Where and when were you born?
I was born in Hollywood on October 17, 1970 and grew up in Los Angeles and in
Oregon.
And your eyes?
My father is Chinese and my mother is from Wales.
When did you start dancing?
About 8 years ago.
Do you remember the first time you danced in front of a lot of people?
Yes, I did a bit for Janet Jackson's 'Nasty' in college.
Did you like it?
Yes.
Were you scared?
No.
What else did you do before working with Madonna?
I appeared in 'Head of the Class', a sitcom in the United States, a movie, commercials
for Pepsi, always as a dancer.
And after Madonna?
After Madonna I made six films and...
I have seen a picture of you dressed as a woman.
Ah, yes, i made 'The Bird Cage' where i danced and sang. Everyone seems scared
of me when they see me dressed like that. (laughs)
Was it the first time you ever dressed like a woman?
Yes.
Did you enjoy it?
Yes... but it's a bit hard for me to be honest with the high heels....they were
a little painful!
Did you listen to Madonna's music before you worked with her?
No, i listened to music that is more alternative rock. She was a bit too much
pop for me. I preferred groups like Cult and the Cure.
Which Madonna song is your favorite?
(thinks...)... Dear Jessie
How did you hear about the Blonde Ambition Tour auditions?
There were advertisements: newspapers, tv news, dance schools.
Tell us what the auditions were like.
It was like a casino. 3000 people divided into groups of 40 and Madonna would
choose from every group.
How did she choose dancers?
She said things like: You! Look! Like this! You come back tomorrow! Not you! (laughs)
And it was very stressful...
Did you enjoy the tour?
Ah!!! Very much!!! I loved doing it! Four and a half months of touring: it was
wonderful!
Was it hard?
Yes, we started in Japan where it rained and snowed. It was
very cold! And in America it
was very hard cause we were doing 5 shows every week.
How did you feel being in front of all those people? Scared?
In Japan no. The first show in America , Houston i think...wow!, the noise was
incredible!
Do you remember anything special about the tour?
The entire tour was special and fun!
What did you like best about Madonna as a woman and as an artist?
As a person i liked the fact that although she knows she is an extraordinary person
she continued to do normal things. she did not want
anyone else to do things for her.... as an artist i think that she has become a
much stronger one. In her last 2 albums she has matured a lot.
Anything else?
Yes, she is one of the hardest working people i have ever collaborated with.
When Madonna fans stop you on the street, what do they say?
They always ask me to say hi to Madonna and ask "How is Madonna?"
How much has your life changed after working with Madonna?
At first not much. But when 'Truth or Dare' was released people recognized me
and would wait for me.
Just like a star!
Yes! (laughs)
Do you like having fans?
Yes!
How do you like Italy and your italian fans?
Italy is fantastic! The people here are full of energy and passionate about the
people they admire. And it's wonderful to know that people appreciate what you
do because in America you never get to talk to your fans, only correspond through
letters . But here in Italy, the fans are waiting for you outside the studio.
You're going to stay in Italy then?
Yes, on to Roma next to record an album with Luca.
A pop album?
Funky, rap, pop...but i might stay here for years...i don't know (he laughs)
Here's a question: Would you ever pose for the Sex book?
For parts of the book... i don't know... yes, i think i would.
Do you keep in touch with Madonna?
I haven't for several years now.
After the concerts, during the tour, what did Madonna do in the evenings?
If there was a party she would come but only for a little while. Most of the time
she went to sleep early, woke up early. On the tour she didn't smoke and didn't
drink, but the night after every concert she would always start (he makes the
motion of smoking a cigarette)
How do you know Luca?
I met Luca in Los Angeles about 8 years ago when i started dancing.
So you were friends before 'Buona Domenica'?
Yes, before 'Buona Domenica' and also before Madonna.
And after Blond Ambition when did you see each other?
Almost always. I went to Madonna's house in Los Angeles when we practiced the
dance and costumes for the MTV awards .
What are your plans with Luca?
We are going to make and album and then we will continue to dance together.
We know that you love the cinema and that you have also studied for it. Do
you want to direct?
Yes, perhaps, more later.
Tell us about your cinematographic tastes.
I always liked the style of Tony Scott and also Quentin Tarantino. I don't watch movies when they are here cause they are
in Italian and i don't understand very much.
Nevertheless you speak Italian very well!
I don't know, maybe the next time we meet i will be much better.
Now, you and Luca have quite a fan club. Do you receive many letters?
Yes, a lot! at first it was strange because i couldn't read them because of the
language barrier, but it has been good practice. I am learning Italian thanks
to the fans. I respond to all the letters with help from people who correct the
mistakes.
Last question. Would you like to say something to the readers of 'Like a Virgin'?
Yes, always believe in yourself and in your dreams.
Do you believe in your dreams?
I very much believe in my dreams! Ah!
I also want to say that it is important not to ever step down and compromise yourself
but to follow your dreams until the end.