Iza Calzado Shares the Story Behind Her ASAP Dance Number
A love letter to her father—and a memory in motion for her daughter
You never forget your first love. For Iza Calzado, love has always been dance.
On Sunday, January 11, Iza returned to the ASAP stage, performing to G-Force’s choreography set to BINI’s hit “Shagidi.” But this wasn’t just a comeback. It was a deeply personal moment—one that honored her roots and who she is becoming as a mother.
For Lito Calzado and daughter Deia
In her caption, Iza wrote: “Para kay Lito Calzado. Para kay Deia Amihan. Para sa Iyo, Panginoon.
Salamat sa biyaya at sa talentong ipinagkaloob Mo, at sa pagkakataong muling sumayaw mula sa puso.”
Iza is the daughter of the late Lito Calzado, a respected choreographer whose work spanned multiple TV networks and generations of performers. Growing up, dance wasn’t just an art form—it was home. Even now, Iza continues to take dance classes with friends whenever her schedule allows, keeping that part of herself alive.
In the reel documenting the performance and its rehearsals, Iza shared how dancing remains inseparable from her memories of her father.
“Whenever I dance, I remember my dad. I honor my father,” she said.
Calling dance her “first love,” Iza also spoke about what the experience meant for her daughter, Deia.
“I want Deia to feel that na maalala niya ako na tuwing sumasayaw siya. And I’m so grateful that Deia got to experience this with me.”
The video showed behind-the-scenes moments alongside the actual performance—a reminder that some passions don’t fade. They wait for the right moment to return. And sometimes, they become the bridge between generations.
Friends and family were quick to express their pride. Husband Ben Wintle commented, “Daddy Lito set all of this up for you, and you made him very proud!”
Kim Atienza summed it up: “Anak kaya ’yan ni Lito Calzado.”
Back to dancing—and back to herself
For Iza, the performance marked a powerful way to begin the year. After almost a decade away from the ASAP stage, she described the experience as both grounding and joyful.
“An incredible way to start the year! Back on the ASAP stage after almost a decade and it feels SO good to dance onstage again,” she wrote.
She thanked G-Force, the dance students who joined her onstage, and the ASAP team for making the number possible.
“Salamat mga Kapamilya, @asapofficial, for the opportunity to honor my roots and celebrate life in the most special way—dancing with a joyful and grateful heart. Salamat, Panginoon, sa biyayang ito! 2026 let’s gooooo!!”
For parents—and future parents—watching from the sidelines, Iza’s story goes beyond nostalgia or performance. It’s about showing up fully, embracing the parts of yourself that make you whole, and letting your children see that passion doesn’t disappear when life gets busy.
Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons aren’t taught—they’re danced, lived, and lovingly passed on.
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For Iza, dance is a way to honor her roots and model authenticity for her daughter. By continuing to pursue what she loves, she shows Deia that motherhood doesn’t mean losing yourself—it can mean rediscovering who you are.
Iza shared that she wants Deia to remember her as someone who danced with joy and intention. It’s her way of leaving a living memory—one that teaches her daughter the value of passion, presence, and self-expression.
Lito Calzado was a major influence in Iza’s life. As a respected choreographer, he made dance a constant presence in her childhood. Today, dancing remains deeply tied to her memories of her father and the values he passed on.
The story encourages parents to honor their own passions and let their children witness that process. It’s a reminder that making time for what you love can become a powerful, unspoken lesson in resilience, identity, and joy.
More stories on Iza and her family
Iza Calzado on Passing On the Spirit of Amihan to Her Daughter, Deia
Iza Calzado And Ben Wintle Mark Daughter Deia’s 2nd Birthday With A Filipino Inspired Party
Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle Share Cute Photos of Their Daughter Deia as She Turns One
