Juan Sebastian Cruz joined the Discover Gymnastics family in 2017 to coach preschool and recreational classes. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Sebastian came to the United States when he was only two years old, and grew up in Florida before moving to Houston at age eleven. Sebastian is a graduate of Rice University, where he earned his BA in Visual and Dramatic Arts with a concentration in Theatre.
Sebastian has performed in all sorts of artistic disciplines, and at a variety of venues here in Houston including Stages Repertory Theatre and the Alley Theatre for his main focus of acting. Last year, he was part of a local circus troupe called Cirque La Vie, and got the opportunity to perform as an acrobat, aerialist, and clown for hundreds of smiling children and adults alike. Some of his more unique performances include opening for Los Lobos at Miller Outdoor Theater with a mariachi band, and performing as a beatboxer for a Michael Jackson tribute show at Jones Hall in downtown Houston. Some other favorite locations Sebastian has performed include packed crowds at Discovery Green and the Texas Renaissance Festival. Currently, he is finishing up a production with a contemporary dance company called
ReFine
Arts.
Sebastian's love of physically demanding performing arts led him to join the team at Discover Gymnastics, helping kids explore and discover their own potential when it comes to expressing themselves athletically. He particularly enjoys working with the preschoolers as he feels this is the time for the biggest impact to be made at such an impressionable age. He enjoys the challenge of inspiring physical confidence along with cognitive stimulus while making class fun and entertaining. His greatest satisfaction at Discover comes from seeing his students grow and progress to higher levels.
In his spare time, he enjoys slowing things down and taking long walks to chat and reflect. He has a curious mind and a love of nature, and can often be found exploring and discovering public parks around the city. When the time for conversing, exploring, and working is done, Sebastian believes there is nothing wrong with simply doing nothing as well. He spends as much time as he can with his mother Stella, and with his sister Stefanie whenever she is in town.
