Van Collins
Ballet, Pointe
Van Collins, a graduate of the first graduating class from Chicago Academy for the Arts, went on to train on scholarship with Chicago Multi-Cultural School for Performing Arts, Lou Conte, Joel Hall, and Ruth Page. Mr. Collins danced professionally with Joel Hall, Tyego, Anatomical Theatre, River North, and American Danz Theatre. Mr. Collins won the National Choreography Recognition Award by Regional Dance America Festival and Best Choreography by Black Theatre Alliance Awards. He has over 30 years’ experience teaching and choreographing all over the Midwest including Dance Dimensions, Joel Hall, Gus Giordano, Columbia College, and Milwaukee Ballet. His unorthodox technique challenges and inspires to evoke the best artistic environment. Mr. Collins is Founder and Artistic Director of Rasa Dance Chicago. He is the Executive Director of Good Vibes Teen Prevention Theatre. Good Vibes was established as a community outreach vehicle to increase and promote positive peer pressure through the performing arts.