By Steve Sucato
Matthew Saggiomo (he/they) grew up in the small town of Sayre, Pennsylvania where he began his dance training at age 6 in several styles. At 18, he continued his dance training at Elite Danceworx in Ontario, Canada under Dawn Rappitt. Matthew then attended Point Park University where he earned a BFA in Dance in 2022. Additionally, he has attended dance training programs at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Utah’s SALT Contemporary Dance. He has also worked as a company member with The Pillow Projects, a post-modern-jazz dance company based in Pittsburgh.
How did you get into dance?
As a child I had a fascination with high heels. My older sister had all these costume princess dresses with plastic heel shoes. At 5-years-old I would wear those plastic heels and my mothers high heels around the house. I was so interested in heels that when I watched tap dancing I thought the tap shoes looked like high heels and I wanted to wear them. That and I had a cousin around my age that danced is what got me into dance.
Before choosing dance, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had so many interests when I was younger. I remember telling my mother I want to be a magician or a clown. Then I wanted to be a dentist. But I honestly believe if I wasn’t a dancer I would be a performer of some sort.
What are you most excited for in your debut season at GroundWorks?
To continue this exploration of self. I feel like every journey dance has led me to has opened a new vault within me because of the people I am meeting and what I am surrounded by. Already from being here I feel lucky to be surrounded by my peers and to work with David [Shimotakahara]. He is so kind and allows us to be ourselves within the space.
What makes you a unique artist?
I think what makes me unique are the things I have been drawn to growing up; certain colors, people or characters. I derive movement inspiration from seeing things that would not correlate with what dance is but make sense for me. For example, the Mortal Combat video game character Molina. She is this beautiful princess but underneath her mask are these grotesque teeth. That idea of what is hiding underneath has been an inspiration of mine for a long time.
Of the people you have worked with in dance so far, who has been the most influential?
For me it is one of my professors at Point Park University, Jason McDole. He completely changed the way I view dance in general. He did so at a pivotal point in my life in my junior year when peak COVID was happening. He encouraged us to truly be ourselves and that dance’s importance came after the importance of being a good human being. It allowed me to put myself at the forefront of all I do.
What are your impressions of Cleveland?
Coming from Pittsburgh I see similarities so the shift here wasn’t too bad. I really like the openness of Cleveland and how things are always going on here.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy crafting. I love crocheting and learning new stitches and have also gotten into jewelry making.