Cassidy Banwart is from Waukee, Iowa. Growing up, she trained at the School of Classical Ballet and Dance (West Des Moines, IA) in styles consisting of ballet, tap, contemporary, and pointe. For the past five years, Cassidy has enjoyed teaching dance at her home studio. Since a young age, she has danced competitively in various dance competitions and participated in the Youth America Grand Prix annually, placing in the top 12 for senior contemporary solos in 2020. 

In 2017, she became a pre-professional in Ballet Des Moines second company, performing roles such as Clara, Arabian Queen, and Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. After graduating high school early, Cassidy had the opportunity to become a Trainee for Ballet Des Moines, through which she performed in the company's touring show, Dance into Spring, around the state of Iowa under the artistic direction of Serkan Usta and Lori Grooters.  Along with her training, she has participated in summer intensives including Complexions, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and BalletX. 

She is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a BFA in Dance and a BA in Interdepartmental Business Studies with an emphasis on Arts Management.   

Cassidy is excited to begin her journey instructing at UIYB by sharing the joys of dance with others.