Two talented Colombian dancers will bring the rhythm and passion of their country to the international stage. Cristian Camilo Duran and Maria Fernanda Ossa Alvarez will represent Colombia at the 2026 World Dance Championship, to be held in Chile in May, after being crowned national champions in the Salsa Cabaret category, an acrobatic and highly demanding dance style that blends theatricality, elegance, and advanced technique.
Their victory in the national competition held in Cali, internationally known as the world capital of salsa, earned them the official spot to represent the country at this prestigious event. The championship will bring together the best dancers from around the world in disciplines such as salsa, tango, bachata, and urban dances, becoming a true celebration of global dance and a meeting point for cultures, styles, and emerging talents.
Who are the Colombian dancers representing the country at the 2026 World Dance Championship?
Cristian Duran and Maria Fernanda Ossa are part of the artistic collective El Balcon de los Artistas, a cultural project based in Manrique, Medellin, that promotes young dancers and has become one of Colombia’s leading dance academies. Both artists have demonstrated exceptional discipline, creativity, and synchronization, earning recognition on some of the most competitive dance stages worldwide.
Duran boasts an impressive international career. He has been a world champion in salsa and tango, as well as a choreographer and artistic director. His experience includes outstanding performances at events such as the Colombia Salsa Festival, the World Tango Championships, and Palo Pa’ Rumba, proudly showcasing Colombian talent to the world.
Meanwhile, Ossa, only 16 years old, has captivated audiences and judges alike with her technique and expressiveness. She has won top honors such as first place in contemporary dance at the Latin Dance Fusion Fest and the youth tango championship at the International Tango Festival of Medellin. Her early success positions her as one of Colombia’s most promising young dancers.
Together, Duran and Ossa recently claimed first place at the Oaxaca Paramount Cup in Mexico, one of the most prestigious and competitive international dance events, where they competed against 18 couples from countries such as the United States, Spain, and Italy.
Their specialty, Salsa Cabaret, is a fusion of salsa’s vibrant energy with acrobatics and theatrical performance — an approach that has allowed them to shine internationally and earn praise for their ability to merge technique with emotion.
On the road to Euroson Latino 2025 in Mexico
Before competing at the World Dance Championship in Chile, Duran and Ossa will also represent Colombia at the Euroson Latino World Salsa Championship 2025, taking place from Dec. 1 to 6, 2025, at the Hotel Grand Oasis Cancun, in Cancun, Mexico.
This event is recognized as one of the largest salsa championships in the world, bringing together dancers from across the globe for an experience that celebrates Latin dance, music, and culture.
At Euroson Latino, the Colombian duo will compete in the Professional Salsa Cabaret category, alongside top performers from countries such as the United States, Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, and Argentina further cementing Colombia’s reputation as a powerhouse of rhythm, talent, and artistic excellence.