In this episode, we sit down for an honest and powerful discussion with dance luminary Selene Haro.  Selene shares her serendipitous audition experience with Studio 429 and walks us through her extensive dance journey.  Selene candidly shares the obstacles that life has thrown at her, but tells us her secret to overcoming those hardships.  She reflects on her difficult transition away from Cookies and shares her new project, ETHOS, created with partner Isidro Rafael. She talks to us about balancing dance, business and a relationship and discusses the important role that affirmations play in her daily life.  We delve deep into Selene’s philosophy on mastering a positive mindset, looking beyond preconceived notions, and allowing reinvention to be the primary force in facing life head on.  We chat about how we’ve become professionals at negative self talk and how to consciously take on each day to overcome that. We wrap the episode with our fun rapid fire segment, discuss what’s next for Selene and she shares her thoughts on what’s good in the dance community. 

In this episode, we explore:

00:32Introduction
04:00A serendipitous audition
12:40What’s a medley?
13:30Fueling your passions
15:20 Dance as a luxury
18:42 A day in the life of rehearsal at Studio 429
20:21Growing up with Cookies
23:00Closing one chapter and beginning the next
29:26 Selene’s favorite Cookies’ set & a turning point in Selene’s life
38:30Navigating through challenging times
43:45ETHOS
54:50Balancing dance, business, and a relationship
1:02:46Looking beyond our preconceived notions
1:06:30Selene’s daily routine of mastering a positive mindset
1:18:03Rapid fire questions
1:22:06Building Block
1:25:48What’s next for Selene?
1:28:09What’s good in the dance community?
1:29:43Closing remarks

This episode’s guest(s):

Follow Selene Haro on Instagram
Choreography by Selene Haro “Blind Man” 
Choreography by Selene Haro “Empty”
Choreography by Selene Haro “Not You Too”
Choreography by Sele Haro “Quick”
Choreography by Selene Haro “Noite Após Noite “
Choreography by Selene Haro “Passionfruit Summers”

Special thanks to:
-Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork 

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418
Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] 

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In this episode, we sit down and chat with prominent leader and radio icon, Stephanie Sidela.    Stephanie talks to us about her dance journey and having a foundation of technical training.  Stephanie shares her insights on the dance community, gives advice to dancers and leaders struggling to find inspiration during the pandemic, tells us her favorite memories while both dancing on and directing 220 and gives us her thoughts on married life.  Stephanie discusses the current state of the dance community and reminds us that we can heal if we change our perspective.  We talk about what’s next for Stephanie and what feeds her soul.   We take a deep dive into the “power” of now and seeing the opportunity in even the most challenging times.  We switch gears and do a fun round of our rapid fire questions and try to pitch a marriage podcast with Stephanie and her husband as the hosts!  Stephanie leaves us on a positive note and gives us encouragement to use social media for the good.

In this episode, we explore: 

00:29   Introduction
03:31   A foundation of technical training
06:51   Going from 0 to 100
10:27   A fork in the road
15:14    Stephanie’s advice for dance directors
21:13    Stephanie’s experience on 220
26:11   Favorite memories on 220
28:02   “220’s my girl”
33:14   Married life 
40:45   Dance paving the way into radio
57:25    Healing as a dance community 
1:02:42  What’s next for Stephanie Sidela
1:16:55  21 Day of Abundance Challenge
1:24:01  Rapid fire questions
1:26:03  A little extra marriage advice
1:31:11  Using social media for good
1:19:02  Closing remarks

This episode’s guest(s):
Follow Stephanie Sidela on Instagram
Choreography by Stephanie Sidela, “My Piece” 
Stephanie Freestyle "Set a goal to make moves again" 
Stephanie Freestyle “Actually had the guts to freestyle”  
Stephanie Freestyle “Morning wiggles”
Stephanie & James Sidela at The BOX Dance Studio

Special thanks to: 
-Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork 

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418
Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] 

Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

We sit down with dancer and choreographer Josh Saradpon.  Josh shares his dance journey and we reminisce on our days at The BOX Dance studio.  Josh provides tips for aspiring young dancers on how to stay focused and tells us what he would do if he could talk to himself as “13-year old Josh”.  We talk with Josh about his opinions on how the dance community has evolved and Josh talks us through how he deals with being discouraged.  As with many of us, the current pandemic has helped us find new ways to be creative and Josh discusses his new found passion for cooking and caring for plants.  We talk about the importance of self- care and Josh shares his own tips for how to indulge in activities to really nurture yourself.  Josh  shares his biggest lessons from leading others and talks about dancer fatigue.  Josh feels the pressure from the rapid fire, he shares his top 5 coffee spots in San Diego and we wrap the episode with his insights on what’s good in the dance community.

In this episode, we explore: 

00:30Introduction

03:02Josh’s dance journey

13:07Tips for young aspiring dancers

15:04Talking to your past self

17:34 Rehearsals during a pandemic

24:13Josh’s opinion the dance community’s evolution

30:24Dealing with being discouraged

36:55“Chef Josh” and “Plant Dad”

41:30 The importance of self-care and Josh’s self care tips

47:04 Transition from student to team director

50:54Boasting with Pride & Joy

53:50 A lesson in leading others

1:00:55Rapid fire questions

1:04:17Josh’s top coffee spot recommendations

1:09:32What’s good in the dance community? 

1:19:02Closing remarks

This episode’s guest(s):
-Follow Josh Saradpon on Instagram
-You can find Josh teaching at Studio Fx
-JAR Workshop at The BOX, Jan 2012
-Please Me, Choreography by Josh Saradpon
-Josh Saradpon Freestyle
-Josh performs with GwownUps 

Special thanks to:
-Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork 

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418
Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] 

Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In this episode, we sit down for an inspirational chat with trail blazing creative and Host of the “Of Like Minds” podcast, Kevin Belisaro.  Dancing since the age of 7, Kevin walks us through his dance journey and shares his philosophy on teaching through a selfless approach.  We talk about staying focused during a pandemic and he shares his theory on compound interest and incorporating it into his fitness regimen.  Kevin shares his goals and the motivation behind setting and proclaiming them over Instagram.  We dive into Kevin’s recent project “Of Like Minds” podcast and he shares advice on how to keep the “creative juices” flowing in a time of a pandemic. Kevin shares his affinity for Lululemon and Nike and even gives his top clothing recommendations.  He then inspires us with his minimalist mentality and is the first guest to make it through all of the rapid fire questions (even if it was by force).  We wrap the episode with Kevin’s favorite quarantine meal, his writing routine and he shares his insights on what’s good in the dance community.

In this episode, we explore: 

00:29 Introduction

02:35 The start of Kevin’s dance journey

04:28 A talent show star

07:07 A young Juju Sena (another talent show star in the making!)

09:25 A turning point in Kevin’s dance career

12:10 Living the “only child” life and supportive parents

15:20 Dancing on Formality, a lesson in humility and perseverance

19:09 Taking class with Kevin Belisario; a unique experience

26:06 A selfless approach on teaching 

29:07 Pursuing a formal dance education

31:51 Maintaining focus during a pandemic

37:53 Kevin’s “compound interest” fitness regimen

45:36 Kevin’s philosophy on how dance intertwines with life lessons

48:22 Goal setting

51:49 Of Like Minds Podcast 

1:03:55 Challenges & Successes of starting a podcast

1:09:12 Rapid fire questions

1:11:10 Lululemon vs. Nike (and Kevin’s top recommendations)

1:17:33 Living a Minimalist life

1:23:10 Kevin’s favorite quarantine meal

1:25:03 Kevin’s writing routine

1:31:04 What’s good in the dance community?

