Meet Christien Olivera!
Christien Olivera is the founder and artistic director of Acacia Latin Dance Company, dedicated to building an inclusive and empowering Latin dance community in Connecticut. Born and raised in the Bronx with Puerto Rican roots, he has trained extensively and challenged traditional dance norms through innovative partnerships. Recognized with the 2025 30 Under 30 Award for Black/Latino Excellence, Christien’s passion is sharing the transformative power of salsa to inspire connection and growth
My Story
Christien Olivera was born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, proudly rooted in his Puerto Rican heritage. He discovered dance at 14, and what began as a simple passion quickly grew into a lifelong journey of growth, creativity, and connection.
Over the years, Christien trained with respected companies like Unified Dance Company, Framboyan Dance Company, Zafire Dance Project, Ascenso Latino, Empire Mambo, and El Corillo del Mambo. Each experience helped him build a strong foundation and deepen his love for Latin dance.
While earning his Bachelor’s degree at the University of New Haven, Christien founded Incendio Dance Project, the university’s first salsa team—a community that still thrives today. During this time, he won First Place in Youth/Adult Amateur Cabaret competitions, milestones that fueled his drive to keep pushing his limits.
A pivotal moment came when Christien partnered with Sabrih Short. Together, they challenged the traditional gender roles in Latin dance, creating space for freedom, authenticity, and new ways to express themselves. Their work wasn’t just about steps; it was about breaking barriers and inspiring others to do the same.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Christien is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and creating safe spaces within the dance scene—welcoming dancers of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to celebrate Latin dance authentically.
After completing his Master’s degree in New York City, Christien stayed deeply connected to the dance community, continually learning, growing, and refining his craft.
In 2023, driven by a strong desire to give back and create something meaningful, Christien founded Acacia Latin Dance Company in Connecticut. The name Acacia—a symbol of resilience and adaptability—perfectly reflects the spirit of the company and its mission to build a welcoming, supportive space for dancers at every level.
Christien believes dance is more than movement. It’s a way to heal, to connect, and to find strength—something that helped him through challenging times growing up in the Bronx. Through Acacia, he’s dedicated to sharing that power, helping others discover joy, confidence, and community through salsa.
In 2025, Christien was honored with the 30 Under 30 Award for Black/Latino Excellence in recognition of the positive impact he’s made through Acacia Latin Dance Company. This award celebrates his commitment to culture, inclusivity, and leadership in the Latin dance world.