it.

After class, Renato took Alexandre aside and told him he had a gift. Alexandre was offered a scholarship and began an intense daily routine of classes — ballet, samba, jazz, and modern dance.

After six months, Alexandre Magno joined Carlota Portela’s Dance Company, one of the most prestigious in Rio de Janeiro. Within a year, he went from chorus dancer to soloist.

“My process was very fast.”

Brazilian culture played a central role in shaping his artistic identity.

Brazilian culture played a central role in shaping his artistic identity.

Paramount Pictures and the First Trip to Los Angeles

In 1986, Alexandre won a choreography contest organized by Paramount Pictures. Each competitor had to choreograph a song from a Paramount movie. He chose “Never” from Footloose.

The prize included a trip to Los Angeles and a special appearance on the TV show Solid Gold. It was Alexandre’s first airplane trip.

“It was a total culture shock. I spoke broken English and was greeted by a limousine and people calling me Mr. Magno.”

Determined to stay, Alexandre secured a scholarship at one of the best dance studios in Los Angeles. After a week of being treated like royalty by Paramount, reality hit. He slept on friends’ sofas, moved from house to house, and worked his first job washing dishes in a restaurant.

Eventually, Alexandre married, had a daughter, and got his papers, allowing him to work regularly as a dancer and teacher.

Building a Career in Los Angeles

Alexandre taught at several dance studios, including the Debbie Reynolds Studio, managed by Joe Bennett, a strong admirer of Brazilian culture. Joe gave Alexandre the freedom to attract dancers interested in a different approach.

This led to the creation of “AllColors of Persona”, a show choreographed and produced by Alexandre. Carrie Ann Inaba, now a judge on Dancing with the Stars, helped produce the show with her father’s support.

Working with Music Legends

Soon after, Alexandre began working with Kenny Ortega, choreographer for major American Music Awards shows. His career expanded rapidly, performing and working with:

  • Gloria Estefan and The Miami Sound Machine

  • Cher

  • Paula Abdul

  • Michael Jackson

“Michael Jackson is my idol. Because of him, so many boys around the world decided to become dancers — including me. I could have become a drug dealer, but he inspired me and changed my life forever.”

Alexandre recalls filming “Blood on the Dance Floor” on the same day Michael Jackson’s first daughter was born.

Culture, Roots, and Legacy

“I grew up surrounded by music and dance, always celebrating life — like any average Brazilian.”

Two of Alexandre’s aunts were Chacretes, dancers from the iconic Brazilian TV show Chacrinha. Weekly gatherings with music, percussion, singing, and dancing shaped his identity.

“Dance is in our blood. And this tradition will continue with my daughter. She is a classical ballerina.”

choreographer Alex Magno e1769216821538Current Work and Future Dreams

Alexandre’s most recent work is “Nights of Fire”, a Flamenco-inspired performance with guitarist Benise, which he choreographed and co-directed. The show is currently touring across the United States.

When asked about his dream, Alexandre answers:

“My ultimate dream is to make a movie called ‘O Vendedor de Sonhos’ (The Dream Seller), written by my Brazilian friend Douglas Whites (Tourinho). I’m translating it into English to sell it here in the U.S. It’s based on my life and will take place in both countries.” To know more about Alexandre click here.

* Katia Moraes is a singer, songwriter, and artist from Rio de Janeiro. She is a long-time Soul Brasil magazine contributor and lives in Los Angeles since 1990. To know more about her, visit www.katiamoraes.com

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Alexandre Magno?
He is a Brazilian dancer and choreographer who built an international career in the U.S.

2. Which famous artists has Alexandre worked with?
Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cher, Paula Abdul, and Gloria Estefan, among others.

3. Where did Alexandre start his dance career?
In the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, later joining Carlota Portela’s Dance Company.

4. What is “Nights of Fire”?
A Flamenco-inspired performance choreographed and co-directed by Alexandre, currently touring the U.S.

5. What is Alexandre’s future project?
A feature film based on his life, The Dream Seller, set in Brazil and the United States.