1:39:04 Closing remarks

This episode’s guest(s):

-Follow Kevin Belisario on Instagram

-See Kevin’s 100 day Fitness Core Challenge

-See Kevin’s Dance Footage and watch episodes from Kevin’s “Of Like Minds” podcast

Special thanks to: 

-Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork 

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418

Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] 

Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In this episode, we sit down dancer of 32 years and former San Diego Charger girl, Nikki Lewis.  Nikki brings her positive light to the podcast.  We talk about her experience as a dancer, auditioning to be a San Diego Charger girl and living out a lifelong dream.  Nikki shares her experience performing at the Super Bowl halftime show in 1999 and talks to us about being a teacher of 12 years.  As an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, Nikki educates and inspires us to make progress and shares her book recommendations.  We wrap with our Rapid Fire and Nikki shares her take on what’s good in the dance community.   

In this episode, we explore: 

00:28 Introduction
02:29 A dance journey of 32 years and counting 
04:24 An awakening experience
05:47 Parents that share in your passion
07:12 Questioning a dream to become a Charger girl
08:01 A dream come true 
09:00 The Charger girl experience
10:13 Mastering mental preparation 
12:23 Battling self-doubt
13:01 The audition process
16:30 The journey has really just begun
16:44 Biggest takeaway as a Charger girl
17:22 Performing at the Super Bowl halftime show
19:58 Dancers as athletes
25:54 Being a middle school teacher and a Charger girl
30:19 Advocating for Black Lives Matter
34:08 Making progress as a community
38:20 Nikki’s book recommendations
40:56 Rapid fire questions
42:04 N’Sync vs. Backstreet Boys
44:02 What’s good in the dance community?
44:42 Closing remarks

This episode’s guest(s):

-Follow Nikki Lewis on Instagram

Nikki’s Book Recommendations:

How to be Black by Baratunde Thurston
I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
Stamped from the Beginning from Ibram X. Kendi
How to be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
So You Want to talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Special thanks to: 

-Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork 

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418

Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] 

Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In this episode, we sit down (over Zoom Video Conference) to reminisce on our first season of the Co-Lab Podcast!  We discuss highlights, share our opinions, and reflect on important insights from our inaugural season. Overwhelmed with gratitude, we say thank you (many times) to all of our Season 1 guests and give away a couple of spoilers for our 2nd season line up.   

In this episode, we explore: 

00:29 Introduction

01:00 Overwhelmed with Gratitude 

02:23 A year filled with challenges 

03:40 Reflecting on Season 1, Black Lives Matter with Darian Patterson, Divine Maharaj, Chavia Blankenship, and Deion Williams

08:40 Reflecting on Season 1, We can do better with Janelle Adviento 

10:35 Reflecting on Season 1, Live after the Studio with Michelle & Devin

13:20 Reflecting on Season 1, Love First, Family First with Dylan Banares, David Dioso, Ranny Fernandez, and Ryan Quilapio 

16:40 Reflecting on Season 1, Finding your passion with Jordan Banares

17:42 Reflecting on Season 1, Building your Dance Legacy with Cye Bongalos

20:51 Reflecting on Season 1, A Recipe for Greatness with Isidro Rafael

22:57 Coming in Season 2: Selene Haro

23:39 Reflecting on Season 1, Dance reflects your life with Julian Sena

25:50 Coming in Season 2: Kevin Belisario

27:00 Reflecting on Season 1, How to be a Triple Threat with Chavia Blankenship

29:05 Reflecting on Season 1, How to balance Passion & Profession with Erik Molina

33:10 A big thank you to all of our Season 1 Guests and Listeners!

35:45 A look into Season 2 and closing remarks

Special thanks to: 

-Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork 

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418

Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] 

Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In this episode, we sit down with Erik Molina, a humble yet highly accomplished and talented dancer who has dedicated his academic and professional career to mastering his craft. Erik sits down with us to talk about his pursuit for a Bachelor’s in dance, the challenges of being casted at Disney World, and his pivot into the corporate world.  Devin & Erik reminisce on times with Kinections and the three of us recollect memories at The BOX.  Erik shares his opinion on how the dance community has evolved, shares his insights on self awareness and intuition and we find ourselves in an endless circle of 
“Thank yous”.  Erik shares his passions outside of dance, gives us his binge-worthy show recommendations, and makes us incredibly hungry.  It’s an episode full of memories, self exploration and endless gratitude. 

