In bright red boots, entertainer Omari Collins encouraged a group of dancers to move confidently in their own sparkly heels and colorful shoes.
Collins, who portrays Lola in "Kinky Boots," was leading a Dancing in Heels workshop recently at the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center in Chicago. The workshop, presented by Broadway in Chicago in celebration of Pride Month, drew participants who are dance and theater fans who were interested in learning a routine from the musical "Kinky Boots." The hit production is currently on tour and continues to June 21 at James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago.
Omari Collins, center, teaches a routine from "Kinky Boots" during a dance workshop in Chicago. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Dance workshop participants were asked to donate a pair of shoes to gain entrance to the event. Donated shoes are to be given to Brave Space Alliance's Dignity Suite in Hyde Park.
Performer Collins, who is also known as "Scarlett D Von' Du," said it definitely was a great experience to lead the class.
Workshop participants learn a routine from "Kinky Boots." Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"Everybody looked like they had fun," Collins said, adding it was the first time he's taught choreography from the show to others. Class participants learned a routine from the show's popular tune "Raise You Up/ Just Be."
Collins said the choreography in "Kinky Boots," which is created by Jerry Mitchell, is quite special.
Red boots worn by Robert Miller and Omari Collins during the "Kinky Boots" dance workshop. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"You can feel the passion and joy while performing his material," Collins said. He added "Kinky Boots" is a "wonderful" story.
Dance captain and swing Robert Miller said he was happy to co-lead the class with Collins.
Omari Collins poses with workshop attendees. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"It was fun to interact with the community as they learned (a routine) from the show," Miller said.
Miller added he loves the show's message of "opening hearts" and "opening minds" and that you can "change the world when you change your mind."
Cousins Lila Rubin, left, and Rachel Luban are pictured at the dance workshop. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Among workshop participants were Emma Boles and cousins Lila Rubin and Rachel Luban, all from Chicago, who said they enjoyed the opportunity to learn choreography from such an iconic show.
To learn more about Broadway In Chicago, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.
Pictured are the shoes donated by workshop participants. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
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