Paige Fraser Hoffman is a living witness and survivor when it comes to defying odds and perseverance

Paige Fraser Hoffman is a living witness and survivor when it comes to defying odds and perseverance. Hailing from Bronx, New York she is living life tuning out the haters and dancing her way into legacy.

Griffin: Paige, tell us more about you! What can you give us about who you are that Google could not?

Fraser-Hoffman: I consider myself the Phoenix that continues to rise. Each day, I operate in grace, move with grit, and push through fear and nerves. I am a Dance Captain on Broadway, specifically The Lion King, where I get people in position and ready to shine; when someone calls out, I’m in!

Griffin: How did your journey to dance begin?

Fraser-Hoffman: I credit my parents for leading me to the road of dance. I credit my parents for leading me to the road of dance. They saw the initial spark in me at 4. I constantly asked for music so I could dance around the house! At 10 I really fell in love with it, when I played Clara in the Nutcracker. That was such a special accomplishment for me because I was the first African-American in our area cast for that role. From there, the seriousness of-the-art form of dance took over. After that experience, they enrolled me in dance classes throughout the year and in summer! I went on attending a performing arts high school. It was a privileged to receive free training at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I soaked up all that I could, and was led to many opportunities and training. My focus and love for dance took me to Juilliard summer intensives.

Griffin: You got started very young! What kept you motivated?

Fraser-Hoffman:My love for the art kept my head above water. Having my parents by my side was monumental and kept me pressing forward. It was difficult navigating predominately white spaces as the only African-American, as a teen!!! That really strengthened me! In the middle of all the training, classes, and opportunities, they diagnosed me with scoliosis. My parents were with me at my initial doctor’s visit. I was 13, a freshman in high school, and given this diagnosis. As a dancer, it was crushing. I was upset and confused. My dad was adamant that his baby girl was not to undergo surgery. His sacrifice to get me to my appointments kept me going. We all agreed that it was best I worked through the scoliosis using alternative treatment and preventative measures. I really dug in my heels and stayed focused.

Griffin: How did you become an advocate for Mental Health Awareness?

Fraser-Hoffman: Many do not know, but living with a chronic illness like scoliosis is directly tied to mental health. The stress of it all is debilitating. Day after day, chronic pain affects you in unimaginable ways. Your self-esteem is affected. My body wants to be compressed, and gravity wants something different. Because of having a spinal deformity, certain outfits can draw attention to the curve in my back. So much comes with having this deformity. Things get expensive, like physical therapy, chiropractic visits, and much more. I want to help others know they are not alone in this fight. Our community needs to be taught to look closer and have a safe space to do so. 

Griffin: Your own story created and inspired Your foundation, The Paige Fraser Foundation. Tell us more about that.

Fraser-Hoffman: Our foundation is a non-profit, started in 2017, by my aunt. I am the Chief Artistic Officer. We seek to offer free arts programming to the youth within our community. Our focus is to shine a light on mental health and wellness, visual arts, dance, music, and theater. We offer various classes to youth with and without disabilities. The classes are on a hybrid schedule because of the pandemic, but we still have incredible turnouts and support. 

Griffin: The work that you are doing on and off the stage is amazing and necessary! How do you find balance in it all?

Fraser-Hoffman: Well, I am a woman of faith and divine alignment. I was promoted so I’m no longer on tour! I got married in September and then was offered the position of Dance Captain and promoted in November. Touring was a lot to coordinate with a partner, so being home in New York has been monumental for our marriage. Everything has leveled out and we are enjoying one another. Setting up boundaries is important! Know that it is impossible to do everything. Honor your boundaries! Self care has really done it for me! 

You can learn more and support the Paige Fraser Foundation here: https://www.thepaigefraserfoundation.org/