Information: Cesar Garfiaz, teacher of Salsa Rueda and Latin couple dance.

Cesar Garfiaz was born and raised in Hollywood, California. Raised close to his aunt, Cesar was, from the beginning, influenced by her affinity for Salsa. He began dancing Salsa at the age of seven, going on Sundays to Steven’s Steakhouse (a famous Salsa spot in Los Angeles).

In high school he was part of a performing arts class for two years where he learned of his passion for performing. In the Spring of 2003, Cesar began working and collaborating with Ana Maria Alvarez and was a cast member of her original thesis concert "contra-tiempo." Cesar is a founding member of the Urban Latin Dance Theater Contra-Tiempo.

In 2004 Cesar joined UCLA's Department of World Arts and Cultures. As a part of UCLA's Repertory Tour Ensemble, Cesar performed and inspired young people in high schools all over Los Angeles. Through his work with Repertory Tour, he became passionate about youth arts education, and is continuing this important work with his involvement in Contra-Tiempo. As a founding member of the company, he is committed to seeing this group actualize its full potential as an agent for change.

For many years Cesar has studied various styles of dance including Afro-Cuban, Ghanaian, hip hop, house, Mexican Folklorico, and modern.

He currently teaches Salsa and Latin Dance at Cal Poly Pamona and at several studios around Los Angeles.