Meet Dario Vaccaro. This experienced, well-traveled performer is Mr. January in Lois Greenfield’s 2010 “Breaking Bounds” calendar (hint, hint last minute gift idea). And we must tell you… there’s so much more to this man than his stellar good looks. Find out what it likes to perform with Twyla Tharp, David Parsons and now star in his very own co-creation… “Projected.”

Dario… tell us. What were some of the obstacles you faced transitioning from Argentina to NYC?
I didn’t speak much English when I arrived in New York. I was requested by Twyla to work with her company, so I came. Twyla’s rehearsals were so much fun, but for me, they were all in sign language. (Lol.) But each day, I learned a new word, and very soon with the help of my colleagues, I was communicating more and more. When I didn’t know a word, I invented one myself. Sometimes it was fine, other times, I made people laugh. I remember those days quite well. They were definitely a lot of fun.

David Parsons. The best part about working with him was…
“Caught”, of course. That was my goal when I joined the company. I feel so lucky I was able to perform that masterpiece.

NYC… what’s the reality of the dream?
New York is a wonderful city full of opportunities. At the same time, it’s very hard because many people from around the world are trying to achieve the same dream. You have to be very focused and true to your dreams. And like Frank Sinatra said, “If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.”

One of the best lines in a song ever! Where do you get your inspiration from to keep going?
First, music… I dance because I love music. Then, there’s the relationship dancers have with space. I love to be inspired by working within the space given to me as a performer. Last, but not least, there is poetry behind each movement. It keeps me going. Every dance… is like a beautiful poem.

Well said. Where did you gain all this inspiration? Where did you study in Argentina and did any of your dance friends come with you?
I studied at Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires. I have a special feeling for that place and the most wonderful memories growing up as a dancer. It’s hard for me to be objective, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful theatres in the world. That school gave birth to many successful dancers like Paloma Herrera, Julio Bocca, Marianela Nunez, among others. I have friends in New York who dance with me in Julio Bocca’s Ballet Argentino and they also study at the Colon. Unfortunately, we don’t see each other as much as we like because we work in different companies now. But there are a lot of Argentinean dancers in NYC.

Do you have mentors that help guide you?
There is a “before and after” in my career. When I met Noemi Coelho and Rodolfo Olguin, they both gave me the tools to become an artist.

We’ve been hearing so much about “Projected”. How did you dream this up?
I’m still dreaming about “Projected” and I won’t stop until I see it completed on March 31st, 2010 in Buenos Aires.

What’s March 31st? Tell us more…
It’s the opening performance of this amazing collaboration I share with groundbreaking photographer, Lois Greenfield. It’s also my return to my country as a dancer and choreographer after 7 years. I’ve been dreaming every second of this moment.

How’d you meet Lois Greenfield?
One of my colleagues gave my name to Lois. She was looking for dancers for one of her workshops. The minute I walked into the studio, I fell in love with her work. Working with her was even better. It was fun, exciting and interesting. That was the beginning of a great friendship.

How did your ideas begin to build with Lois’s upon the idea for “Projected”?
I was inspired and mesmerized by her images. When Lois asked me to collaborate with her I didn’t doubt it for a second. Since then, we never stopped sharing ideas. Her pictures motivated me to create new, original vocabulary and choreography for this show.

Who else is involved in the project?
We have an amazing team. William Catanzaro (original score) Al Crawford (lighting design), Adam Larsen and Shawn Duan (video design), Brett Jarviss (sound design) and the staff at Lois Greenfield Studios. Plus, our Argentinean troupe including seven dancers technicians, assistants, MovingStill Productions and of course our generous sponsors that help make this possible. In other words, we are a big family!

Do you have plans to bring the show to the U.S. and what’s the mission of “Projected”, exactly?
Our goal is to bring the show to New York in the fall of 2010. We’re currently in negotiations with several venues to create a US tour for the 2010-11 season. We really hope to share our art and make it accessible to everybody. “Projected” is a multicultural project and at the same time it’s interdisciplinary. Our mission is to combine different art forms together on stage creating a hunting landscape of perception; where the audience will be trapped. In other words, they will be completely mesmerized with this experience.

So, Dario… Twyla, David Parsons, you choreographed Fashion Week NYC, What’s it like to finally have your very own gig?
Challenging, exciting, rewarding. There’s nothing better to materialize your own ideas. It’s like giving birth. “Projected” is a great learning experience for me and I hope it’s the beginning of many others in the future.

So, in between your travels back and forth to Argentina, when you have time for you… what pastimes do you enjoy?
Going out with my friends and family, especially my two little nephews. Going back to Argentina allows me to reconnect with a lot of people. New York and Buenos Aires are my two worldly homes. In my free time, I love doing nothing but enjoying what these two wonderful cities have to offer.

Gracias, Dario. We can’t wait to come to Argentina to see “Projected”. (Yes, gendancers, we’re going for the premiere!) Visit the Projected blog to learn more about this amazing new performance that combines the choreographic genius of Dario Vaccaro and the awe-inspiring images of Lois Greenfield.