If your child has ever wanted to flip through the air, jump into a foam pit or train like a ninja, then Texas Dynasty just might be the place for them. With year-round classes, competitive programs, toddler tumbling and a Ninja Zone, there’s something for everyone.
Daniel and Kristen Saenz have owned the gym since 2006 and have years of experience in gymnastics and cheerleading. Cheer is what initially brought the two together at Baylor University in the early 2000s.
“I played all of the typical sports in middle school and high school – football, track, powerlifting. And then in college, someone knew I could do a backflip, and they said, ‘you should try out for cheer.’ So, I did, and that’s how I met Kristen. She was already cheering for Baylor,” Daniel said.
Daniel now coaches the Baylor cheerleaders, a position he’s held for the past 12 years. Kristen grew up participating in gymnastics and cheer and secured a spot on the Baylor Spirit Squad while attending college. Along with co-running the gym, Kristen is also an active member of the Junior League of Waco and has been volunteering for the organization for years.
After working for the previous owner, the couple took over what was formally Gynmastix and Cheer Unlimited, changing its name to Texas Dynasty. Since then, they have created the most comprehensive gym in the area. In addition to competitive and recreational gymnastics and cheerleading, Texas Dynasty also offers birthday parties, special events like Kids’ Night Out, as well as back handspring clinics, preschool playgroups, and gym rentals.
The couple wants every child, regardless of age or gender, to feel welcome to participate in their programs and events, which is why they started offering the Ninja Zone a few years ago.
“We noticed that the little brothers of our clients were anxious to be a part of the fun,” Daniel said. “They would be in the viewing room driving their parents crazy, so we gave them a place to exert some of that energy.”
The Ninja Zone includes an obstacle course that looks like a smaller version of what you might see on American Ninja Warrior with slanted steps, in-ground trampolines, climbing ropes and a warped wall.
“It’s cool because they can pretend to be a participant on the show while practicing in a safe environment,” Daniel said.
The gym has been awarded Best of Waco multiple times in several categories and is also the practice facility for the Baylor Spirit Squads and Baylor Gymnastics Team.
“There’s a place for everyone,” Daniel said. “Even if you don’t have any experience, you can jump into a beginner class, start with the basics and work your way from there.”
For more information about Texas Dynasty and what they have to offer, visit www.txdynasty.com, call (254) 776-6248, or visit the gym at 800 Schroeder Suite C, Waco, TX 76710.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
