I had the chance recently to ask Cassidy Doan some questions about her journey as a ballerina, Cassidy is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and grace, her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was only three! I didn’t begin my professional training until I was 13 though

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I used to dance with Houston Ballet Academy before the pandemic hit

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear suffolk stellars size 5.5 N

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet with my local ballet studio, Southland ballet academy. I trained there for 12 years! they’re the reason why I love ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation would have to be Juliet variation or Giselle act 1!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Houston Ballet or ABT

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favorite moment would be performing at the Lincoln center at NY finals. I loved dancing with all of those talented people and being with my mom & dance teacher backstage

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Tyler Donatelli and Skylar Brandt are definitely my ballet role models. they’re SO AMAZING

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Best advice? hmm. that’s tough. All of my teacher just share so much of their wisdom and are always there to guide me. I would say: Do whatever you love most, and share your passion with the rest of the world!

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Advice to my younger self? Don’t push yourself too hard. Enjoy every moment, and don’t take the performance opportunities for granted.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is being able move so freely and gracefully. I also loveee the pointe shoes!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Yeah, I said pointe shoes are the best thing. They’re also the worst lol.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

I’ve DEFINITELY have wanted to given up ballet sometimes. to be honest, I even felt like I should have chosen an easier career during corona or be a “normal teenager.” I’ve worked too hard to give up now, thus far

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I actually love romantic tutus!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes I suffered from Osgood-Shlatter disease when I 13. Because I was dancing so much, I had bad pain in my knee ligament that I had to take a break for a few months

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When in not dancing, I love to spend time with my friends and family! I have also been volunteering for the community, even virtually. Lately I’ve been studying lots for college applications and spending valuable time at home with my family.