We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Kong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Giving up is not an option unless the pursuit doesn’t make you happy anymore. As long as you’re enjoying the process then you continue refining necessary skills, stay hungry to learn new techniques for improving your craft, and re-strategize the plan of actions to achieve your goals. If you consistently experience feelings of hopeless-ness, negative stress, and incompetency, then it’s probably time to let a project go because you don’t find joy in pursuing it anymore. You have to resonate with your goals and projects to keep going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a multitalented performer specializing in fire, stilt walking, lyra, and dancing. I wasn’t trained to dance as a child, so when I decided to pursue performing as a young adult without any prior technique training it was a challenge. I learned performance art by signing up for various dance classes and watching other dancers. Being that most artists begin learning at a young age, I think what sets me apart from others is how far I’ve come without that foundation. I believe with lots of charisma and a highly passionate drive, anyone can achieve their goals at any age.

Eight years ago I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer. I embarked on this journey with two left feet. In the beginning, I received no call backs from auditions or responses from email casting submissions.
But I reveled in the no’s to get me to the yes’s. I took every opportunity I could to ask for constructive criticism from my peers and casting directors. I worked diligently on refining my dance skills as well as growing my confidence, charisma and network. Within six months I fully stepped into my new found confidence and sensual power and I began booking 7-10 dance events per week!

In recent days, I coach others to step into their power and pursue their dreams of performing. Although the journey can seem intimidating, I want everyone to know they’re absolutely capable of creating their desired reality at any stage in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh I love this question as I love hosting my friends and showing them the best parts of Miami on the best days! On Wednesday I’d take them out for a water activity such paddle boarding, hang out on the beach since it isn’t too crowded, then end the night at El Tucan for delicious dinner and sensational performances. Thursday morning we’d start the morning off with yoga class at my favorite studio called Skanda Yoga. Then I’d take them Superblue Art museum for an immersive mind sensory experience, explore Wynwood for photo ops, and have dinner at Kyu. To end the night, I may take them to Rosa Sky and Sugar for a rooftop view of Miami. Friday would be fantastic for a boat day then watch the theatre production at Faena for dinner, followed by a night of live music and dancing at their gorgeous lounge Living Room. Saturday I’d love to show them Fairchild botanical garden or Vizcaya museum in the daytime, then the night is reserved for absolute debauchery! We’ll frolic all around town starting at Mayami and bar hop around Wynwood, Brickell, then end the night experiencing the best house music during sunrise at Club Space. Sundays are for sleeping in late and going to south pointe park for a sunset picnic. Sundays at South Pointe are the absolute best because the Miami community comes out, yogis gather for Acro-yoga jam, and a drum circle comes alive at night. Monday is a much needed spa day and happy hour lunch sitting pool side at my very favorite, The Standard. I love The Standard because their pool plays music underwater, you can jump into the ocean as you please, the spa amenities are fabulous, it’s co-ed, and the sunset view from the dock is marvelous. And if my friends are up for a night of dancing, I’d take them to Coyo Taco’s speakeasy in Wynwood after 11pm to experience Oscar G’s Murk Mondays, the best littleMonday night gem for amazing tribal-like house music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shoutout my life coach Stephanie Van Wormer! I approached her entertainment company’s auditions 8 years ago with two left feet and was truthfully a horrible dancer. But she gave me the opportunity to be a part of her company and coached me to become a better performer. In recent years, she has switched focus to being full time a life coach for women with big dreams (including myself currently), and empowers them to achieve their goals through self love, and goal setting strategies.

Website: www.kimkongofficial.com

Instagram: Ms.KimKong

Twitter: ms.kimkong

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=0_KCK9S9j5FhlY0Duf6Lrw&utm_source=ishare

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC-yEscDVRlEzcz_sX-XioVg/videos

Other: TikTok: Ms.KimKong

Image Credits
Adinayev, KC Designs, Shot by Marte

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.