Devoted performer Kioshi Burgess is fresh out of school, and already gearing up to start teaching.Starting next month, the 18-year-old will lead “drop-in classes” for the artists’ group Troika, where anyone who wants can come in and learn dance.After performing as a god onstage for Troika’s rendition of the Caribbean fantasy ‘Once on This Island’, Kioshi said he’s more drawn to the stage than ever.“That was one of the biggest highlights of my career thus far. It’s a musical, so I got everything I love — singing, dancing and acting.”Growing up singing in the Vernon Temple AME Church, the Paget teen got the acting bug in Sandys Secondary Middle School.After graduating from the Berkeley Institute with double honours, he’s set to study the music business along with performing arts next year at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts.In the meantime, starting with hip hop dance, Kioshi is calling on the community to join in on Saturdays at the Troika workshop in the Old Berkeley Institute.“It’s really just about having fun,” he said.Kioshi makes liberal use of the word “fun” — especially in the stage context.“It was fun creating that character, really challenging but great fun,” said Kioshi of playing the trickster deity Papa Ge, one of the main characters in ‘Once on This Island’.Along with the love of performance comes a keen eye for the practical skills.As assistant choreographer for Troika’s show this summer, gave him a taste of the creative aspect of production.And studying the music business, a new course at UArts, will take him through the legal groundwork of the music industry.“I’ve been singing since I was two. That’s one thing I really love. So I want to learn the business side, which is something a lot of people in that industry don’t learn until late in the game.”Though set on following his talents out into the world, Kioshi said: “I want to learn as much as I can, so that when I come back to the Island I can give as much as I can.“I want to be a role model for young people and young men, and show the positive things we can do.”Together with his fraternal twin brother Kameron, he founded the dance group Krazed Ego — and they’re planning to perform for a second year in the Christmas Parade.“I’ve got a lot of things coming up before I go away to school,” he added.His advice to others: “Find out what you’re good at, as well as what you love.“Pour your heart and soul into it, because it can take you very, very far. And never give up.”Thanking his parents and family, he said he also wanted to thank Bermuda for all the support — particularly for the two sold-out nights of ‘Once on This Island’.“That’s when you know that your hard work has not gone to waste.”Useful website: www.uarts.edu.