Conversations with Shaakirah Bradshaw

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaakirah Bradshaw.

Shaakirah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Shaakirah Bradshaw, better know as Kirah Koo from Philly. Dance has always been life for me. My earliest memories are of me dancing and tumbling around the house. It’s like I was in my own world dancing, music or no music. At age seven, I started taking classes. My first training was in ballet. Entering that space gave me a sense of belonging and the desire to explore this new world of dance. Each year, I would add a new style, allowing me to be fluent in Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, and Acrobatics by middle school.

I started dancing professionally in high school for Eleone Dance Connection Dance Company. Here, my techniques sharpened rapidly, and I became more disciplined through their intense training program.

I continued to train in college as a dance minor. Through a student-led dance ensemble organization, I explored new styles such as step, lyrical and African dance. In doing so, I became passionate about teaching and choreography. I created a dance organization called The Movement with a few of my friends to showcase our choreography and talents across campus. My passion for choreography and dance grew deeper throughout my college career and I began to explore dancing and choreography beyond the stage.

After college, I began auditioning for sports teams. I danced for the Philadelphia Soulmates, an AFL team, and then I danced for a USA vs. China International Basketball tournament in China. This experience gave me a wide range of audience and helped me realize I wanted to travel in dance and get my talent seen.

I moved to Atlanta to pursue my career as a commercial industry dancer. I started training and working alongside choreographers who have experience in the industry. This allowed me to book professionally with artists through shows and music videos. I have worked with artists such as Da Baby and Omerreta The Great. I am also collaborating with artists and dancers around the Atlanta metro area, building relationships and creating content.

Right now, I am in a career coaching program for dancers called Kiki Kastings created and led by Kiki Ely. Through this experience, I am able to explore and get training on the dance industry, and particularly the TV and film world as a dancer, actor and fashion stylist. Since beginning the program, I have booked acting jobs with Tyler Perry Studios and other upcoming TV shows and films. I am excited to see where this next phase of dance takes me, presenting all sides of my artistry with dance, choreography, acting and fashion stylist.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
One challenge for me was moving to a new city and starting completely over. I didn’t know anyone, and I had to push myself to network and make connections with other dancers, which was outside my comfort zone. As I began to build relationships with other dancers and artists, I could relate with I became motivated to network more, and by making those connections, I am getting called to collaborate and booked more consistently.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of my consistency, passion, dedication, and hunger I have for dance and choreography. I am the kind of person who strives to learn all that I can to further elevate my craft.

I am known for bringing people together to strategize ways to build relationships, create impact and produce visuals. I also am part owner of Truth Hall spiritual shop @truth_hall on IG, a health and wellness shop and service created to provide impactful ways for those searching for peace and optimal health can gravitate to for consistency.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have a story to tell and I want my audience to feel my passion when they see me dance and when I am teaching. I am all about building with my community. My IG is @kirah_koo and you can always DM me about dance and other forms of artistry.

I teach beginner-level classes every Tuesday night 6PM at i-inspire, and I sub other classes there as well. I provide private sessions, and I’m always willing to collaborate by creating visuals and hosting brainstorm meet-up sessions for dancers and other performers to get together and build.

Contact Info:

• Website: truthhall.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirah_koo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjlWx3qlprG9d3YL-eNLCWw/videos 

Image Credits
Globalflo INC. Photography JM Photography Studios