Dancer Filippo Calvagno, a classically and culturally trained professional is on the front lines of Bananarama’s U.K. Tour, “Viva,” and he is delighted to be there. “I auditioned for Bananarama at the beginning of the year and my first performances were at Manchester Gay Pride,” the master of multiple dance disciplines said. In fact, the German-born man from Italian ancestry not only made the cut for the tour, he actually garnered the coveted role of lead dancer.
Since that time Calvagno has participated in a cyclonic burst of promo performances alongside the accomplished Bananarama ladies, including appearing on This Morning (ITV), Manchester Pride, Alan Titchmarsh (BBC), The Relentless Garage, Ely Park, Savoy Hotel London and GAY Club.
Bananarama is an all-female band whose popularity and record sales are of Guinness World Record proportions. Songs such as “Venus,” are part of the highlights of that culture and yes, the ladies have still “got it.” The “Viva,” tour will include multiple guest appearances, performances, and events such as TV and music festivals to promote the successful new album of the same name.
“Viva,” launches with several international dates including headlining the Retrolicious Concert smack dab in the middle of the Rain Forest, no less. “I’m really excited to go to Singapore since I have never been and we are headlining a huge event,” said Calvagno. “We have learned some of the dances already for the promo dates, but have a few rehearsals ahead of us before we go out on tour. Choreographer Arthur Gourounlian is a perfectionist!”
There are many benefits to being part of the tour since the entire production has already gelled. “The Girls are incredible and very easy going, always down for having a good time,” said the dancer. “They made the new dancers feel comfortable from the first rehearsal. It’s amazing to be a part of such an iconic Band. Bananarama have been around since the late 70’s, and I’m now dancing to songs that even my parents know from when they used to go clubbing.”
Calvagno has been devoted to his craft since he began his ballroom dance training at the age of eleven, followed by mastering hip hop, jazz and more traditional disciplines such as ballet, waltz, tango and modern dance. His versatility in disciplines combined with his powerful, electric presence makes for a head-turning performer that has swept him from one superstar stage to another, including that of Leona Lewis, The Pussycat Dolls, Paula Abdul, Duffy, and of course, the stunning ladies of Bananarama. Viva la dance!