Digo:  I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, where the sunset brings the rain almost everyday. It's a very fast city - lots of traffic, great night life, restaurants, fashion, museums and great history, as well.

I grew up in a happy Italian family - loud with a lot of laughter (most of them on my mother's side), great warmth and spirit. I have an older sister, an older brother and a younger “baby” brother that I respect and love so much.

I've been very independent since I was a little child. My mom had such a hard time raising the family by herself and I can understand and feel how difficult it was for her.  I've always kept this in mind, which gave me the energy to work hard at everything I was executing in my life as well as helping her…always striving to bring my dreams from creativity to reality…to survive.  This is how my ART was born.  I could and did find magic everywhere and all the time.  I've always known I wanted to be an artist.

Edward: You have such a terrific portfolio. Gymnast, Dancer, Choreographer, Model. How did all these vocations arise?

Digo:  My sister was a ballerina and she knew I loved to dance.  The dance school she attended would not accept a three-year-old boy and I was not allowed to dance in front of my father.  My sister and I would lock ourselves in the bedroom and she would teach me and her dolls ballet (I was always afraid of this one big doll, but completely impressed with its flexibility ;) ).  I would train everyday by myself until I was old enough to enroll in a school of dance. 

I also took up gymnastics and sports aerobics - which led to my winning six world-champion sports aerobics medals.  After some television work in Brazil I started receiving many invitations to choreograph and dance in the United States.  I always wanted to expand my goals and dreams to the international arena.  Working and living in Los Angeles really inspired me in so many ways as far as expressing myself and my art - always being surrounded by such talented people helped to push me to the edge of possibilities in modeling, writing, creating…

Edward:  How do you define your style? When you are in the rehearsals, do you like to discuss your ideas with your dancers?

Digo:  My choreography style is contemporary hip-hop with Latin flair - there are elements of different Latin dance styles I grew up with and naturally integrate into my choreography. I am fascinated with other ethnic forms of dance from different cultures (i.e. African, East Indian, even Hawaiian) and pull essences from those various forms when I am working on a project depending on the music involved. 

I always have very definite ideas formed when working on a project (I just “know” exactly what an artist needs) but I find I do like to discuss choreography with the dancers I work with - communication can only make a work better and the ideas that arise can truly inspire both choreographer and dancers. 

Also, putting ideas into movement, I often find that a dancer will “interpret” the actions given them in their own way and that will inspire new ideas just seeing their take”, and it goes on and on.  That kind of creative collaboration is much more rewarding than just churning out a sequence of dance steps that you force people to repeat until it's perfect…

Edward:  Tell us about some of your current projects

Digo:  I am currently working with Toni Braxton in her Las Vegas show, Revealed.  In the works is a musical project I plan on opening in Sao Paulo later on in 2008 and an autobiography slated for release somewhere around the same time.  In between all of those things, I've been booking workshops all over - Australia, Japan, Germany - and next year looks like it's going to be really busy!

Edward:  What are your main musical and dancing references? 

Digo:  As a director and choreographer I have to say that I am and have been influenced by so many different styles, from classical music and dance to rock, etc.  I have a deep appreciation for all styles.  Choreographers learn to adapt to different styles and rhythms to effectively create.  Of course Latin dance is a strong influence, but really anything that displays strong soul and expression “moves” me (pun intended). 

I can't think of anything at the moment that I am particularly fond of, but music and dance keeps evolving every day and it's fascinating to see.  I'm all for innovation - it's inspiring to hear new beats, to watch new “twists” on classic dance moves ( like Grupo Corpo), to see/hear someone's interpretation of various established forms is always motivating.

Edward:  Let´s talk about modeling world now. 

Digo:  From being a dancer and performer, I was naturally in need of various headshots and was sent to various photographers. They in turn wanted to photograph me for modeling and that led to referrals to other photographers and I guess it just sort of snowballed from there. 

As for as the best thing about modeling - I look at it as another art form to explore.  I love any creative pursuit and to some it might just seem like standing still and smiling or not smiling, but it's a creative collaboration between photographer and model and it can sometimes be pretty dynamic.

I do think it's a glamorous world, but you have to learn to take it with a grain of salt.  You can't take something too seriously where all it takes is that ONE bad photo to completely change your public image (laughs).

Edward: What's planned for modeling?

Digo:  I'm just beginning!  I'm very excited and I can't wait for all the modeling projects to come in 2008.  I think this is going to be a great year to meet with modeling agencies.  I am fortunate to be contemplating a couple of options, currently.  As far as campaigns, I would love to do anything that would fit my profile. 

Edward: Tell us some five important things in your life

Digo:

1.  Career - I've always thought it was important to create who you want to be.  Building toward that, toward your dreams and your goals and seeing them come to life gives me even more determination to keep striving.
2. Family - they help keep me grounded, especially in the entertainment industry.  They remind me of who I really am.
3. Inner peace - it's important to stay balanced in the hectic world we live in today.  It's good to recharge to keep creative.
4. Creativity - I just have to be creative - it's who I am.  Creativity motivates me.
5. Communication - is everything for an artist.

Edward:  Thanks for sharing your story with us, Digo.

Digo:  There have been so many unforgettable moments in my life!  Every time I succeed against the obstacles in my path I am so grateful.  2008 is going to be an incredible year (it's only a few days into it and already it's been a roller coaster ride!).  And my motto, as always, is: the road of life holds infinite possibilities. 

Always keep your heart and mind open to any of those choices because they are always there, no matter how difficult they may be to see.  New beginnings are always waiting and any could lead to your success…