August 05, 2020

S1E7: A Recipe for Greatness with Isidro Rafael

1 hour 6 minutes

*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