His bio reads like a short novel. He’s performed with ‘N Sync, Janet, J.Lo and a feast of other moguls. He gives private lessons to celebs like Katie Holmes and Tobey Maguire. His work is featured on SYTYCD, but that’s not the only hit TV show where you can feel the presence of Tyce Diorio; he’s also worked with Tyra and Oprah, the Academy Awards and the American Music Awards. Diorio’s choreo brings new age appeal to old school Broadway flair. You love taking class from him, you love watching him in action, and you’ll love the stories he has to tell. Listen as Tyce tells it like it is and gives the next gen his recipe for success.

Let’s get down to it, Tyce. One of our fave videos of all time is Janet Jackson’s “If”, especially that hot partner dance break. What was it like work with Ms. Nasty?
It was UNBELIEVABLE to work with so many talented people in one place and dance to a song so powerful. It is an amazing honor to have been a part of one of the best videos of all time.

That it is. What advice can you give to gendancers who want to break onto the video scene?
Your skills need to be technical, sharp, and full of performance, style, and energy. A video is on film and it stays with you forever.

So true. How did you make the role of Mr. Bojangles on Broadway your own?
The singer and the old man both affected me. I think what I did to personalize it was using those elements to create an energy in the performance, along with the spirit of Bojangles. So it wasn't about the steps… it was about the energy of the time.

The influence of Bob Fosse plays a big role in your pieces, like “Big Spender” from Sweet Charity (season two). Fosse is a legend because…
He created his style out of his imperfections and quirkiness. The imperfections and unconventional movement became beautiful.  

Your choreography is so diverse. How do you switch gears when creating contemporary pieces like the much-talked-about contemporary “This Woman’s Work” and then theatrical pieces like “Aquarius” from Hair?
When I was 9, I studied theater, African, modern and jazz. The different styles were instilled in me.

After making an appearance as a salsa dancer in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, we need to know how hotties Brad and Angelina are in person.
Their chemistry was definitely present. She was more outgoing than him, but they were clearly two forces of incredible energy.

You’re bicoastal. What are the best things about dancing in both NY and LA?
The great thing about dancing in both NY and LA is that they’re the leading capitals of dance, and I'm versatile enough to be able to work on both coasts.

Lucky you! Does the constant travel ever get to you? How can other dancers make this lifestyle work?
Sometimes, it gets to you. It gets repetitious. You have to dig deep in your soul and realize you're traveling the world. This is an opportunity… you have to take it.

You were the spoiler contestant who looked “suspiciously professional” on Debbie Allen’s reality show Fame. What was it like going into that experience with a guise?
It was scary, but I like to face my fears and put myself in uncomfortable positions so I can grow.  

Besides dance, you love…
Singing, acting, horses, the beach, friends, Starbucks and yoga.

Thank you, Tyce, for sharing your inspiration and passion with us. gendancers, you heard it straight from the man who knows how to make it big...  and stay there. Keep an eye out for Tyce to appear on the big screen yet again in the new motion picture Move, coming soon in 2010, along with your other faves like Mia Michaels, Paula Abdul, Wade Robson and Nigel Lythgoe.