Check Out Isadora Mangino’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isadora Mangino.

Isadora, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey in the arts as a dancer, studying ballet and later deepening my practice in tango. Over time, I realized that my passion went beyond performing—I wanted to educate, share, and create meaningful cultural experiences through dance. This led me to become an educator in ballet and tango, as well as a cultural promoter and dance therapist, combining artistic practice with community engagement and well-being.
Eventually, this path brought me to MECA Houston, where I now serve as OST Art Programs Director, overseeing programs that provide accessible, high-quality arts education for children and youth. Every step of my journey has been guided by the belief that art can transform lives, strengthen communities, and preserve cultural identity.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been deeply rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the artistic side of my work with the administrative and community-building aspects—finding ways to sustain programs while also nurturing creativity and cultural growth.
Additionally, working in arts education and community programs often comes with limited resources and the need to advocate constantly for accessibility and inclusion, which can be challenging but also incredibly motivating. Each obstacle has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of collaboration, and overcoming these struggles has made the successes in my work—seeing students thrive and communities come together—feel even more meaningful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an educator and cultural promoter, specializing in ballet and tango, and I also work as a dance therapist. My professional life has been dedicated to creating meaningful arts experiences that connect students and communities to both artistic excellence and cultural identity.
What sets me apart is the combination of high-level artistic training, educational expertise, and community-focused practice. I don’t just teach technique—I guide students in expressing themselves, understanding cultural traditions, and experiencing the therapeutic and transformative power of dance.
I am particularly proud of my work at MECA Houston, where I serve as OST Art Programs Director, overseeing programs that provide accessible, high-quality arts education to children and youth. Seeing students grow in confidence, creativity, and cultural awareness is incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces my belief that art can transform lives and strengthen communities.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network in the arts takes intentionality, openness, and genuine curiosity. For me, it has been important to seek out people whose work I admire, reach out with sincerity, and be willing to learn from their experiences. Attending community events, workshops, and conferences has also been invaluable for connecting with peers and mentors in a meaningful way.
What has worked particularly well is building relationships over time, not just asking for guidance once but engaging in ongoing dialogue, sharing your own experiences, and offering support in return. I’ve found that mentorship and networking are reciprocal—the more you invest in others, the richer your own growth becomes.

Pricing:

• We don’t have a standard pricing structure that applies to all programs, as costs may vary depending on the type of class, age group, or program length. However, for readers interested in our offerings: OST Art Programs at MECA Houston are designed to be accessible and affordable to the community. Sliding scale or scholarship options may be available for families who need financial support. Special workshops or intensive programs may have separate fees, which are communicated clearly on our website or during registration. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage readers to visit our website or contact our program office directly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tangoinhouston.com/isadora