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Home » Salsa News & Articles » Salsa Dancing , Salsa Personalities » Cristian Oviedo, a World Salsa Champion, represents Los Angeles Style Salsa Dancing

Cristian Oviedo, a World Salsa Champion, represents Los Angeles Style Salsa Dancing


Thu, Dec 10, 2009 11:27 PM
Written by Milton Rodas
Cristian Oviedo, a World Salsa Champion, represents Los Angeles Style Salsa Dancing

CRISTIAN OVIEDA SALSA — Many years ago, when I first began dancing Salsa and started going to clubs like Rudolpho's, Papaz, the old Conga Room, and the Mayan, I met and became well-acquainted with an extremely good dancer, Cristian Oviedo. At the time, Cristian was and up-and-coming dancer who demonstrated a lot of potential and had won 1st place at the Amateur Division of the Mayan World Salsa Championships in Los Angeles, CA. He was seen by many as a future top Salsa dancer in Los Angeles, and now, many years later, it is clear that he did not disappoint. 

 

Cristian's style of dancing has always been seen as unique in Los Angeles, CA, although many may simply conclude that it has been pure good old L.A. Style Salsa for the most part. However, for those of us who have seen him grow into the dancer that he is today, we know where he came from and how much he has truly grown. Before, what always distinguished Cristian and set him apart from other dancers was his ability and love for the art of 'spinning' on the dance floor. I call it an art when referred to him because Cristian truly made it artistic to the eyes of many of us.  He went from 2 to 3 to 5 to 10+ multiple spins, added pirouettes, combinations of various leg positions, was able to spin extremely fast (much faster than all the guys who could actually spin) and much more. Obviously, this article is not about Cristian's spinning ability, but I simply want to remark on the fact that he certainly stood out because of this, in addition to all his other dancing attributes. 
 
Cristian seemed to always be competing and very early in his dancing career was able to land a partner like Melissa Fernández, co-director of Más Salsa Brava of Los Angeles/Italy/Spain. However, at the pro level of competitions like the Mayan World Salsa Championships and other competitions, the 1st places seemed to always elude him (although he did win some competitions). But I truly believe that he was able to grow from this, it made him a stronger dancer and person, and taught him to never give up and to always continue improving his craft. 
 
Today, Cristian has worked as a choreographer for Hollywood movies and has worked with celebrities like Johnny Depp ('Public Enemies', 2009), Eddie Murphy ('Meet Dave', 2008), and Colin Farrell ('Miami Vice', 2006). He has made appearances in popular TV Shows like Dancing With The Stars (2009), and has worked in short dance films like Mano (2007). He has also traveled the United States and has taught thousands of salsa dance students at various Salsa congresses, Salsa events, and Salsa venues.
 
In 2008, along with his dance partner Liz Lira, Cristian also won 1st place at a major Salsa Competition (1st Annual Steven's Steak House Professional Salsa Competition) in Los Angeles, CA, where dancers like 3-time ESPN World Salsa Champions, Abel Peña and Sulmara Torres, and well known Salsa performers like Stephanie Stevenson and Jose Chavarria, and many other top figures in Salsa came out to compete. This was an accomplishment that those who know Cristian felt he truly deserved and was long-overdue. Personally, I know that it was truly pleasing to watch him take this event. He has been a major Salsa figure for many years and winning this competition against such formidable opponents was a confirmation of his dancing status and how far he has come.
 
From there Cristian went on to win 1st place at the 1st Annual World Mayan Bachata Competition (2009) in Los Angeles, CA. For that competition he partnered with another L.A. Salsa top dancer, Alien Ramirez, who is originally from Cuba and has truly made an impact in Los Angeles. Then came the appearance in DWTS and surely there is much more to come from Cristian Oviedo in the future.
 
BRIEF BACKGROUND

Cristian was born the 19th of November of 1979 in El Salvador, Central America. He is now a professional dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, and actor. He offers lessons in Los Angeles Style Salsa, New York Style Salsa, Casino Rueda and International Latin Dance (which include Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Paso Doble, Samba, and Argentine Tango). In 2005 he formed his professional dance team called "Los Diablos" and has performed with them for Paramount Pictures, the Mayan Nightclub in Los Angeles, Las Vegas Salsa Congresses and other events. 
 
 
Cristian Oviedo & Melissa Fernandez dancing at Monte Cristo Nightclub (Early Years in Cristian's dancing)


 
Cristian Oviedo & Liz Lira win at the 1st Annual Steven's Steak House Professional Salsa Competition (Cristian's dance evolution is truly notable)



Cristian, keep it up! Continue taking your dancing to new heights and represent Los Angeles like very few have done it! Good luck always and best wishes from SalsaHook! 
Tags: Cristian Oviedo, Salsa, LA Style Salsa, salsa champion
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filed under Salsa Dancing , Salsa Personalities
Song: "Yo No Se Mañana" by Luis Enrique
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3 Comments

1. 763825261.jpg

davina agudelo

Tue, Dec 22, 2009, 01:48 AM
great article Milton!!!! Cristian is an inspiration with his dancing!!!
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2. 2074139785.jpg

Milton Rodas

Thu, Dec 24, 2009, 07:13 AM
Thank you, Davina! This was written before he won the 2009 ESPN On1 division! He's truly excelled in this scene and I hope it serves him well, for dancing, just like music, offers very little future to people who dedicate so much time to it.
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3.

Mikko Kemppe

Fri, Mar 19, 2010, 01:25 PM
Christian is the man!! One of my favorite dancers to watch!!
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