Conversations with Cassandra Cervantes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Cervantes.

Hi Cassandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I never had the opportunity to receive formal training in the arts because my family simply could not afford it. I was born and raised in Long Beach for most of my childhood and my first love was singing. Through church, I became the first child given the opportunity to sing alongside the adult choir, which helped me discover my love for performing at an early age.

Around the age of 13, my family relocated to Bakersfield, and the move was a major adjustment for me. During that transition, I discovered dance. In school, I joined a Colorguard team that competed at local, regional, and national levels. At the same time, I was also apart of the school dance team, where I began teaching myself and other students different dance genres in order to create performances for school events.

I was determined to pursue dance professionally, which eventually led me to California State University, Fresno. My time there changed my life. For the first time, I received formal training in ballet and modern dance while participating in ensemble performances and learning from incredible professors and mentors who helped shape me as both an artist and performer.

While attending Fresno State, I was given the opportunity to choreograph for a local dance studio and mentor teenagers in Hip Hop dance. We’d prepare performances for school assemblies, community events, and even larger scale events connected to NASCAR. Outside of school, I constantly sought opportunities to grow and find more training at various dance studios in Fresno and exploring different dance genres.

One opportunity completely changed my perspective on what was possible for me. After taking a heels dance class, the instructor invited me to tour with a production company. I was hesitant because I was balancing college coursework at the time, but I realized that if I truly want to take dance seriously, I need to bet on myself and take that leap of faith. I accepted the opportunity, and we performed multiple cities in California as well as Arizona. Touring taught me so much about stage performance, discipline, collaboration, and the joy of performing alongside with other passionate dancers and artists.

Towards the end of my college journey, I decided to audition for a modeling and acting agency. Although I was nervous, acting felt very familiar to me because it combined the same storytelling and performance elements I loved through singing and dance. After auditioning with a memorized commercial script, I was accepted into the agency and began receiving professional acting training, including monologue and commercial preparation for opportunities in television, film, and entertainment.

Unfortunately, financial hardship prevented me from signing with the agency at the time. While pursuing my career, I was also paying my own rent, school fees, graduation expenses, and helping support my family back home. I already invested thousands of dollars into the process, but I was unable to complete the last remain payment needed for agency representation and professional headshots.

That moment became one of my biggest setbacks of my life. During that time, concerns surrounding immigration enforcement in California deeply affected me because I have parents who are immigrants and while dealing with the constant worry on the news being away in college while trying to build a future for myself was emotionally difficult. These experiences have only strengthened my determination. I carry to things with me, it’s more of a question and reminder I give myself a lot, I ask myself How bad do I want it and remember my why!

Today I’m proud to say that I continued pushing forward. I saved more money, invested in professional headshots, and began receiving acting opportunities through different agencies and casting directors. I’ve had the opportunity to appear in productions connected to HBO Max and Netflix, and I’m excited for what’s in store.

My biggest goal has always been larger than myself. Through dance, acting, singing, and modeling I hope to create opportunities not only for my future but most importantly for my family. What I truly only desire is to help my parents complete their residency process so that they can reunite with their parents in Mexico and be able to build more safe and stable opportunities here in the United States.

This is my why and this is my journey. I’m passionate about the arts and I would love to give back to my community and my people!

I hope my journey inspires my Hispanic community and other underrepresented communities to believe in themselves and know that there will always be room for us in general and in the entertainment industry. Your circumstances or where you’re from does not define your worth! With passion discipline, and perseverance, your and aspirations and goals are possible too!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been very interesting and it was never easy! I faced a lot of self doubt throughout my journey and I have also learned that I need to surround myself with positive individuals who share a similar strong sense of faith and purpose.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Choreographer, Dancer, Actor, Model, and Entrepreneur. I’m proud that I did not give up on myself throughout this journey! My why and my strong sense of will is what sets me apart.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Los Angeles because it’s where there are more opportunities in regards to the entertainment industry! I love it because that’s where I feel at home and I was born in the area and I miss it very dearly! Im certain and I feel that there’s something out there for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.asssyy
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/cc.decornmore