The New Age | Cassie Van Wolde

Meet Cassie Van Wolde.

Dancing since the age of five, her true spirit radiates when she performs. Her love for dance is all encompassing. The continuous dedication to her work naturally shines through every time she sets foot on stage.

Foe & Dear caught up with Cassie to talk about her love of family, where she finds her purpose through the art she creates, and the real work that goes into becoming a ballerina.

How does the language of dance connect to the way you see the world?

I get see the world through a more artistic mindset. Everyday life can seem like a dance, whether it's the choreography of public transit or sequence of steps to get around the city.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find the most inspiration in the studio working alongside my very talented colleagues. It's always refreshing to see how every individual approached the work.

Why did you decide to pursue dance as a career?

My mom put me in many sports as a child however dance was the only thing that stuck.  As I got oder the love of dance grew more and more and I realized it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

  

 

"I get see the world through a more artistic mindset. Everyday life can seem like a dance, whether it's the choreography of public transit or sequence of steps to get around the city."

Your most memorable performance?

My most memorable performance would have to be my very first year ever performing in the nutcracker. I was about eight years old and danced the part of a baby mouse.   this nutcracker performance made me realize my love of performing and gave me an experience I would never forget.

What's a challenging aspect about ballet people may not know about?

Most people don’t realize that it’s not only physically exhausting but it can also be very mentally exhausting. Dance requires you to memorize complex sequences in a short amount of time and also requires you to be your own worst critic sometimes.

When do you feel the most at peace?

I feel most at peace when I’m back home with my family and pets because it can be a nice break when I get homesick in an intense dance schedule.

What other passions do you enjoy during your free time?

I’m not sure if this counts as a passion but I love dogs and all animals so in my free time I love cuddling and playing with my dog and dog sitting for families in my neighborhood.

Words to live by?

My favorite words to live by right now we’re said by my artistic director during a rehearsal: “Do not try to be good, you are not good. If you were you would be paid. So just do the work.” 

Follow Cassie's journey here

Photos provided by Cassie Van Wolde