BORN TO MOVE
I always wanted to be a a dancer, I loved movement, I used to swing and move around the house non stop as a kid. It would drive my mother crazy. I first wanted to be a hairdresser (poor clients, I would have been awful at it) then I wanted to be a female gymnast (the boys stuff with the rings, horse, bars and all that were absolutely not my thing) so then dance came across and immediately fell in love with it! And the rest is history. My roots have been in so many different places, I have lived in New York for more of than half of my life, so it’s hard for me to define my roots.
Yes ABSOLUTELY, I always say “Dance Heals Everything” if more people would dance, this would be a much happier world.
INSIDE BLOND AMBITION
There was that opening choreography of the Blond Ambition Tour on Express Yourself, with Madonna. A true fusion of bodies. Can you take us back to that moment?
It was extremely powerful to hear thousands of screams, and this enormous stage turned into an industrial machine unfolds, it was absolutely blood rushing every single show. I always remember Madonna and Christopher talking to each other and her always jumping up and down to keep herself warm before going on the lift. Not to mention the fact that I was literally her “boy toy” on stage and all eyes were on us from very get go!
Vogue is often cited as a cultural milestone. But in your body, in your flesh — what did it feel like to be filming that scene? Do you still remember it physically?
Of Course I do! I remember shooting my close ups with the amazing David Fincher that only took 15 minutes and was like, wait that’s it?! Like all dancers, I wanted to dance more, but when I saw the end cut, I gagged! What a work of art and timeless…
What was the most difficult part of the tour — physically or emotionally?
Emotionally I knew that the ride wouldn’t last forever, and the minute it started, I couldn’t stop counting down the days… because I knew at some point, the bubble would burst. And we all were so hungry, in awe, in amazing shape, it didn’t feel physically exhausting, when you have a crowd of thousands screaming and dancing with the Queen herself, you are in heaven!
When the cameras were following you everywhere for the documentary, did you realize that millions of people would one day be watching you from their living rooms?
No, because we never were told this would be a blockbuster movie, we were told it was “backstage footage” so we were just being ourselves!
Did you have any sense, back then, that you were making history? That this documentary would go on to inspire an entire generation?
Absolutely not! We were young boys living our lives and didn’t care what people thought. No again, not really, nobody knew that this would turn into an entire cultural movement, helping and inspiring millions of people. Times were so different… there was no social media, and we were loud and clear! The kiss completely changed so many things, that will forever be spoken of, or remembered… And we were just dancers, not actors…
If you had to summarize Madonna’s impact on your life in just one word, what would it be?
Survivor
Do you think she’s aware of the impact she had on all of you?
I hope so, I hope she remembers us!
Would you have liked to work with her again after Blond Ambition? Or was it a perfect moment, best left untouched?
Yes of course! Who wouldn’t have? But I guess my path took a different turn and it wasn’t written in the stars. But it was the perfect moment and best left untouched, as you put it.
BELGIUM STRESS
I actually never expected any of this HUGE cultural impact, Justin Teodoro even made a T-Shirt with my sketch and phrase in 2016 during the Strike a Pose release! Lol! When I first heard it and saw myself saying that I HATED IT!!! It’s amazing how sometimes the things you hate about yourself, end up being such a catch phrase! And Damien Jalet what a talent “Belgians do it Better”
STRIKE A POSE & BREAK THE SILENCE
I feel people maybe became more aware and probably could relate, but I really don’t see a major shift
When you see young artists today being open about their HIV status, do you think “mission accomplished”? Or is there still too much silence?
Coming out HIV publicly, is not for everyone, and I completely understand that. And sadly, yes, there is still too much silence because I feel we still live in such a judgmental society. But I am happy I was able to inspire again more people and got to share my story.
TALK LESS, DANCE MORE
Talk less, dance more! (This is for dancers IN GENERAL)
FINDING MY OWN VOICE
No, I found my own spiritual path and voice alongside my life experiences and growing up.
MADONNA, ALWAYS
How do you see her artistic path today? Do you still follow what she’s doing?
Yes I do, I follow her artistic path always pioneering, and reinventing herself.
Have you seen any of her recent shows? How does it feel to see her still on stage, still so committed?
I have, but not live, and happy to see she’s still doing what she loves to do. Not to mention we all were practically on stage with her with massive projections of ourselves on the “Celebration Tour” (The Kiss, Vogue, I felt I was on tour again virtually) Hahaha!
I'M GOING TO TELL YOU A SECRET
Just so many beautiful memories shared on stage, and performing, it was so much fun playing Dick Tracy, we had a special connection, very private but it made it even more special. She’s amazing. My favorite was playing the Dick Tracy number in French for the Nice Concert (you can correct my French that I am sure is wrong) “C’est Ma bite… ma bite est tres dure aussi, il est beau, Oui?”
MADONNA SONG
Bedtime Story
And if you had to choreograph a tribute to your own life, using a Madonna song… which one would it be, and why?
“Over and Over” because my path took me to SO many amazing unexpected places!
WHAT'S NEXT
Actually right now I am co-hosting a podcast “The Alphabet Mafia ” that celebrates queer life, culture, happenings inside and outside the community, and break away from the noise and have a great laugh! We just interviewed Niki, Donna, and recently Oliver, Sue Trupin, Cheyenne Jackson, Allison Wright, Ashley Longshore and French Olympian Gold winner and star “Gabriella Papadakis” one new episode each Friday available on all platforms, Apple Podcast, iHeart Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube and Instagram.
MERCI BEAUCOUP
You left an indelible mark on our culture, on our queer fan memories ! And through this interview, we wanted to celebrate you — just like we celebrate Madonna, the other dancers, and all those who continue to live with passion, break the mold, and dance to exist. So here’s to a thousand more dances, a thousand more loves, a thousand more bursts of laughter. With all our love
Merci Beaucoup, Je suis très heureux Xo Slam
