Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassanna Atyim.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first started twirling baton for my mom’s company “Tammy’s Tossettes” performing at local fairs And parades. I competed and held the title as national champion. I homeschooled which gave me the time to pick up another challenge. I started training rhythmic gymnastics and fell in love with the sport. I qualified to represent America and practice with the national team members at New York, Lake Placid Olympic Training Center. I flew across the country with my coach, and I lived on compass. I shared a room with a girl from China, who did not speak a word of English, she was one of my competitors.
Unfortunately, I broke my ankle while tumbling and decided to try public school and take a break from the serious world of gymnastics (nothing exciting). Once I graduated high school, I auditioned to perform as a background dancer for Legoland’s summer show. I was hired and absolutely loved every minute of it! I was thrilled to be doing something I loved. At the time there was a year-round acrobatic stub show in the park “the big test” which I performed in for four years, and had the opportunity to rewrite and choreograph a holiday show! Sadly this show was canceled due to budget cuts, and I was without a job with rent to pay…
I started taking pictures and videos of myself and posting them on Instagram and Facebook to promote what I can do! I even hired a family friend to make me a demo reel (collaboration of all the footage and work that I’ve done) to help promote my professionality. During this time I did not have any income, so I started teaching private yoga lessons at my house for cash and performed fire twirling at the oceanside street fair for tips. I was a starving artist, performing at birthdays and company events for three months only living off of my work as an independent contractor which felt like it started slow…
But after those three slow months, it gave me the availability to audition for universal studios and San Diego zoo entertainment. I auditioned in Hollywood for a stunt company to perform in Harry Potter’s “Tri-wizard tournament” as a gymnast.” Out of 500 girls that I auditioned against and an extremely physical test I was the one and only girl offered a job! The San Diego Zoo hired me as a puppeteer and rhythmic gymnast at the same time. I had my license revoked for speeding so I had the challenge of being in downtown San Diego one day and being up in North Hollywood the next…
I paid rent for a place in Oceanside and for a room in Burbank to allow myself to have pit stops for sleep between jobs. I have been booked completely year round with independent work as well as working back at Legoland in the hotels. I am a full-time performer and have developed a steady income on my own completely with my performing arts by the age of 20!
Has it been a smooth road?
I have three brothers and growing up (and still now) we are very close, so it was tough for me being away from them at such a young age. I trained in San Francisco every summer which had its highlights, but I remember crying and calling my family every night before I went to sleep. Also, I’ve always been a natural at most sports and things I try. I have constantly struggled with making friends when I’m constantly in the spotlight.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I provide live entertainment of all types, mainly physical movement. I choreograph, create, and developed acts for all types for myself and other performers in shows and events. I specialize in dance, acrobatic stunts, rhythmic gymnastics, contortion, baton twirling, and fire twirling.
I also teach kids yoga (education/anatomy of body function) as well as contortion, baton, tumbling, cheerleading, dancing and rhythmic gymnastics.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see entertainment in everyone’s hands. On your phone, we are constantly entertaining ourselves, so I see entertainment growing and being more exposed and valued considering we live off of sharing videos and photos as a new base to our society.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cassanna_way
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