Step One (from the musical Kinky Boots): 2-Part Choral Octavo

This arrangement captures the infectious energy of the Broadway production while remaining genuinely singable for a developing 2-part choir. Andy Beck's adaptation preserves Lauper's melodic gift and the song's momentum, giving you a feature that feels contemporary and engaging without requiring advanced vocal technique. The optional choreography reference adds dimension to how you can stage this in concert.

The song pulses with optimistic momentum. There's an almost conversational quality to the lyrics that feels intimate despite the upbeat energy, as if the singer is coaching themselves (and the audience) toward action. The music refuses to sit still, pushing forward with the kind of determined cheerfulness that defines the character's arc in the show.

This octavo works for middle school and early high school choirs seeking accessible Broadway material with contemporary appeal. It suits ensembles comfortable with pop musical theater conventions and looking for repertoire that energizes audiences without requiring extensive vocal maturity.

• Lean into the rhythmic drive of the accompaniment. The pulse needs to feel propulsive and confident, not dragging. Lock the ensemble's rhythm with the recorded track early in rehearsal so the forward momentum feels inevitable.
• Shape the lyrics as spoken thoughts, not sung platitudes. "Just put. One foot. Onward and forward." works best when singers treat the punctuation and phrasing as natural speech rhythms rather than melodic flourishes.
• Use dynamic contrast to build energy across the piece. The arrangement likely has natural peaks; emphasize them by pulling back slightly in the verse-like sections so the chorus hits with real impact.
• If you add movement, keep it simple and purposeful. The DVD reference suggests choreography exists, but even minimal staging (a step forward, a gesture of intention) reinforces the song's message without overwhelming young singers who are still managing the vocal line.

This is ideal as a concert closer or a standalone feature within a mixed Broadway medley. Its energy and contemporary sound provide strong contrast if programmed alongside classical or traditional choral repertoire. The theatrical nature also makes it excellent for non-traditional venues, from school assemblies to community celebrations where Broadway style resonates with audiences.

• Rhythmic precision and syncopation in a pop idiom
• Phrasing spoken text naturally within a melodic line
• Balancing lyrical clarity with ensemble blend
• Sustaining energetic forward momentum across a feature
• Optional choreography integration with vocal technique