Beauty, brains, and talent — every man is looking for a woman who has it all. Even if these women might seem like a magical unicorn, `LLERO knows they exist. Maybe “SHE” is your vecina, the one who got away, or your sister’s BFF. So right here, we’ll be turn the spotlight on the ladies that we all know and love because we know that “SHE” means She Has Everything.
Upon learning about Christina Piedra we felt an in-person interview was a must. This Latina left the corporate world behind to pursue her passion and never looked back. A professional salsa dancer who has performed at venues such as Madison Square Garden, MetLife Stadium and more Salsa Congress’ than you can count she is also co-owner of the Cultural Explosion Dance Company. It was a journey we wanted to hear more about in person. Yet, the concrete jungle of New York City would prevent such a meeting — you try finding parking in midtown at the height of the holiday season!!!
Not to be denied, we nonetheless found time to chat and can definitely say that Ms. Piedra’s energy is no less infectious and story just as impressive over the phone.
‘LL: How did you get into dancing?
All through my childhood I was a dancer, I studied dance — ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, all the technical dances and did it into my teens. But as I teenager I wanted to be “cool” and ballet didn’t fit into that [laughs], but at my high school we had competitive dance teams that participated in national competitions and we did hip-hop so I continued dancing in that capacity. It was a wonderful experience because I was a shy kid and it took me out of my shell.
‘LL: Sounds like you were dancing everything but salsa, how did you make the transition to salsa dancing?
CP: After college my friend introduced me to my current dance and business partner, Juan Calderon, she was taking lessons with him and so I signed up as well. I wasn’t very familiar with salsa; it was like discovering my culture. I was happy that salsa came into my life. Another turning point, I connected with my Cuban roots, the history and background. It wasn’t intentional it just kind of happened.
‘LL: What led you to become a professional dancer?
CP: I actually wanted to be a journalist and went to school for that, I [even] did an internship on the television show The View. Yet, like most my first job after college had nothing to do with journalism, I ended up as a technical recruiter. I did that for two years, I was [generally] happy, but the 9 to 5 grind was a drag. I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in an office job. At the same time there was a fear of change, but my boss knew about my side interest in salsa dancing and one day took me to the side and told me I could have a bright future, but I don’t think your happy here, your heart is dancing and you should pursue that.
‘LL: Is that when you decided to jump ship and go for it?
CP: Just so happens this was [also] the time around 9/11 and business was not doing well. Add to that my current dance and business partner Juan had at the time just lost his partner. I didn’t have a day job any longer and he did not have a partner. So the timing worked out. He offered to take me on and train me, as well as do some gigs together. I picked things up quickly and it evolved. I didn’t think it would be a career, but after a year or two I realized this is what I was meant to do and I never looked back.
‘LL: Yet, you didn’t stop at professional dancer. How did you become a business owner?
CP: For years we did everything together, it was always Juan and Christina. We were seen as a unit. In the past year he started doing more things on his own and he runs the company in New York City, so he handed me the business in New Jersey [and] I’ve taken it over. Prior to I focused on the artistic aspects such as the choreography, costumes and the like. I was afraid, but I had no choice because it had to get done. It was hard at first, but it showed me I could do it, and provided a new level of growth. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a different level of satisfaction.
‘LL: So the business has continued successfully?
CP: Yes, more so than I could have imagined.
‘LL: Aside from the business you also do some philanthropic work with kids?
CP: I do some summer programs at high schools to teach the incoming freshman. Some schools see dance as a positive thing to keep the kids focused and off the street, similar to Mad Hot Ballroom. I actually worked at East Side High, which was the subject of the film. Currently I have six performance teams that I coach and train.
‘LL: You’ve notched professional dancer, business owner under your belt. Where do you see yourself in next five years?
CP: I’ve always put my business and dancing first; it’s always been my passion and my life. It’s not just what I do but who I am. I’m a dancer; I’ll always be a dancer. I’m not happy unless I do a little bit of dancing everyday. I would like to own my own studio, that’s a goal that I’ll set for myself. Now that I know I can handle the business side of things. But I also do like to do normal people stuff [laughs], like go to the movies, sit in the coffee shop.
‘LL: What would a guy be surprised to know about you?
CP: Wow, I guess there’s a whole lot of that [laughs]. I’m actually a big nerd. I love to talk philosophy, meaning of life stuff. I’m also actually obsessed with all medical shows. I’ve gotten pretty proficient. Random I know, but a fun fact. Someone that has a sexy brain can often be hotter that than a sexy body.
‘LL: Perfect segue into the single men out there that might want to date a woman like you. Any advice for single Latino men out there?
CP: I would say to have confidence in yourself and what she feels about you. If a woman is attracted to you don’t question it and think there is no way this woman could like you. Every woman just wants that one special guy to make her feel those things. If you’re confident in those qualities you have don’t doubt or question them.
‘LL: Biggest turn on?
CP: There has to be that thing that initiates physical attraction, but a guy is only as hot as he is intelligent.
‘LL: Turn off?
CP: I think some guys that try too hard. Overly aggressive or arrogant. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and many guys can’t walk it. Arrogance is a big turn off.
‘LL: Favorite food?
CP: Not just one, we’d be here all day [laughs]. Favorite cuisine is Latin and Italian. I actually eat like a trucker.
There you go fellas, brush up on those dance moves and whip up a few Italian dishes and you just may have a shot!!!