Marco Da Silva is probably best known as ‘that really hot Kylie dancer with the awesome tatts.’ As such, I was determined to get through the interview without asking him anything about Kylie or mentioning her. I was sure he would be sick of such questions. But alas the fates conspired against me, and just hours before, Ms Minogue had announced the imminent release of her 11th studio album, Aphrodite. I had to know if Da Silva was going to go on Kylie’s next world tour with the new album.

“Yes I heard about Aphrodite! I really love Kylie. She’s sweet and awesome to work with, and is such a big part of where I am today. Well, I’ve been a dancer with Kylie for the past five years now, and I think it’s unlikely that I’ll do another tour with her. I mean if she did ask me, I probably wouldn’t say no… I mean it’s Kylie!... but the truth is that I’m really focused on my own career right now. I’d do some promo work with her, but a year-long tour would make it very difficult for me to DJ, and I don’t want to break the momentum,” Da Silva said in his gentle masculine voice.

Da Silva is a self-confessed Janet Jackson fan, and with hot artists like Pink and Lady Gaga conquering the world at the moment, is there anyone in the pop sphere who he’d put his own career ambitions on hold for?

“There is only one artist that I would really halt my DJing for… That’s Madonna. I’ve danced for Kylie and while it’s amazing, it doesn’t hold a new challenge for me. To dance for Madonna has always been a dream of mine… it’s a dream job for any dancer to dance for Madonna. I know she would really push my boundaries. I will never give up on that dream and it’s one I would still love to fulfill.”

Dance fever

Da Silva started dancing as soon as he could walk. By age 11 he’d started his own dance company. It wasn’t led by any dance teacher, but by the amazing dance moves and techniques he saw on MTV. It’s important to note that Da Silva isn’t really strictly trained dancer, but a largely self-taught one. He did many workshops with people who danced and choreographed for pop greats, but the bulk of his talent comes from good old-fashioned practical experience and innate talent. He displayed an obvious passion, presence, style and theatricality that got him noticed.

After years of dancing at events and clubs, an opportunity came up to audition for Kylie. His unshakable belief in himself and ‘the dream’ meant that he didn’t think twice about going for it. Both Kylie and her best bud stylist William were blown away by Da Silva’s shear talent and undeniable smoldering good looks. In no time at all he was catapulted to the international stage, and became a star in his own right.

Da Silva has been a key dancer in Kylie’s troupe for the past five years, touring around the world with our songbird. He loved it, but it also took a toll on him. There was a loneliness that surfaced, that was exemplified in his portrait of Da Silva wrapped in a doona by Australian artist, Ross Watson, created the last time he was in Australia [ pictured second ].

“I think Ross captured my feelings of loneliness quite well… Touring seems like fun, but it can be very isolating too. You get to meet some nice people, but the rest is just empty hotel rooms… empty beds. The connections you often make are just fleeting and momentary. That’s no fun. It’s really tough after a while,” he explains.

Marco’s man

After years of being happily single, Da Silva reveals that he’s now in a relationship with another man who is in a similar entertainment related occupation. There is a smile in his voice as he mentions him. He talks about how it really helps that they are both in a similar field and because of that, the relationship is easier and requires less explanation.

“Most people in a 9 to 5 job just don’t understand the work and lifestyle demands of someone working in the entertainment industry. I think that is why I was single for so long. Most people don’t get the travel, late nights, time spent rehearsing, all the time apart… I’m happy to say that that is not the case with the guy I’m seeing. There’s no need to explain anything… it’s a different energy, and it’s much better.

“I enjoy and love sex,” he adds. “Especially with someone I love… a partner… I’m not into casual or random hook-ups. That’s just instant gratification and it’s not for me. I get a lot of pleasure from my work and life. Sex is important to me, but it’s certainly not the focus of my life. I’m much more interested in friendship, connecting, and success… Things that have a deeper meaning.”

Hot DJ dates

Marco Da Silva currently resides in the US where his new DJing career is taking off. Years of partying on the island of Ibiza (one of his favourite locations) and touring the world fostered a unique style and sound that made him stand out in the crowd, especially in America. His European styled Vocal Tribal sound is a hit over in the states, where it is new and fresh. And it’s earning him many fans over there, and a fast rising DJ profile.

His DJing career really took off last summer with a series of gigs at club Matinee, which De Silva describes as being his creator. He ventured into the club initially as a punter, and loved the energy there so much that he asked if he could go-go dance there. Even though there was no real money in it, he loved every second and found a lot of pleasure doing it. Once he revealed his DJ aspirations to the Matinee crew, and they heard him play, they quickly suggested he give up the go-go spot and take on a resident DJ spot at the club. The rest is history.

“Since I’ve gotten into dancing, I knew that there was a time limit on how long I would be able to dance. Having said that, I’m not going to stop dancing anytime soon… I’m still very much into it, and dancing is a great passion of mine. I love the music and the physicality… which is why DJing is also such a great fit for me”, Da Silva explains.

“Though I’ve only been doing it recently, I’ve always wanted to DJ. It just took me a while to get the confidence and time to apply myself. I was surprised by how naturally it came to me, and by the amazing response I’ve been getting. It’s really exciting taking a sound and a style that I know and love to a new audience and seeing them love it. It’s a beautiful exchange.”

Marco for Mardi Gras?

A DJ spot at the infamous but now defunct Ibiza club Space would have been his ultimate DJ gig. However, Sydney Mardi Gras features next on top of his dream gig list. According to De Silva, he was actually asked to DJ at this year’s Mardi Gras party, but he was unable to do so due to a scheduling conflict; He was already playing at the White Party in the US. However he hopes to DJ at the 2011 party if Mardi Gras still want him.

“It’s a long way to travel to get to Australia. It’s tough and it’s draining, but it is a journey that I’ve made many times and I will make many more because I love it there. I’ve got some very good friends there, and I always have a great time.

“The last time I was in Australia, I was part of another artist’s show,” he recounts. “This time, I am the artist and I’m so so excited about bringing you all a piece of me… a taste of who I am and the European sounds I love. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Marco Da Silva plays Saturday F@#king Night at Nevermind in Sydney on Saturday 1 May, then Disgraceland Melbourne at Jett Black on Saturday 8 May.

Watch Marco in action with Kylie on the clip below.