Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Danielle.
Cassie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Before I tell you about my journey, I first want to say what pole dance and fitness is. Pole dance and fitness is an aerobic exercise that incorporates flexibility, balance, strength, and endurance. Majority of the moves are, of course, executed on a pole. When taking classes, you’ll not only build strength but confidence as well!
I often hear people say that they don’t want to try a class because they don’t have the upper body strength and I want you all to know that you don’t need it! You build the upper body strength just as you would build on any other talent or gift that you may have.
I started pole dance and fitness in 2013, when I was living in Norman, OK, as a means to build upper body strength. I was bored with the typical gym setting and I wasn’t seeing results, so I went online and googled “how to build upper body strength outside of the gym.” Pole dance and fitness came up, so I did some research and found out that there were classes literally right down the street from me. I took a class and I haven’t stopped since then!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth at all! When I started pole dancing, I began from ground zero. I had no prior background in technical dance (like ballet), gymnastics, figure skating, and all those sports that give you an advantage. You’ll find that if you have prior experience in those areas, you’ll progress quicker.
My struggles were (and still are at times) mental. I would often beat myself up for not being as far along as I thought I should be. I would compare how long I had been pole dancing to others and wonder why I wasn’t where they were and don’t even get me started on watching the spectacular pole dancers on IG (Lol). I’ve learned that comparison is the theft of all joy. We are all on different journeys and we all learn and grow at different paces. The minute you start comparing your journey with someone else’s is the moment you’ll miss out on how much there is to celebrate within yourself. We should seek progress, not perfection and if you are consistent and put in the work, there will be progress, even if it is slow.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Extend Fitness Studio – what should we know?
I am currently a substitute pole fitness instructor at Extend Fitness Studio which is owned and operated by Samantha Coley. I sub all beginner pole classes, so if you are just starting out come see me or any of the amazing instructors! Extend stands out for so many reasons, one is that it is truly a community and a no judgment zone. All the instructors will meet you where you are and you will have so much fun while getting in a good workout. Many of the instructors are world-known and have won multiple national pole competitions, so you know that you are working with the best. And did I mention that we are a community? We celebrate together, we hang out with each other outside of class, we are friends and this by far makes the experience worth it!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Goodness, I have so many people who deserve credit and all my thanks yous! First, would be all my pole instructors and mentors who were there and kicked my butt when I first started in Oklahoma. Hope, Eli, Jenae, Eboni, and Christy! Eli, I still remember you making do pushups every time I said, “I can’t.” Jenae, I love you! Thank you for giving me my first job as a pole instructor, I was so happy to follow you everywhere you went!
I also want to thank Sam and Heather for giving me the opportunity to start teaching again here in Dallas. Sam, you made a way for me when I didn’t have a way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Heather, I’m so grateful and appreciative that you saw something in me and took me under your wing. Pam, you deserve a reward for all that you do. Lovelace, Quessa, and Judy, my pole sisters, you ladies make every class fun!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1921 Greenville Ave Suite B, Dallas, TX 75206
- Website: https://www.extendfitnessstudio.com/
- Phone: (214) 821-0123
- Instagram: Personal: https://www.instagram.com/mscassied/ Business: https://www.instagram.com/extendfitnessstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/extendfitnessstudio/
Image Credit:
Courtney Fletcher, Alloy Images
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