About
Mauricio Villanueva is a powerhouse of rhythm, voice, and movement—an artist whose work bridges continents, cultures, and genres. A classically trained tenor turned global music ambassador, Mauricio has carved a unique path that blends the elegance of opera with the pulse of Latin America, the soul of Afro-Cuban traditions, and the fire of contemporary world music.
Born in Mexico and shaped by stages across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., Mauricio’s versatility shines through every performance. From interpreting Verdi in European concert halls to setting dance floors ablaze with salsa, mambo, and Cuban timba, his voice and energy defy categories. He was a featured artist on La Voz México 2022 and a member of the award-nominated ensemble in the Tony-winning musical In the Heights (STAGES St. Louis).
Since 2022, Mauricio Villanueva has served as a proud ambassador of Latin culture in St. Louis, Missouri, captivating audiences as a professional salsa dancer and instructor. He has performed on some of the city’s most prominent stages and festivals, including the prestigious St. Louis International Salsa Bachata Congress, earning admiration for his passionate, high-energy performances and deep cultural authenticity.
Beyond the stage, Mauricio is committed to strengthening community through the arts. As a Teaching Artist with Dancing Classrooms STL, he brings the elegance and discipline of ballroom dance into elementary schools across the St. Louis area, using movement as a powerful tool for social-emotional growth, confidence, and cultural education.
Beyond the stage, Mauricio is committed to strengthening community through the arts. As a Teaching Artist with St. Louis Dancing Classrooms, he brings the elegance and discipline of ballroom dance into elementary schools across the St. Louis area, using movement as a powerful tool for social-emotional growth, confidence, and cultural education.
Mauricio worked as a promoter and Artistic Director of the Opera Troupe Company Bang-up! Opera. Building a new community of culture, a community that perhaps through music wants to belong and be part of it by attending our ‘En Casa Concert Series’. A concept created to make a better and more loving community with opera.
His dedication to cultural fusion is at the heart of the ConSentido Project, a world music ensemble he founded, directs, and leads. Through this innovative project, Mauricio combines Latin, Afro-Cuban, and global influences—drawing on his international background and classical training—to create music that builds bridges between cultures and invites listeners into vibrant, shared experiences of rhythm, soul, and celebration.
Mauricio also uses his voice and storytelling beyond the stage. He is the creator and host of “Co-rompiendo Géneros,” a podcast that explores the intersections of culture, identity, music, and gender through thoughtful conversation and personal insight. The show reflects his mission to challenge norms, amplify diverse voices, and break through artistic and cultural boundaries.
Earlier in his career, Mauricio was the lead singer of ChiWahWah, a well-known and televised Norwegian-based Latin band founded in 2007. With ChiWahWah, he performed across Europe, helping to bring Latin music to global audiences through powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence.
Whether he’s dancing, singing, teaching, or podcasting, Mauricio Villanueva continues to be a dynamic force for unity, artistic excellence, and cultural pride—building community through rhythm, movement, and voice.
