Cassandra/Cass is a certified beginner pole, flexibility and fitness instructor. She began training in dance at a young age with Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance and continued to incorporate dance into her life through T.O.s Rave Culture and Toronto’s Exotic Entertainment Industry. She was a performance artist at Circa Night Club and participated with the troupes of Burlesque Uni. Cass specializes in beginner strength, flexibility & pole fundamentals. She focuses on sensual movement using intent-based classes to hone in on one’s sensual prowess. Learn to writhe and roar in a safe-creative way. Come and play in Pole Basics on Wednesday nights!
Name/Stage Name/Alter Ego: Cassandra AKA Sandy Bottoms AKA Candy Bottoms (IG @cassandra_bpoling)
Pronouns: She/Her
What do you teach and how long have you been teaching?
I teach beginner pole and flexibility. In addition, I guide others to explore their own sensual movement and “spread” sensuality one split trick at a time. I am a new instructor and have been certified to teach since 2021.
What got you into pole dancing?
My pole adventure began in the late 90’s exotic dancing in T.O. I booked an interview for a cocktail server and left it as an exotic dancer. I left the industry because for my health and well-being. I still wanted to perform but knew I needed to move to something else.
I discovered pole dance years later on my road to recovery. Yes, that is AA/NA speak. Pole dance gave me something to look forward to. Something to replace my bad habits and behaviours with. Pole dance saved me from myself in dark times.
What makes you passionate about pole dance?
Poling and the its fitness regime makes me strong, confident and gives me control. Pole keeps me moving further. To where, I do not know.
What do you love sharing with your students?
“The Firsts”
I know it sounds cheesy but it’s time to celebrate!
The First Class. The First Climb. One of my favourite things to share: The First Time in Pleasers. Seeing the confident, happy and sassy looks reflected in the mirror as students scope out their new heels and height!
What is your favourite song/genre to dance to?
I post music daily on my Insta/FB stories. I usually pole jam to my “Liked” songs on the platform I stream from. Look forward to mish-mash mixes, the theremin, cow-bell, laser sounds and space noises of Arrakis. You will find a lot of 90’s hip hop and house too!
Do you train on other apparatuses or other disciplines?
I also train with Lyra, Lollipop and Aerial Pole. I am interested in obtaining my beginner Lyra certification.
I have taken some basic Silks training and like the challenge it presents. I am also eager to try Aerial Hammock/Straps.
I enjoy challenges that new apparatus’ offer. Cross-training helps to strengthen my understanding of fundamental moves on each apparatus. I find training this way pushes creative boundaries I might not explore without cross-training on multiple apparatus.
I currently am working on a 200 hr Kundalini YTT. I practice to combat symptoms from CPTSD.
Breathe work is key for my well-being. It keeps me balanced.
What would we find you doing when you aren't teaching/training?
Rest. I enjoy gardening on the rooftop patio in summer. Did I mention eating. Lots of eating.
Eating everything.
Join Cassandra Wednesday nights for Pole Basics!