Meet Cesar De Assis

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cesar De Assis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cesar, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think about risk, it’s always a little scary — but I’ve learned that growth only happens when you step into the unknown. If you never take risks, you stay stuck in the same place. I also believe it’s important to understand that every risk, big or small, has consequences, and part of maturity is being ready to face them.

I would say that I’ve taken quite a few risks in my life. Even though I try to plan, I’ve realized that life often pushes you to improvise. One of the biggest risks I ever took was leaving Brazil after I graduated to study at the Martha Graham School in New York. I came alone, with very little English, limited savings, and had to start a completely new life away from my family and friends. Like we say in Brazil, “I threw myself into the lions’ cage.” And I’m still standing, still learning every day.

That decision changed my life. What was supposed to be six months turned into almost four years. I learned English, conversational Spanish, improved as a dancer, and grew as a person. I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought — capable of solving problems, taking care of myself, and facing challenges, including understanding and managing my ADHD.

Taking risks has connected me with incredible people who have supported and inspired me. Not every decision worked out perfectly, but each one helped me grow and better understand my own limits and potential.

For me, the bigger the risk, the harder it is to know if it’s worth it — but also, the bigger the reward if it’s the right one. So I always think about what truly matters to me and what kind of life I want to create. Without risk, there’s no movement — and I don’t ever want to stay still.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a versatile artist. Dance was my first art — I started when I was seven and never stopped. Since moving to New York, I’ve expanded my skills through voice lessons, acting, and modeling, always working to become the best and most complete artist I can be. As a Brazilian from the north of Brazil, I carry my culture with me, mixing everything I’ve learned from different styles and places to create my own unique way of moving and expressing myself. What inspires me most are emotions and human feelings — I want my art to move people, to make them feel and think deeply.

My journey started in a small dance school connected to my elementary school in Brazil. Even before that, I was always dancing, singing, and creating stories with my cousins. I never saw myself happy in a “regular” job — I knew I needed to do something that made me feel alive. When a teacher once showed me a video of male dancers performing professionally, I realized: that’s what I want to do. I went to college for dance at sixteen, but for a while, I doubted myself and almost gave up. During the pandemic, I decided to take another chance and auditioned online for the Martha Graham School. I learned all the material in one week, gave my best, and got in. That risk completely changed my life — now, four years later, I’m here building my career in the U.S.

My path hasn’t been easy. I moved alone, left my family and friends behind, and faced loneliness, language barriers, financial struggles, and the challenge of managing everything by myself. My mom gave me all the money she had to help me start this journey, and I promised myself I would make it worth it. I’m proud of not giving up — of pushing myself into rooms where I belong and showing why I’m here.

One of my proudest moments was performing my first solo in the U.S., choreographed by Princess Lockerooo. That piece helped me find a community I love and connect with the legendary world of waacking. My work is built from my culture, my struggles, and my feelings — it has a voice and story that only I can tell.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you wait for things to happen, they never will. My journey wasn’t easy, but I believe I’m meant for big things — and this is only the beginning. Through my art, I want people to feel whatever they need to feel: to cry, to smile, to release, and to believe that they too can achieve great things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d make sure they had the best New York week ever — full of art, good food, and unforgettable experiences.

Day 1 – Welcome Dinner & Hell’s Kitchen Night Out
We’d start with a cozy homemade dinner at my place — nothing better than a warm welcome and catching up. After that, we’d head to Hell’s Kitchen to explore the local bars, have some drinks, meet fun people, and feel the city’s energy at night.

Day 2 – Central Park Adventure
We’d spend the day exploring Central Park — from a long walk through the trees to visiting the zoo and maybe stopping by the museum nearby. It’s the perfect mix of nature, art, and a classic NYC experience.

Day 3 – Broadway Magic
This day would be all about theater! We’d see at least two Broadway shows during the trip, but this day would be for the first one. And if possible, we’d go backstage to meet the cast — because nothing compares to seeing the magic behind the curtain.

Day 4 – City Icons & Shopping
We’d visit some of New York’s main landmarks — the Empire State Building, Times Square, and then stop for some shopping at Macy’s and even 5 Below (because good finds don’t always need big prices!).

Day 5 – Fire Island Getaway
We’d take a day trip to Fire Island to relax at the beach, enjoy the sun, and let the city noise fade away. We’d stay for tea time in the evening, surrounded by music, laughter, and the best vibes.

Day 6 – Dance & Nightlife
As a dancer, I’d take them to a great dance party — somewhere we could really move, connect with people, and celebrate life through rhythm and freedom.

Day 7 – Second Broadway Show & Chill Evening
To close the week, we’d see our second Broadway show, then have a simple dinner, sharing our favorite memories from the week and watching the city lights one last time before the goodbye.

New York has a way of making every day feel like a movie, and I’d want my best friend to feel exactly that — the beauty, chaos, and inspiration that make this city so alive.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends back in Brazil, who have always believed in me even from miles away. Their love and support gave me the courage to take big risks and start a new life pursuing my dreams. My biggest supporter, Jason Courson, deserves a special thank you — he has been by my side since the moment I arrived in the U.S., offering constant encouragement, care, and belief in me through every challenge and achievement. I also want to thank the incredible teachers and mentors who guided me with patience and trust, helping me grow not only as a dancer but as a person. And finally, to the amazing community I’ve found here in New York — the friends and artists who have become like family — thank you for inspiring me every day and reminding me that no matter how far from home I am, I’m never truly alone in my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesardeassis_?igsh=bDB3ZmszNG4wYjY4&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cesar_de_assis

Image Credits
Bjorn Bolinder (IG:@findthelightphotography) , Juliana Alvarez (IG:@juliana.newyork) , Rotuuunda (IG:@rotuuunda), EJ (IG:photographer_ej)