Follies Girl Kiira Schmidt on Why Dancing on Broadway Is 'The Bomb'

The third in Broadway.com's exciting new Gotta Dance! series puts the spotlight on Kiira Schmidt, a standout ensemble member in the Broadway revival of Follies. With her distinctive first name (she's Finnish!) and gorgeous red hair and blue eyes, Schmidt is a dancer to watch. Follies marks her second stint at the Marquis Theatre, after making her Broadway debut in White Christmas, and she's also an assistant choreographer on the new series Smash. Enjoy these edgy photos, and watch for Schmidt onstage on Broadway outfitted as a showgirl from a bygone age.

Watch the video below to find out how Schmidt found her life passion and why she says dance "will alway be my most authentic form of self-expression."

About the Photographer
Matthew Murphy is a New York City-based photographer specializing in theater and dance. His work appears regularly in the Arts and Leisure section of The New York Times and additional credits include Bravo TV, New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, The Village Voice, Dance Magazine, The Financial Times and The New York Post. He is a former member of American Ballet Theatre. For more information visit MurphyMade.com.

Additional Credits: Hair & makeup by Ariel Vega; styling by David Withrow (corset by Opera Stock, customized by stylist; mix of raw chains and vintage costume jewelry customized by stylist; suit and shirt by La Disposit on Couturier; belt by H&M; shoes by Marc Jacobs; necklaces by Zara); production assistant: Kevin Thomas Garcia