Cristian Oviedo

Cristian Oviedo (born November 19, 1979 in El Salvador) is a professional dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, actor and entrepreneur. He offers lessons in Los Angeles style Salsa, New York style Salsa, Casino Rueda and International Latin Dance (which include Cha-Cha, Rumba, Jive, Paso Doble, Samba and Argentine Tango).
Career
Oviedo has taught over 20,000 students since 2005. Beginning his teaching career in California and continuing to teach in almost every state with over 300 dance studios. Given lessons to celebrities for preparation on dance movies. Currently teaching at Dakota Lounge (1026 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403), Zanzibar (1301 5th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401), Step by Step in the city of Santa Monica. 1814 14th St. CA 90404
Instruction
Oviedo's teaching method for the 'Art of Dance' is 'step by step'. Understanding the student to see, 'how they learn' and explaining the style he dances 'in a way that one will learn'. Showing the importance of taking small steps, looking
around for the partner that is following, being gentle and reading body language. Always welcoming questions because
it helps the student, dance class and improve his teaching method.
Practice
Believing that 'practice makes the master' and in order to become a better dancer one must be willing to dance, focus
and give 100%. Recommending dance classes of any type.
Using a parking lot if necessary but preferably a dance studio for practice 'to make everything perfect'. Practicing 3-5
hours daily with and without a partner. Sitting down, closing his eyes, feeling the music, visualizing according to the speed
of the beat, listening to the individual instruments and breaks in the song is another way for him to visualize his next move.
Choosing dancing shoes for practice and performance because they are comfortable and light weight. Using stylish or
custom boots that compliment his clothing on the club dance floor.
Opinion on Dance
Showing people how to enjoy salsa and making them better dancers is a goal for this former World Salsa
Champion. Not focusing on 'the show' in salsa but instead its 'roots'. The joy of movement. The pleasure received from a dancing connection. Not making salsa about winning competitions but instead having fun on stage or the club with your
partner. Showing by example that a good dancer can dance with anybody.
Preferred dance moves and techniques are the 7up prep, the 'j' prep, counting to the dance floor, eliminating bouncing, smoothness over speed, scissors and mentality. The 7up prep is a move for the leader in LA style salsa. The move is made at the end of a count that will allow the leader to go under the arm or arms of the follower. The count goes as follows; 1, 2, 3, hold, 5, 6, 7, up. On up, the leader will raise the arm or arms of the follower to go under them. For the new count of 1,2,3.
The J prep replaces a basic open break for the leader and is more clear to read for the follower. The J prep begins at the end of a count on 8. On 8 the leader will raise a hand or hands at the 2 o'clock position at about the shoulder level of the follower. With a hand or hands the leader from count 8 will swing the arms in the form of a capital J on the counts of 1, 2, 3. Returning to the 'top of the J' on 3.
Counting to the dance floor allows the leader to eliminate pausing until the proper count to begin. For example, a couple walks onto the dance floor, stands on a spot waiting for the appropriate time to begin dancing on the proper beat. To eliminate this pause the leader can begin counting, 1, 2, 3, hold, 5, 6, 7, hold, before reaching the point of starting and begin the first step on the new count on 1 where the spot to start is.
Eliminating bouncing will make the leader and follower appear more elegant. A major cause for bouncing is the bending of both knees while moving forward or backwards. Bending a knee and keeping the other straight will significantly decrease the appearance of bouncing. It is a matter of choice and style to bend one knee and keeping the other knee straight.
A smooth leader over a fast leader. A smooth leader will dance with firm but gentle movements for the follower. Practice the lead so that it looks like a complete and full movement. Staying on the beat to express Salsa not just as a movement but a feeling.
A fast leader in many cases will jump off beat and not properly connect body movement for a clean and gentle lead. Rushing the movement to look fast. Increasing the chance of injury for both leader, follower and people around. A smooth dancer can be fast with small steps and practice.
The use of 'scissor hands' for efficient and quicker exchange of hands. The couple begins in an open position. Left to right hand, right to left hand. The leader can hold the followers hands on top of the middle finger, holding down with the index finger. As if the leaders hands were shaped liked scissors. The leader can exchange hands on count 3 or 7. When changing hands the leader can use the thumb on the right hand to hold on the followers right hand. Releasing the right hand with the leader's left hand at the same time and grabbing the followers left hand.
Mentality for becoming a better dancer. In his words, 'Don't ever give up. I wouldn't be here if I would have given up'.
For choreographing a great salsa show he begins with the ladies stylistic moves, partnered salsa dancing into the individual men's footwork and shines, ending with a spectacular dip. Hitting the count 8 beat with a sharp and sudden move will make the dance step on count one appear stronger and faster. 'Do whatever you want as long as you show control' will make one's dancing appear more confident and entertaining. Having full and complete confidence in one's partner before a show, performance or competition will allow the other to focus on their own dancing.
Dance team
Formed in 2005, Oviedo's dance team Los Diablos gets its name from a nickname given to Cristian by his grandparents as a child. 'El
diablito', meaning little devil in Spanish. The 3 couples that make Los Diablos have performed for Paramount Pictures,
the Las Vegas Salsa Congress and the Mayan.

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