Cassidey Fralin Talks ’90s Style, Authentic Expression and Sydney to the Max
Actress, dancer and singer-songwriter Cassidy Fralin is a young woman of many talents, and she approaches each with passion and poise.
Fans of Disney Channel's Sydney to the Max will recognize Cassidey as the actress behind young Alisha, who eventually grows up to be the mother of the titular Sydney. Season three of Sydney to the Max is currently airing on Fridays, revealing more and more of Alisha's developing relationship with Sydney's (future) dad, Max. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to get to know all about Cassidey, what inspires her and what the unique role means to her, and here's everything she revealed to us.
Sweety High: How similar are you to your Sydney to the Max character, Alisha, in real life? In what ways are you the same, and in what ways are you different?
Cassidey Fralin: On Sydney to the Max, I play the role of young Alisha. I share Alisha's high energy level, her commitment to speaking her truth and her love of colorful '90s fashion! In addition—and this may reflect that young Alisha and I share the typically adolescent tendency to dream boundlessly—I would love to become a surgeon, as Alisha eventually does, while maintaining a career as an actor! One difference between us is that, while Alisha loves to roller skate as much as I do, her enthusiasm (at least to my knowledge) has not yet led her to roller skate down stairs, an activity that the remnants of several stitches in my forehead would advise Alisha never to attempt.
(Photo credit: Alex Kruk)
SH: Are you a big fan of the '90s and '90s style? What's your favorite thing about the decade?
CF: I absolutely love '90s style! The emphasis R&B culture had on the fashion and music of the '90s is what interests me most about the decade—I strive to emulate my icons Aaliyah, Mariah Carey and Destiny's Child by wearing all the cool '90s clothing that the Sydney to the Max wardrobe department kindly allows me to pilfer.
SH: What has been your most memorable moment on the set?
CF: Being a child actor means that I'm required to fulfill a certain number of school hours during the day while I'm on set. Luckily, we on Sydney to the Max have the best set teacher—her name is Lois and her classroom is always a party! I'd say that the most memorable moments on the set have taken place behind the scenes, with myself and the other actors laughing it up with Lois while we study between scenes. I'm really lucky to have become acquainted with Jackson Dollinger, who plays young Max, in that relaxed and authentic environment; I think that our real-life friendship translates into onscreen chemistry very well.
SH: How would you describe your dancing style? What's your favorite thing about expressing yourself through dance?
CF: Something I love about dance is how versatile it is! These days, I am definitely most comfortable with hip-hop, but I've always adored training in contemporary and lyrical dance. My dancing style tends to be a mélange of those styles, with slow fluid motions contrasting with harsh pops. Expressing myself through dance gives me the chance to connect with many other people authentically—I see it as an opportunity to let go of fears and be myself, which is something I'm always seeking.
SH: Do you have any new music on the horizon?
CF: I'm always writing music. As a matter of fact, I've got hundreds of song ideas recorded in voice memos. I'm just deciding on a time to finalize them all and release them for the world to see.
SH: Between acting, dancing and singing, do you have a favorite role to play? Why or why not?
CF: My favorite is definitely to focus on drama—my goal with dancing and singing is to be able to enhance the emotional resonance of a scene as required by whatever acting-related endeavors I pursue, like in the upcoming episode of Sydney to the Max where my character performs a song. Singing and dancing are hobbies of mine of which I am very passionate, but acting is my dream career.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
CF: I just want anyone who may be reading this to know that they are beautiful and loved and valid. Have a good day, and take care of yourselves out there!
(Photo credit: Alex Kruk)
Can't get enough of Sydney to the Max? Click HERE to learn everything you wanted to know about the actress behind Sydney herself, Ruth Righi.