ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rafael Castellano, a professional ballroom dancer in St. Pete, overcame the biggest of challenges when it came to his craft, and he is teaching others how to do the same.
A double-amputee, Castellano usually has motivating words for his client students.
“What I want you to do right now is just have fun,” he said. “Pretend like it’s the day of your wedding.”
Castellano is the manager of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in St. Pete, and his colleagues consider him an exceptional dance instructor — especially for the students who are sometimes preparing for the biggest dance of their lives.
It was not long ago, however, that Castellano’s dancing career was dealt a blow by a serious life challenge.
“I’ve been dancing since I was 5, and about four years ago I contracted bacterial meningitis,” he said. “So, that led to my amputations.”
Castellano needed a double below-the-knee amputation to save his life, but that has not stopped him from dancing. He has had to change routines, though, and how he takes to the dance floor.
But his love for dance remained constant.
“I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for the things that changed my life,” he said. “I think I get up every day and show up the way that I do because I know what I lost. But I’m now making everything my own.”
Gioia Reni co-owns Arthur Murray Dance Studio and has worked with Castellano for years.
“When I see him on the floor, like giving his whole heart and soul to everything he does, it’s just like goosebumps,” Reni said. “It’s incredible to watch,” said Reni. “And I think anyone that sees it is just. In awe, they’re amazed.”
Castellano said the dance community and Arthur Murray played a big role in his recovery.
“It’s the people around me that have helped me to get through the things I had to deal with, and to a place where I can stand tall and do the thing that I want to do for myself,” he said.
What he wanted to do was to get back onto the professional ballroom dance floor. And he did.
“Me and my dance partner, Vanessa, we just became the Arthur Murray Dance Champions on a wheelchair competing against other people who I have competed in the past prior to my amputations,” Castellano said.
They recently won first place in the Theatre Arts Division of a competition in Seattle.
While it is a milestone in his recovery, his colleagues say that, most importantly, he is a great teacher.
“He understands how to connect with people. He understands how to listen to their needs and recognize what they’re here for,” Reni said. “And he’s confident that he knows what to do to help them actually change their life.”
Castellano said the things that helped him get through his challenges are things that can help anyone.
“Just find something you love and stick to it,” he said. “Because that’s going to help you overcome whatever you’re going through.”