Cassie Kosin Liu Begley has devoted much of her academic and dance performance career to exploring and using dance as a way to express female sexuality.
Academically, Cassie dedicated her MFA graduate thesis to exploring the topic of female empowerment through sexual submission in an oppressed patriarchal society. As Cassie began her research and discussions on the topic of female sexuality, the feedback was clear that there was a need to create and share authentic expressions of sexuality in dance in a safe and inclusive way.
Creatively, Cassie has continued to challenge how female sexuality can be expressed and portrayed through dance. In founding Bliss Dance Company, Cassie has created a platform to tell authentic stories of female sexual empowerment artistically through dance.
This recent review of Submission/Permission, a performance which Cassie directed, choreographed, and performed as part of her graduate studies, perfect summarizes her intention to bring forth topics of female sexuality through dance:
Academically, Cassie dedicated her MFA graduate thesis to exploring the topic of female empowerment through sexual submission in an oppressed patriarchal society. As Cassie began her research and discussions on the topic of female sexuality, the feedback was clear that there was a need to create and share authentic expressions of sexuality in dance in a safe and inclusive way.
Creatively, Cassie has continued to challenge how female sexuality can be expressed and portrayed through dance. In founding Bliss Dance Company, Cassie has created a platform to tell authentic stories of female sexual empowerment artistically through dance.
This recent review of Submission/Permission, a performance which Cassie directed, choreographed, and performed as part of her graduate studies, perfect summarizes her intention to bring forth topics of female sexuality through dance:
The program notes for Cassie Begley’s Submission/Permission said this, “This piece examines the bicultural straddling of Taiwanese American females with sexual oppression. The work explores connections between oppression and sexual submission as an act of love and deep trust for another.” Oppression and submission were certainly apparent throughout this ensemble work - there was bold and arresting imagery of bondage and bowing, as well as violent, haunting and creepy moments. Some of them were hard to watch, and that was purposeful; they should be hard to watch.
But the more riveting part of the piece was how Begley joined traditional, cultural movement with a totally different style, in this case, 1990s contemporary jazz/street dance. Like the three previous choreographers, Begley let each form stand on its own, not trying to merge or fuse them in any way. Her treatment and inclusion of jazz was especially noteworthy, first because it doesn’t often get a fair shot in academic environments. And second, because it made an integral statement. By placing this challenging narrative within a traditional setting and then also in a modern movement genre, Begley indicated that her narrative is not only a thing of the past, it is very much an issue of today.
- Heather Desaulniers, Reflections: Performances by the Saint Mary’s College of California MFA in Dance Program, MFA Dance in Review, 2/11/2017
Most recently, Cassie has developed a strong interest in helping women connect with their sexuality and sexual expression through dance. Cassie is especially interested in incorporating themes of sexual desire, consent, bondage, and play into her choreography and movements from a woman's perspective.
Cassie is proud to present her newest projects that have an emphasis on sensuality and sexual empowerment: Bliss Dance Festival, Chair Affair; and Rope Play.
Cassie is proud to present her newest projects that have an emphasis on sensuality and sexual empowerment: Bliss Dance Festival, Chair Affair; and Rope Play.
Bliss Dance Festival
Bliss Dance Festival explores the question “What would the world be like if women were safe?” as performers reflect on female sexuality and express it through dance arts. Our mission is to inspire our community through truth about female sexuality and its diversity. Choreographers will express what they feel or witness about female sexuality while responding to the question, "What would the world be like if women were safe?". The festival is an evening celebration of dance and performances near downtown San Leandro at the site of Truth Is Beauty, a 55 foot sculpture created by Burning Man artist, Marco Cochrane. Bliss Dance Festival embraces the East Bay's commitment to social change and social justice.
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Chair AffairEmbody your sexual power and learn to feel confident in your skin at this fun and flirty workshop. You’ll learn sassy hair flips, sultry body rolls and how movement can help access your sexual energy and power and help you to own your sexuality! All dance and fitness levels are encouraged to come and enjoy this judgment-free workshop lead by Cassie Begley, founder and artistic director of Bliss Dance Company.
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Rope PlayRope Play with Cassie Begley is a unique dance workshop using rope to heighten our senses and unleash our inhibitions. This sex-positive workshop is a fun and seductive partnering experience using bondage and D/s role-playing. Grab a (consenting 😜) partner and learn an erotic dance routine with a light BDSM theme. No experience necessary, all dance and fitness levels are welcome.
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Both workshops are held regularly at dance studios and supporting business locations around the San Francisco Bay Area, please check the calendar for upcoming sessions!
If you are interested in booking a workshop or event, I'd love to hear from you! Please contact me here.
If you are interested in booking a workshop or event, I'd love to hear from you! Please contact me here.