Balancing Pop Stardom and Dance with Kylie Minogue, Bebe Rexha, and the MTV Europe Music Awards stage
- Cristina Sandu
- Sep 4, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2024
Bruno Duarte is an outstanding dancer known for his dynamic performances and innovative choreography. As a dancer, choreographer, and creative movement director, he graced iconic stages alongside stars like Kylie Minogue and Bebe Rexha and performed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony.
In this interview, we follow Duarte's journey from his early inspirations to his work in high-profile projects like " Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" and Netflix's "Dance 100." Furthermore, this interview explores how Bruno Duarte maintains his unique style while adapting to different stages and how working with legends has shaped his career.
Kylie Minogue's show. Video by Cristina Sandu.
What inspired you to pursue a dance career, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
Nothing really inspired me to pursue a dance career; I was inspired mainly by music. Music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I have had significant influences like Mickael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Chris Brown. I started dancing at a local school, having two classes per week but practising daily. Since my first dance class, I fell in love with dance immediately and how it made me feel, and this never changed. I kept doing it with all my heart, and when I turned 18, I decided to focus on becoming a professional dancer.
How do you maintain your identity as a dancer while collaborating with different artists across various platforms?
Being unique in art is essential. Sometimes, it's easy to fall into the trap of imitating those we follow and admire, but we will never be able to be like them. Every being on this planet has a purpose, and it's up to us to find this purpose that makes us different and fully embrace it. This will empower us and give us a sense of uniqueness. As an artist, having a sense of identity is crucial, even if you can't clearly define or articulate it. You are different, and that is your power.
To maintain this unique identity, I try to connect with myself on a deeper level, asking questions that are sometimes hard to answer but are essential, such as "Who am I?" "Why do I do this?" "What do I want to share with the world?" and "How can I put myself into this?". The journey of self-discovery is never-ending, which is great because even if we are one way today, we can be completely different tomorrow.
Kylie Minogue dancing with Bruno Duarte. Video by Cristina Sandu.
How do you approach the creative process when working with the legendary Kylie Minogue?
The creative process has always fascinated me, and I make it a point to be actively involved. I approach each project with an open mind, ready for anything. Typically, the artist or director has a vision and a goal, and it's our job to bring that vision to life. Working with Kylie was incredibly fun, and preparing the entire show for Hyde Park London was intense due to the number of choreographies and the time required to perfect them. However, I approached it with a positive attitude. Performing alongside Kylie on stage is impressive, but staying focused on your role is crucial—giving everything you have to deliver an outstanding show and ensuring the audience enjoys the moment.
What about dancing for Bebe Rexha?
Dancing for Bebe Rexha was something I will never forget because performing at the MTV Europe Music Awards was a dream of mine, even before I started dancing. I followed the event every year, so being a part of it was just incredible. I was lucky to perform for Bebe Rexha—she is a super nice, really cool person, and the performance was epic. Having 100 dancers on stage acting like lunatics was a lot of fun.
Do you feel any pressure when being selected to perform with such iconic artists?
When I get called for a big job, I get super excited, usually with a few loud screams and a little celebratory dance. It's not every day that you get to do these big things, so you have to enjoy it as much as you can, always be grateful for the opportunity, and be proud of your hard work.
Is fashion a key element in your performances?
Fashion plays a significant role in performances and can elevate them to another level. For example, in Kylie Minogue’s shows, our costumes are impressive and fashionable, helping me stay in character. A well-chosen wardrobe definitely enhances performance.
Kylie Minogue's show. Video by Cristina Sandu.
Do you follow a specific routine when building stage chemistry with an artist like Bebe Rexha to ensure your movements complement theirs?
Stage chemistry is crucial between the artists on stage; it builds the energy and vibe, eventually influencing the crowd. We also draw a lot of energy from the audience, so every element involved is equally important. To create good chemistry with an artist, you need to break down the barrier of who they are and see them as a fellow human being who simply wants to share their art with the world. This chemistry is built on respect, understanding, and positive energy. Also, know your role and strive to bring something unique to the table that will make you shine.
What’s something inspiring about working with Bebe Rexha that fans might not know? And what about Kylie Minogue?
Sometimes, people wonder what these artists are really like behind the cameras and fame. After getting to know Kylie Minogue and Bebe Rexha, I can honestly say they are superstars, not just because of their remarkable careers but because of the light they bring. Both are genuinely nice, truly caring and authentic, but what I appreciate most is the incredible energy they radiate. They are the light in a room.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from working with Kylie Minogue?
A memorable moment from working with Kylie has to be the time just before entering the stage. Hearing Kylie do her vocal warm-ups in our in-ears is truly special; her voice, career, and influence all help put me in the right mindset and motivate me to perform at my best.
How do you adapt your dance style and performance to match the energy and vibe of different iconic stages, from pop concerts to the grandeur of the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony?
Every artist, stage, and show is different. Sometimes, you have to set aside your own style and become part of the bigger picture according to the vision for that specific event. When you have the opportunity to express your own style and be yourself, you should take it. However, it's not always possible, and that's okay. It's valuable to experience something different, step outside of your comfort zone, and face new challenges.
"Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" is a musical comedy featuring Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, and Dan Stevens as protagonists. How did your experience in live performance influence your approach to dancing in this film?
Live performances are my favourite thing to do in life. They inspire me a lot, but at the end of the day, being on stage is actually my comfort zone, where I feel my best.
Working on "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" with Will Ferrell was different, but not drastically, since we also performed on a stage for an audience. Even though the movie is focused on the recording and the shots, we still had an audience to please, and we also had to bring that energy on camera.
In Netflix's "Dance 100," a unique competition where dancers choose the winner, choreographers are challenged in new ways. What drew you to participate, and how did the competition format challenge you as a dancer?
Netflix's "Dance 100" is an epic dance competition where dancers vote for the winner. Being part of the show was a pleasure and a dream come true, as it was something I had never done before. Not only did I get to represent my country, Portugal, but being an influence on such an influential platform was incredibly satisfying. You never truly know the impact this can have on someone's life, and it will always be online. We received fantastic feedback and messages from people worldwide, so we're proud of what we achieved.
The show was highly challenging, not just because of its intensity but also due to its format. In addition to dancing, we had to vote for our favourite choreographers, which is difficult given the diversity of tastes and the complexity of judging art. As a dancer and choreographer, this aspect allowed me to engage with the process from a viewer's perspective and deepen my understanding of creative processes and how to refine or approach them differently based on specific goals.
How do you envision your career evolving in the coming years? What's your next big move?
I try to avoid making long-term goals since I love living in the present and focus on enjoying where I am the most. However, I see myself becoming more involved in creative projects as a Director, Movement Director, and Choreographer.
For the final step in our interview's choreography, now's your chance to share any last thoughts with our readers :)
I would like to leave you with some inspiring words from Maya Deren, an American avant-garde filmmaker and theorist known for her influential experimental films and writings on the nature of film as an art form: "The most important part of your equipment is yourself: your mobile body, your imaginative mind, and your freedom to use both."
コメント