In this episode, we explore: 

00:25 Introduction

03:31Name dropping “Erik Molina” 

04:08Let’s start at the very beginning

04:30Confusing Hula Hoop with dance

06:09The origin of Kinections

07:48The first hip hop studio in South Bay SD

13:42Trendsetter!

14:15Fueling the creativity and passion

17:22Fake it ‘til you make it

18:30The foundation of Erik’s character

20:12Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Dance

26:52Erik’s dance style

30:37 The evolution of Erik’s dance style

33:17How the dance community has evolved

37:59Erik’s passions outside of dance 

42:32Transition from dance to corporate life & finding balance

47:25Self awareness & intuition

50:42A moment of gratitude

56:15 Rapid Fire Questions

59:46Finding inspiration for movement

1:01:37Rapid Fire, part 2

1:04:12Erik’s binge-worth recommendations

1:10:51Finding creativity in cooking

1:15:57Closing remarks

This episode’s guest:

• Follow Erik Molina on Instagram 
• Erik’s makeup looks:
  • Pablo Picasso inspired look
  • Todrick Forbidden Album cover inspired look
  • Space inspired look
  • Jaydee Q’s Hot Cheeto inspired look
  • Co-Lab Podcast look

Special thanks to Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork!

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418
Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

We sit down with a “triple threat” Chavia Blankenship in this episode.  A truly inspirational, and hard-working dancer, choreographer and actor, Chavia has transitioned from community icon to industry professional.   Chavia sits down with us for a virtual conversation about auditioning for Badgirl Rhi Rhi, dancing on a team versus actually directing the team, and the burden of always having confidence.  We also reminisce on our time together at The BOX, the origins of Impulse junior dance team and coping with self doubt.  Chavia shares his tips on preparing for an industry audition and hopes for change in the industry.   We talk about donuts, Power Rangers, and Rick & Morty.  We wrap up and talk about the best Haunted House in South Bay San Diego and share our love and eternal gratitude to Chavia for being a guiding light in our dance journey.  

In this episode, we explore: 

00:25  Introduction
03:32  Let’s start at the very beginning
04:39  The origins of Impulse
09:07  Chavia’s experience dancing on competitive teams
09:47  Dancing on a team vs. Directing a team
11:33  Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
13:14  Having confidence is exhausting
14:59  The path to industry
15:41  Finding inspiration in Miss Jackson
17:38  Chavia and The BOX
20:34  Training as an industry dancer
21:42  Transitioning from Community to Industry
24:29  First industry audition (for Badgirl Rhi-Rhi)
29:06  Tips to prepare for an industry audition
32:13  Coping with self-doubt in an industry of confidence
35:15  Transition from dancing to acting
36:46  Chavia’s favorite gig and current projects
39:00  Changes in the industry, post pandemic
42:45  A day in the of Chavia Blankenship 
43:53  Let’s talk donuts
48:56  Chavia’s obsession with Power Rangers
55:16  Rapid fire questions
57:24  Rick and Morty
1:00:00 The freedom of dance 
1:01:24  What’s next for Chavia?
1:02:26  The Haunted House in South Bay SD
1:08:41  What’s good in the dance community?
1:10:43  Closing remarks

This episode’s guest:

• Follow Chavia on Instagram 

Special thanks to Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork!

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418
Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

*Heads up for our listeners, this episode was recorded pre-pandemic*

In this episode, we sit down with  a highly accomplished dancer who has found the perfect balance between becoming a successful industry dancer and pouring back into the dance community.  Juju, a true master in his craft, sits down with us for a virtual conversation about living in New York, being part of the Beyond Babel cast, and eating all of the colors of the rainbow.  Juju shares his philosophy on dancers as athletes and we also discuss the loss of NBA legend: Kobe Bryant.   Juju reminisces on his once in a lifetime experience performing in front of 60,000 screaming fans.  We also talk about super powers, professional gaming and what’s good in the dance community.  It’s an episode full of insight, reflection and inspiration. 

