Cristian Mauricio Vera Nuñez: Mastering the Art of Rueda de Casino

Discover the remarkable journey of Cristian Mauricio Vera Nuñez, from his early days in Santiago, Chile, to becoming a revered figure in the global Rueda de Casino community. Through his unique teaching style and dedication to preserving Cuban dance traditions, Cristian has touched the lives of dancers worldwide

Cristian Mauricio Vera Nuñez, a renowned instructor at regular contributor to the SalsaNor Rueda Congress for the 4 last editions of the event, embodies the passion and expertise of Cuban dance and music. His deep understanding of Cuban dance history and his innovative teaching methods have made him a favorite among the congress participants. Twice crowned as the World Rueda Champion with his group Tim Manana, Cristian’s journey from a beginner in Chile to a master of Rueda de Casino is a testament to his dedication and love for the art form.

Cristian’s significant contributions to the casino community include his 24 years of teaching and his efforts to maintain the integrity of Rueda de Casino amidst the global spread of Cuban dances. His dance group, Tim Manana, represents his vision and dedication to the art form, showcasing beautiful shows that respect the origin while innovating within the dance’s framework.

For more on Cristian’s classes, performances, and his dance group Tim Manana, follow his updates on social media and join the SalsaNor Rueda Congress to see him in action and learn from him in person

Cristian Mauricio Vera Nuñez’s roots in Rueda de Casino trace back to a vivid and transformative period in Santiago, Chile. It was there, in the lively atmosphere of Club 440, that Cristian first stepped into the circle of Rueda de Casino. This moment marked the beginning of an enduring dance journey deeply influenced by two pivotal figures in his life: Nelson Vargas and Carlos Castillo, whom he respectfully dubs the ‘Messi of the Casino.’

Nelson Vargas, a mentor and dear friend, played an essential role in Cristian’s early dance education. Cristian fondly recalls how Nelson’s guidance was not just about learning the steps but feeling the rhythm and spirit of Rueda. During those initial forays into Rueda de Casino, whenever Cristian missed a call or a move, Nelson was there, a reassuring presence at his side, gently nudging him into place. These subtle cues, delivered with a friend’s patience, were Cristian’s first lessons in the dance’s communal and supportive nature. Nelson’s untimely passing in 2021 left a profound impact on Cristian, who dedicated his second World Rueda Championship win to his late mentor, honoring his memory and the foundational role he played in Cristian’s development as a dancer.

Equally influential was Carlos Castillo, known for his extraordinary skill and dubbed the ‘Messi of the Casino’ for his finesse and mastery of casino movements. From Carlos, Cristian learned the importance of precision and flair in performance. Studying Carlos’s technique and style provided Cristian with a model of what a top-tier casinero could achieve, inspiring him to push the boundaries of his own abilities.

These experiences with his mentors have imbued Cristian with a profound respect for the origins and traditions of Casino and Rueda de Casino, shaping his approach to teaching and performing. They instilled in him a sense of duty to protect and promote the essence of Rueda, ensuring that its unique characteristics are preserved even as the dance evolves on the global stage. Through his work, Cristian strives to pass on the lessons of his mentors, ensuring that the spirit of Rueda de Casino continues to thrive and inspire new generations of dancers around the world.

Cristian has led his dance group, Tim Manana, to win the WADF Rueda de Casino World Championship twice, demonstrating their exceptional skill and creativity. The first victory occurred in Trondheim in 2016, marking their debut on the world stage. They achieved their second win in 2022 in Oslo, reinforcing their reputation as one of the leading Rueda de Casino groups globally. These achievements underscore Cristian’s impactful role in advancing Rueda de Casino on an international level. You can see the performances on our YouTube Channel

For Cristian, teaching Rueda de Casino is about creating a dialogue with his students. His method focuses on affection and empathy, ensuring that regardless of language barriers, the essence of the dance is communicated effectively. This approach has helped him maintain continuity in teaching Rueda de Casino while also exploring other Cuban dances without losing the essence of each style.

Cristian advocates for using the original Cuban names and patterns in Rueda de Casino to maintain a universal language across the global dance community. By doing so, he ensures that variations of moves like the ’70’, ‘sombrero’, and ‘vacílala’ remain rooted in their original form, fostering better understanding and cohesion among dancers worldwide.

Cristian has expanded his teaching beyond traditional settings, utilizing digital platforms to reach a global audience. His participation in international events and his role as a principal dancer in the Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro highlight his influence and dedication to spreading Cuban culture through dance.

Despite the challenges of language and cultural differences, Cristian’s teaching continues to resonate with students around the world. His ability to convey complex dance movements in a harmonious and fluid manner has been a key factor in his success, both as a teacher and performer.

Cristian Mauricio Vera Nuñez continues to be a pivotal figure in the global Rueda de Casino community. His journey from the streets of Santiago to the stages of the world exemplifies his passion for Cuban dance and his commitment to sharing it with the world. As he looks to the future, Cristian remains excited about innovations in Rueda de Casino and is hopeful for a more intuitive and organic development of the dance, ensuring that its rich Cuban heritage continues to thrive globally.