Meet Hindolo Bongay | Dancer, Actor, Choreographer

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

Hi Hindolo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My artistic career as a dancer and actor actually started by accident. My sixth grade social studies teacher made me do a project on the history of tap dancing. After reaching out to a local studio for more research, I observed a few classes and tried to learn a few basic steps. It was a natural gift and the studio offered me several dance scholarships to continue my training. As a young performing artist growing up in a very small town, Alexandria, LA, my gifts were often shamed upon. My drive to succeed in my natural gifts opened the very slight support I received. Unsurprisingly, growing up in the south, it was out of the ordinary for a young black boy to cultivate his natural gifts in theatre and dance and I unfortunately had to fight extremely hard for acceptance. I am an advocate for changing that narrative in my community. The youth should never be ashamed to succeed in positivity. As a Fine Arts elementary school educator at an economically disadvantaged school, I witness my students light up when I expose them to new things in the arts. I have supported and trained not only the youth, but generations older than myself. My actions as a leader to my community has awarded me greatly, and although I never look for the honor, I am extremely appreciative when I receive it. It is embedded in my soul to support and make a difference in the lives of others who wish to become successful in their natural gifts. I commit to every opportunity I have to share the knowledge I can genuinely communicate based off my experiences.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently a professional dancer with the Urban Souls Dance Company. I can simply say, I appreciate how every experience with the company pushes each of us to our fullest potential. I am also an elementary dance teacher, coach of the Texas Southern University Dance Company, and instructor/choreographer at several dance studios in the Houston, TX area.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Seafood is my favorite and Houston offers too many great spots to name. I love to visit the Midtown area, local parks, and theatres.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to everyone who continues to support my journey as an artist. I would like to specifically shoutout Venishia Marthrel and Moods by Monet for this recommendation.

Instagram: @hindolobongay

Image Credits
Urban Souls, Houston’s Urban Nutcracker, Dance Houston