Celebration of Music - Talent Search

Cristian turned 14 years old in June and was born and raised in Howell, NJ.His journey of dance started when he was 3 years old when he started to mimic his older sister dancing at home and when she performed her recitals. At the age of 5, Cristian started his new adventures in playing soccer and tap dancing in a dance studio. He loved dancing so much that he expanded his curiosity of dance when an all-boys hip hop class was offered and from there,dancing became his passion.

Afteryears of dance training and performing at his recitals, Cristian knew that it was time to challenge himself.When he turned 12, he became part of the dance competition team at his studio - Dancin’ on the Edge (DOTE) in Manalapan, NJ. In 2018, his tap dance solo was awarded Mr. Fierce at regionals and awarded Mr. National Junior Fierce at National competitions. He also performed a tap duet, group tap andgroup hip-hop. This year, he received awards for Mr. Turn it Up, Mr. Teen Fierce, Mr. Dance Xplosion and special judges’ awards for his tap solo at regional competitions. Additionally, as part of tap duet, group tap, and group hip-hop dances - all have placed in the top 5 overall standings.

In addition to competing in tap and hip hop, Cristian is also challenging himself to learn more dance styles and is training in contemporary, jazz, lyrical and ballet at his dance studio. When Cristian is not dancing, his time is split up between playing travel soccer, gymnastics (tumble and trampoline), vocal lessons, and theater – training in theatrical production and performance skills.

His future goal is to perform on Broadway, so he can express his love of dance and theater to an audience. He also plans on attending college and earn an EdM Dance Education degree with state certification, so he can teach dance in public schools.

Cristian is very excited to be a finalist on Celebration of Music and can’t wait to perform at the live concert. He hopes that you enjoy his tap dance routine, and don’t forget to vote for him so he can continue this sensational adventure.