RAPHAEL CRUZ

Raphael Cruz, a native of San Francisco, began his journey into the circus arts at age six, specializing in traditional Chinese acrobatics. He studied with the Founder of the Nanjing acrobatic troupe, Master Trainer Lu Yi. At the age of 15, he decided to further his training at The National Circus School of Montreal. Among many of the disciplines he learned, he specialized in Hand to Hand, which he presented in his graduation performance with his brother. After graduating, he became an original member and artistic collaborator of The 7 Fingers production of Traces. Raphael also studied music extensively and plays several instruments, which helped him land the role Buster in Cirque du Soleil’s production of Iris (2012) in Los Angeles. Other credits include: Assistant Choreographer for the opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics; Associate Acrobatic Designer for Cirque du Soleil’s Broadway production Paramour. Raphael is also a cast member of French contemporary dance company DCA’s latest production Courte Pointe.

Bio as of 2017