by Cassie Forsythe
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from KK—born and bred, a proud Sabahan. Other than pole dancing, I am also a qualified Pilates instructor and a physiotherapist with a special interest in women’s health and, more importantly, a mother of three children.
How did your journey in this profession begin? When did Pole Dancing pique your interest?
I discovered pole dancing in Brisbane, Australia, in 2013 as a New Year’s resolution—simply wanting to try something new. One class was all it took. I was instantly hooked. What began as curiosity quickly turned into passion. I competed in state and national competitions and began teaching part-time just two years later. When I moved back home to Kota Kinabalu, pole dancing became my full-time profession. At the time, there was no pole studio in KK. So in 2020, Pole Oasis was born.
What has been the most memorable moment so far?
That’s a tough one because there have been a few meaningful moments. But if I had to choose a recent highlight, it would be taking part in SPARKS’ Carnival of the Animals production in October 2025.
It was really special because I was given the chance to bring pole dancing onto a public stage and perform alongside a live orchestra, as well as other dancers and artists. For many people in the audience, it was the first time they had ever seen an aerial performance, and being part of that moment—seeing their reactions—meant a lot to me. It felt like a small but important step in changing perceptions of pole dance.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love being able to create a space where women can explore themselves through movement—a place where they feel safe enough to be fully themselves, without needing to mask.
Watching their transformation is incredibly special. Seeing women connect, support one another, and build their own sense of community and chosen family outside of their own homes is something I don’t take for granted. When they realise how capable they truly are, once given the chance, their confidence shines through.
That feeling—witnessing that shift—is exactly why I love what I do.
What’s one common misconception about pole dancing that you’d love to clear up?
Oh, where do I begin. Let’s start with the most common one—you need to be strong and flexible to do pole dancing. Yes, there are many moves and tricks that requires strength and flexibility, but you don’t need it to start or try. Just like how you don’t expect your child to do a double backflip on their first few lessons of gymnastics, we don’t expect ourselves to deadlift 100 kg on our first day of going to the gym.
In your own words, where do you think pole dancing truly belongs? A sport, art, fitness, dance… or does it live somewhere in between?
I honestly believe pole dancing lives somewhere in between—and that’s what makes it so powerful.
It can absolutely be a form of fitness, a hobby, or even a sport. It demands strength, coordination, endurance, and full-body engagement. But it’s also an art form. Through movement, pole allows for so many styles and expressions, drawing from different dance genres like contemporary, hip hop, and sensual movement.
For many of us, myself included, pole dancing is also a form of therapy. It’s a space for self-expression, emotional release, and healing—where movement meets endorphins. That’s why it’s so hard to put into just one category.
Pole doesn’t belong in a box. It honestly becomes whatever you need it to be at that point in your life.
Top 3 places you encourage people to explore. (In Sabah). Or an activity to try.
Mount K, Kinabatangan River, Kudat
We all love food! What are your top three must-eat dishes or favourite places to eat in Sabah?
Foood… YES! Only three? Tough Decision- Dusun food like Sayur Losun, Billis Lada Putih Kodop, Kuzai Pan Mian in Penampang, or Delicious Curry house in Market 88 for a good selection of local veggies
Vanesa is the founder of Pole Oasiswith her studio located at the 2nd floor of Sky Arena, Penampang.
I Am Series brought to you by Hello Sabah.