In this episode, we explore: 

00:25Introduction
02:39How to stay focused
03:46A Master in his craft
04:38The loss of a legend, Kobe Bryant
08:27Being part of the Beyond Babel cast
12:07Living in New York
13:31Preparing for Beyond Babel: A Physically demanding endeavor
18:34A well-balanced diet: The rule of 5 colors
20:28Platform Showcase: How to run a successful show from afar
23:16Juju’s philosophy on dancers as athletes
26:47E-Sports and Marketing 
27:32 The K-Pop experience: Performing with BTS
31:43Walking the line between Industry and Community dance
37:43If Juju had a “quirk” (that’s anime for “superpower”)
40:54Strategy gaming
43:15Pursuing dance in a traditional Filipino household
46:04Doubting dance as a profession and finding guidance in God
50:47Rapid Fire Questions
52:22 What’s the best part of dance?
53:35Juju’s generosity
55:15Remember us when you’re famous
56:35Not phased by the followers
59:01Going back in time and giving advice to yourself
1:03:00What’s good in the dance community? 
1:05:00Closing remarks

This episode’s guest:

• Follow Julian Sena on Instagram 
• Live Stream with Juju on Twitch 
• Follow Platform Dance Showcase on Instagram
• See Juju’s post about Kobe Bryant on Instagram 
• Juju’s YouTube Playlist
• Vibe XXI
• All Me, by Juju Sena 

Special thanks to Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork!

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418
Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok

*Heads up for our listeners, this episode was recorded pre-pandemic*

In this episode, we sit down with an icon in the making, Isidro Rafael.  Isidro dedicated most of his life to sports, but later transitioned into dance.  In his short 8 years of dance, Isidro has some significantly notable accomplishments on his dance resume and has spent more than 7,000 hours (and counting) perfecting his craft.  We talk with Isidro about what it means to become a community icon, directing 220, his love for Selene, and meeting Keone Madrid.  We also reflect back on Isidro’s first class at the BOX Dance studio, hear from a 220 dancer on the evolution of the team, and discuss Isidro’s concept on the “colors of dance”.   Isidro reminds us to kiss our mom and dads and surprises us with his culinary journey. It’s an episode full of deep insights, reflections and full-circle moments.

In this episode, we explore: 

00:25Introduction
02:30Sitting down with a Community Icon
03:09Special Co-Host: Dylan Banares
03:25A lesson in pronunciation
05:10An Instagram Flashback 
08:17“How come I wasn’t in that piece”?
08:40Directing 220 (Second to None) and using a different approach
14:07220’s Director Trinity
15:18Isidro’s self-evolution
19:43#bestdayofmylife
22:13 Isidro & Selene: 5 years in the making
25:56An evolving relationship with Keone Madrid: a true mentor
27:32IsidroRafael1: An homage to Keone
28:57Isidro means Intimidation
29:35Isidro’s Master Class at The BOX
31:11Some of Isidro’s mentors
32:37The Colors of Dance
33:36Finding inspiration abroad
35:09220: From the perspective of a team member
40:16Connecting the dots
40:41Surrounding yourself with positive people
42:11The origins of Meraki
44:03A day in the life of Isidro Rafael 
45:05A professional dance career & traditional Filipino parents
49:21Self doubt: Human Nature
52:19Chef Isidro
55:45Isidro’s obsession with Nike (“Yo Nike- Hit me up!”)
58:23Rapid Fire Questions
1:00:25What’s next for Isidro?
1:02:16What’s good in the dance community? 
1:04:42Closing remarks

The conversation continues on all of our social platforms…

• Follow Isidro Rafael on Instagram
• Follow 220 Team on Instagram
• Isidro’s YouTube Playlist 
• Watch Isidro lipsync to N’Sync 
• Cater 2 U, by Isidro  
• #bestdayofmylife 

Special thanks to Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork!

Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418

Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 

The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok