Hi, I’m Kishaar Hodge.
My greatest passion on this earth is my persistent engagement in the Art of entertainment; both, the journey of rediscovery as well as the expression of creative exploration. In spite of culture, perspectives or the evolution of our individual experiences, we together design through this collective, an Art. This empowerment of artistic ideals brings to life each characteristic, each thread of storytelling to the stage. It envelops the audience to achieve a common goal; appreciation in celebration of life, as an Art.
Many of the smaller pieces, those often overlooked and seemingly insignificant moments further cultivate the ability to construct and build our craft’s foundations progressively. As a child, that growth would gradually become useful as I utilized that creative spirit by teaching myself the basic techniques of dance and movement from something as simple as YouTube. The videos were mere resources and tools used in place of expensive dance studios and teachers. That passion and drive enabled me to harness abilities I didn’t know I possessed.
Born in Glen Cove, the Northshore of Long Island, New York, I learned to ignore the surroundings that would work against my desire to dance; pushing beyond many of the typical economic challenges families endure, social pressures and bullying as well as acceptance of who I was destined to be through a rainbow of expressions. It is only now that I understand, it was that kaleidoscope of experiences, setbacks and successes, that fire that burns within me now beams in full color.
Training
Development and perfecting our skillset often occurs through those unscripted moments and unexpected opportunities. This age of breakthrough and discovery began for me just as it typically does for most; in grade school or those thoughtless afterschool hours. During my high school years, my love of dance and expressive movement began to flourish in ways no one could anticipate. Before long, I had advanced in such a way, I was able to simulate choreography from friends fortunate enough to attend themselves. Many of my peers had learned firsthand, yet it would be me to master those techniques through repetition and build upon them.
During these sprouting years, as a freshman, I began working with my vocal teacher, Gina Occhiogrosso. I had created music with my body, each limb representing a chord of harmony unto itself, however, “Ms. O”, as she is so affectionately known, taught me how that same body would become a vocal instrument as well. That creative spirit would now build these additional tools into that spectrum of color for the Arts.
With the combination of Nassau Community College (NCC) and State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia, my quest as a Music Arts Major with a focus on vocal training with additional dance courses or my exclusive focus on Dance at NCC, the goal for me remained the same; becoming a part of that artistic tapestry and bringing joy to others through entertainment of the Arts.
Passions & Skills
We are the skills and the talents of our most sincere selves. We are the random smiles to every beautiful melody, the endless wistful gaze to every painted masterpiece and the inspiration from each work of genius and brilliance. Contorting my trained instrument to meet each moment. My passions are help transport an audience of any size through the ballet of life. On the edge of your toes one moment, arms stretched out-wide toward that next goal. I have used my gymnastic skills as well as those as a Choreographer in every category of music to reach as well as teach others, the beauty in what you believe to be a hobby, can and will change the heart of an audience.
Having had the experience of learning multiple performance roles whether that be Acting, Music or Dance, my only pleasure is seeing the smile these passions bring to the faces of those before me. Theatre has developed a discipline in me in such a profound way, that by adding the musical component, the various genres of dance (contemporary, musical theatre, acro, modern, ballet and Hip Hop just to name a few, I have indeed progressed toward becoming that artful instrument.
Dreams & Goals
I see myself as a dream-catcher. The first step was to find my unique and personal expression and commit to a lifetime of perfecting that craft. Just as those skills further improve and mature, just as my passions became more detailed and defined, my goals will also continue to push and press towards that place called “better”. Those early days, I simply wanted to become a performer with consistent work. The hope was that it would prove that I belonged. Just as dreams and goals become more tangible and real, visions of participating in larger works on stages also became more probable.
My experiences as well as my quest to achieve has taken me before tens of thousands and although each performance and appearance is rehearsed, what I take away from them all, to this very day, is something far more unique and memorable. My dreams are like streams of light over the darkness. Performing is a demonstration. With the lights behind me and overhead, as house lights come up over the audience, their pleasant enjoyment and thunderous applause is the goal.
