Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Hoffman.
Hi Peter, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started in middle school … I started doing local musicals when I was 12 or 13; shortly after that, I joined a show choir group in Woodbury and I performed with them for a few years. A family friend reached out to me and my parents and connected us to a dance studio in Stillwater called Curio Dance; I ended up taking my first dance class in the winter of 2022. I was a sophomore at the time (15 years old). Later that year I joined their performing devision and trained with them throughout highschool. While I trained with Curio, I began to book many different projects throughout the Twin Cities (all varying styles of dance/performance). After I graduated, I continued to stay in the performing industry and I’ve gotten the chance to work with a multitude of artists and companies over the last few years. I am currently performing and working in the Twin Cities!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly… I’ve been blessed to have had so many opportunities while I was still in highschool before I had to figure out my next steps in life … like collage or whatever a “traditional” route would be for someone after graduation. From a career standpoint, I would say I’ve had a decently smooth transition from highschool to adulthood. I’ve lived with my parents since graduating (they’re super supportive of my career) which has relieved me from a lot of financial and housing stress – it has made my transition a lot smoother knowing that I have a home base and a steady place to live. About 90% of the professional opportunities I’ve received came through networking or someone reached out to me. That’s a big deal considering how competitive and tough it is to book gigs in the performing industry. I’ve surrounded myself with really good and supportive people too, which helps!
However, the biggest challenge for me has honestly been the money – it’s hard finding work in this industry that pays you enough to support yourself financially. Many performers (like myself) need to work multiple jobs just so they can afford to have a career like this. On top of that, the arts (specifically dance) in the Twin Cities have been struggling to fund themselves which is very sad to see. It leaves me with less performing options to choose from. Sometimes I have to choose between work that I love to do or work that will actually pay me – it’s hard to find a balance of both. There are places I would love to work but can’t commit to if I’m not getting paid well (or sometimes at all). It’s the harsh truth, but it’s the risk you have to take to be a performer/artist in this world. It’s been worth the risk though:)
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional dancer, singer, and actor.
The majority of my experience is dance based. I have a pretty versatile skill set; I’ve performed in all different kinds of work from jazz to ballet to musicals to modern … honestly you name it, I’ve seen a lot! The majority of my work has been musical theatre and contemporary/ballet based, which I love. My primary work is rehearsing and performing – occasionally, I’ll teach dance class.
I’ve been mostly on the dance side in the industry, but recently I’ve expanded to musical theatre. I’m mostly known in the community for my dance skills both in the dance world and musical theatre world. Specifically, my jumps and leaps – it’s definitely something I’m proud of.
It’s really important to me to be versatile. It has allowed me to kinda have one foot in every door, in a way. I love being able to be in a dramatic modern show one day then go be in a high energy musical the next day! Keeps things fresh:) I take great pride in that ability as it’s not an easy feat.
I have a strong passion for singing too which helps when I take gigs in the musical world. I also really enjoy choreographing and I could see myself diving deeper into that in the future. So I wouldn’t label myself as a dancer first – instead, I see myself as an artist/creative. I’d hate to limit myself to one facet.
My true passion is making music. I love producing, songwriting, recording, and composing so much… It’s been a passion of mine for years, I just haven’t had the chance to showcase it yet. I’m working on it! My long term goal is to shift into the music industry.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve recorded so many songs… so many! I produce, record, and write them all myself. I think because I’m so deep in the dance world, I just haven’t had the chance to show people that side of me. That’s my true love… making songs. My dream is to play my songs live! Combine everything I enjoy into one performance – singing, dancing, and songwriting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterhoffmanmusic?igsh=MXNnNWZzMWZ5eHQ1dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@peterhoffmanmusic1.0?si=De0oc1rkGLU5qtCt
- Soundcloud: @peterhoffmanmusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@peterhoffmanmusic?_r=1&_t=ZT-987tcRXetFW
