Cruz was born in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain, the daughter of Encarna SĂĄnchez, a hairdresser and personal manager, and Eduardo Cruz, a retailer and auto mechanic. As a toddler, she was already a compulsive performer, re-enacting TV commercials for her family's amusement. Initially, Cruz decided to focus on dance. After studying classical ballet for nine years at Spain's National Conservatory, she continued her training under a series of prominent dancers. She received three years of Spanish Ballet training with Ăngela Garrido. She also had jazz dance training with RaĂșl Caballero and studied at Cristina Rota school in Madrid. At 15, however, she followed another calling after beating more than 300 other girls at a talent agency audition.