Today, we’d like to introduce you to Christian Plaza.
Hi Christian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
From a young, I played baseball with the Angels (baby league) and then went off to start my dance career at 8. I started off as a breaker for two years till I was 10, then started to get into hip-hop a lot more and joined a team called Dreams in Motion. I met a bunch of great people and danced at competitions and conventions, and I also participated in the US Open. Once I was 14, I set off to join another team called Rhythm City with Alonzo Williams. It was short-lived due to the team dropping. However, within the same year, I joined the group I’m with currently, with all these years strong in the company called Royal Thieves with Deshawn da Prince. I’ve done World of Dance and Prelude, and I’ve done more than anyone would think of on this team. I have also done something for TV. The greatest experiences within the dance aspect of my life came from this team and family. I’ve been closer to my mentor than ever before and can proudly say I’ve found an older brother to rely on and a family that will always have my back. I’m now signed with a dance agency called UTA (United Talent Agency) under Fatima Wilson, and I’m still going strong with everything I’m doing, regardless of the downs or minor ups I have.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Many struggles. I have a knee disorder called OSD (Osgood-Schlatter Disease), and it’s hindering my growth and my athletic ability. I had it since I started hip hop when I was younger and struggled with it ever since. I am also a pretty slim person, so I never had much strength in my legs to overcome this. It has been hard to (for example) lift people in dance, jump around too much, or step a certain way because I would lose balance, and the pain at times would be too much to bear. On top of this, I’ve been chronically depressed ever since I was young as well, and my anxiety doesn’t help with that either. Everyone may have it, sure, but certain struggles have kept me in a dark place for a long time and still kind of hit now on different occasions. At points of being in suicidal thoughts, thoughts that would worsen me as a person were something that was normal to me for a long time. Great, when getting closer to my mentor, all that changed for the better, and I have been in amazing shape when it comes to my mental health and personality. I may still have the knee disease, but I’m still going through all the things in life to concur with everything that’s put in my way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional dancer with the team Royal Thieves. I am known for performing at my highest potential with multiple choreographers and for my personality. I do pop and hip-hop, and I was trained in other aspects of dance. I’ve been around the world, going to LA, Vegas, Florida, and hopefully many more. I’m proud to be a part of a team that helped me with all the negative aspects of my life. None of the good things in life come without a price, but mental health and a good family to have your back are priceless, and nothing ever comes close. Without them, most of my battles and hardships in or out of dance would be more than just battles and heartache. They really matured me with stability and love. My mentality and professionalism set me apart from everyone else. You tell me I can’t do something, give me time, and I promise you there gonna be another thing coming to you. I’ve always said if I can get past my own head, who is to tell me I can’t get past whatever obstacle is in front of me? Extremely proud of the family I have in my corner.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love everything about New York and Brooklyn and really wish the community would be a lot better. There are lots of negatives here, but so are the positives. If we are talking about Dallas, I’ve never been there, but I definitely like some BBQ. Cant say much about the dislikes or likes but hopefully i can soon.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannab007_cj/?igsh=ODc1bWp1czdnMnZ6
- Other: https://twitch.tv/wannab_cj
Image Credits
Carmelo cruz
@snatchedby_cruz
Jashy hernandez
