Podcast Summary: The Leadership Dance Episode: Ep. 20: Dancing with Courage and Curiosity, featuring Cassandra Trenary
Host: Alissa Hsu Lynch
Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 20 of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch welcomes Cassandra Trenary, a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater (ABT), to discuss her inspiring journey in the world of ballet and beyond. Cassandra shares insights into her rise through the ranks, the challenges she faced, her multidisciplinary passions, and her forthcoming transition to the Vienna State Ballet.

Early Beginnings in Dance

Cassandra's passion for performance ignited at a young age in Georgia. Initially dabbling in gymnastics, horseback riding, and martial arts to channel her abundant energy, dance became her true calling after attending a Tappan ballet combo class at three years old. Her first summer intensive at the ABT Summer Intensive in Alabama was pivotal, solidifying her desire to pursue ballet professionally.

Cassandra (03:22): "I just fell in love with dance at that time. ... I was sold. I think, from that chunk of time."

Rise to Principal Dancer at ABT

Cassandra's ascent within ABT was swift and serendipitous. After impressing directors at her summer intensive, she was offered a scholarship to train in New York. By 2011, she joined the main company and achieved principal status in 2020. Her dedication and talent led her to originate roles in works by renowned choreographers like Alexei Ratmansky and Twyla Tharp.

Cassandra (04:57): "It's like quite a remarkable story of being at the right place at the right time."

Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt

Despite her success, Cassandra faced significant obstacles, including injuries that threatened her career. A stress fracture and a spinal issue caused immense pain and halted her progress. During her recovery, she explored acting, which not only provided solace but also enriched her artistic expression upon returning to ballet.

Cassandra (07:52): "There was something about letting go of the pursuit of, like, I have to be the best at this... has always allowed me to then be the best at what I do in my ballet life."

Preparing for Diverse Roles

Cassandra elaborates on her comprehensive approach to preparing for varied roles, from classical characters like Juliet and Giselle to contemporary pieces like Crime and Punishment. She emphasizes the importance of personal experience, research, and the collaborative dynamic with her partners to infuse each performance with authenticity and spontaneity.

Cassandra (10:30): "It's such a combination of looking inward, pulling from personal experience... allowing there to be space for spontaneity so that your partner can also surprise you."

Embracing Multidisciplinary Interests

Beyond ballet, Cassandra has cultivated passions in acting, filmmaking, photography, and fashion. These creative outlets provide her with balance, prevent the pursuit of perfection from overwhelming her, and continually inspire her performances. Her photography, in particular, serves as a therapeutic and expressive medium, leading to her recent exhibition.

Cassandra (15:53): "Photography has really become such an important outlet in my life. ... It allows me to approach these things with a sense of curiosity and play."

Photography Exhibition: "Embodied"

Cassandra's foray into photography culminated in her "Embodied" exhibition at Privy Gallery in New York City. The collection captures intimate and vulnerable moments backstage, highlighting the transitional and liminal spaces dancers inhabit. The exhibit reflects her exploration of self-identity post-performance and the challenges of re-embodying oneself after portraying diverse characters.

Cassandra (19:09): "There are images where you see just before stepping on stage... trying to remember who you are, what time period you're in."

Transitioning to Vienna State Ballet

After a fruitful tenure with ABT, Cassandra announced her decision to join the Vienna State Ballet. This move marks a full-circle moment influenced by her admiration for Alessandra Ferri and a desire to embrace new challenges. Despite the emotional difficulty of leaving a beloved community, Cassandra is excited about the opportunities and growth awaiting her in Europe.

Cassandra (24:36): "I felt like I was just kind of waiting, waiting for the right moment. ... It was really difficult to listen to that because I love ABT so much."

Reflections and Future Aspirations

Cassandra reflects on her journey with gratitude, acknowledging the support from mentors, colleagues, and her community. She expresses enthusiasm for her future endeavors in Vienna, hoping to continue expanding her artistic horizons and embracing new forms of expression.

Cassandra (30:14): "I feel like it's just going to break open a whole new world for me that I can't even quite understand yet."

Conclusion

Episode 20 of The Leadership Dance offers a deep dive into Cassandra Trenary's multifaceted career, highlighting her resilience, artistic versatility, and courageous decision to pursue new frontiers. Her story serves as an inspiration for leaders in both the arts and business, demonstrating the power of curiosity, adaptability, and unwavering passion.

Host, Alissa Hsu Lynch (31:12): "It's been incredibly inspiring to hear about your journey and to get to know you better."

Notable Quotes:

• Cassandra on Finding Freedom in Choreography:
  "If I can just approach researching roles, like I'm going to do a play or a film, then you can go out there with a sense of freedom, like, no matter what, if I'm in that character, nothing can go wrong."
  [10:30]

• Cassandra on Overcoming Self-Doubt:
  "Every time I felt as though I was losing my way a little bit, I felt like leaning into these other desires and these things that I'm curious about has always allowed me to then be the best at what I do in my ballet life."
  [07:52]

• Cassandra on Her Photography Exhibition:
  "How challenging it is to embody ourselves again. With that theme in mind, I poured through everything and picked out, really, the images where you see just before stepping on stage... trying to remember who you are."
  [19:09]

• Cassandra on Transitioning to Vienna State Ballet:
  "I just kind of felt like it will always be here and the time is now to maybe go on an adventure. And Alessandra happened to be in New York performing... And I just kind of took that step and I just asked, I said, you know, would you ever consider having me?"
  [24:36]

Connect with Cassandra Trenary:

• Photography Portfolio: Instagram (Assumed placeholder)
• Upcoming Performances: Vienna State Ballet schedule to be announced.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode 20 of The Leadership Dance, providing listeners and new audiences with a comprehensive overview of Cassandra Trenary's inspiring journey.