Leandro Damasco
Diavolo Resident Choreographer, SCU
Leandro Glory Damasco, Jr. is a dynamic and multi-faceted artist from Sacramento, CA. A prominent dancer, choreographer, educator, and filmmaker, his career reflects a fusion of talent, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of artistic excellence.
Leandro's artistic voyage commenced at the revered Joyce Theater in New York City, under the mentorship of Nicholas Leichter, establishing the foundation for his dance career. His insatiable thirst for growth led him to train with distinguished Bay Area companies, including Joe Goode Performance, Axis Dance, Bandaloop, and Pauvfe Dance.
Not content with the ordinary, Leandro embarked on transformative experiences, including Merce Cunningham's "Inlets 2" and immersion in the visionary world of William Forsythe with Richard Seigel during the American Dance Festivals.
In 2012, he joined the death-defying DIAVOLO, ascending to become the company's first resident choreographer. His talent illuminated the captivating "L'espace Du Temps" trilogy, premiering to international acclaim in Wuflsburg, Germany.
A global artist, Leandro shares his expertise through choreographic and teaching residencies at CSU Sacramento, Marin Academy, Scottsdale Community College, Utah Valley University, CSU Los Angeles, CALArts, University of Central
Oklahoma, UC Irvine, Santa Clara University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, North Carolina School of the arts. Even amid a demanding tour with DIAVOLO and an appearance on "America's Got Talent," he pursued higher education, earning his MFA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine.
Leandro's journey transcends stages, delving into movement philosophy with his movement concept, Ebb and Floorwork. Today, he's a beacon of gratitude and inspiration at Santa Clara University, teaching Contemporary Dance, Performance Collaboration, Movement for Athletes, Hip Hop, and Dance Cinematography. Beyond academics, he continues to shine as an international dance soloist, Director of Photography, T.O.P Awards master teacher, and choreographer for companies and dance films, with his creations showcased worldwide.
Leandro Glory Damasco, Jr. embodies the boundless potential of human creativity, driven by passion and a fearless pursuit of artistic exploration. His journey underscores the transformative power of art and the enduring legacy of an artist who dreams beyond conventions, in hopes to inspire others.
Current work
Scenes "Standing Alone," "Lost in the City,” and “Symbiosis" from Existencia (2024) for DIAVOLO, and solo & duet material and gesture motifs used throughout Jacques Heim's first evening-length work.
"Lost in the City" from Existencia, Diavolo|Architecture in Motion. Photo: Cheryl Mann
Select Scholarship Credits:
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Performer and Resident Choreographer for DIAVOLO Architecture in Motion®
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Performed Merce Cunningham's Inlets 2
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Performed Lar Lubovitch's Northstar
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Studied William Forsythe's work under Richard Seigel
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Research of Ebb and Floorwork: Harmonizing the body with the floor to achieve Flow
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Commissioned choreographic work for Water Street Dance, Pedestal (2023), in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Director and Director of Photography of X PAT BOND (2022), a dance film that toured the world via kNOwBOX Dance Film Festival and Lebanese International Film Festival
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Guest choreographer at University of Central Oklahoma. Ha-Shi (2017) selected for the Gala at ACDA
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Dance Cinematographer and Visual Designer for Persian Swan (2021) and The White Feather (2023), a Persian ballet created by Tara Ghassemieh
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Appeared on America's Got Talent