A spell was cast upon Cassidy Sansone in Salem, Massachusetts late last month.
That’s right, a SPELL in the SAME Salem, Massachusetts where the infamous Witch Trials took place when about 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft and 20 of them were executed – most by hanging – three centuries ago.
And yes, it’s the SAME Cassidy Sansone who opened the Dynamic Dance Force studio in Wheeling soon after she was graduated from West Liberty University, and who is now in her seventh year as a pro performer in the annual Dancing with the Ohio Valley Stars charity event.
The spell? Well, as it turned out, it was sent off in Sansone’s direction not by a witch but instead by something of a warlock when her seven-year boyfriend – Collin Hlad – surprised her when asking for her hand in marriage during their Fall trip to the Codfish State.
Now, though, Sansone has returned from the late September venture to team up with Chad Blanchard for the 13th annual DWTOVS set for Nov. 2 at the Capitol Theatre. The event benefits the Augusta Levy Learning Center in Wheeling, an educational institution that works with children who have been diagnosed to be on the spectrum of autism, and the evening will feature eight amateur dancers partnered with eight professionals from the Wheeling area.
Blanchard is local fitness instructor who has coached a plethora of local residents in activities like weight room workouts and CrossFit, as well. The dancing duo have posted videos of their practices, and Sansone expects them to be in the running for the event’s Mirror Ball Trophy.
And yes, Hlad – and his “crafty” ways – will be in the crowd.
Why have you chosen to stay in the Wheeling area once you were graduated?
One reason I decided to stay in this area after graduating college was to stay close to my family. I am very close with my family, and we all do so much together.
Another reason I stayed within the Ohio Valley was to open my own dance studio. It is called Dynamic Dance Force and is located at 30 GC&P Road Wheeling. Ever since I was little, I wanted to share my love and knowledge for dance within this area. My family has been a huge part of my studio and has supported me every step of the way.
How talented is your Dancing with the OV Stars partner (Chad Blanchard) and have you had to seek medical attention for any foot injuries since you’ve started rehearsing with him?
My Dancing with the Stars partner is working so hard and doing amazing. Chad is so talented.
He actually chose the song we are dancing to so he’s really into it. He keeps wanting to put some back flips in the routine and to add some crazy tricks, so he is definitely braver than me when it comes to the partner lifts!
Thankfully, we have not had any injuries. I’m so excited to perform our routine for everyone at the show!
What are your favorite things to do in the Wheeling area with your friends and with your fiancé?
One of my favorite things to do is to walk my 5-pound chihuahua named Axel at the local parks, and dog parks. I also really enjoy going to all of the festivals and fairs that the Ohio Valley has throughout the year. It’s always nice running into familiar faces at all the events in the Ohio Valley.
What are the most important lessons your dance students learn during the classes you instruct?
One of most important lessons I teach my students during class is to not be afraid of making mistakes when trying something new. Making mistakes along the way is part of how dancers learn.
Another thing I am really big on when I teach my classes is for everyone to be supportive of each other. Everyone in the class is there to learn and grow, and by supporting each other everyone feels more confident and believes in themselves more.
Please explain your decision to participate in the annual Dancing with the OV Stars event.
I love being able to use my dance foundation and knowledge to be part of an event that gives back to the community. The August Levy Learning Center does amazing things for children and their families, and I love being able to help fundraise for them.
It’s amazing how dancers and studios within the Ohio Valley come together to put on an amazing show to support an amazing event for a great cause. I’m so honored to be a part of it. It’s also so much fun to be a part of!
