High heels
High heels, often just called heels, is choreography danced in high-heeled shoes. It comes from stage and music-video dancing and mixes jazz, jazz funk and contemporary movement with a confident, feminine manner. It is taught in a group: each class, the teacher builds a combination and the group learns it to one track.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Confidence in heels: posture, balance and a steady, easy walk in any shoes.
- Strength in the feet, ankles, legs and core.
- Flowing, expressive movement — the hands, the hair and the gaze are part of the dance.
- Memory and coordination: a new piece of choreography in most classes.
- A good feeling about your own body and the way you move.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Shoes: heels with a stable heel and a strap round the ankle, so the foot does not slip out. Many teachers suggest 7–10 cm to start. Some studios let beginners start in lower heels or in sneakers.
- Knee pads: many combinations go down to the floor and back up.
- Clothes: fitted clothes you can move in — leggings, shorts, a bodysuit or a top.
- Water and a towel. The studio has the hall, the mirrors and the sound.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- A warm-up for the whole body, with extra attention to the feet, ankles and knees, then stretching.
- Technique in heels: walks, turns, body waves and ways to go down to the floor and come up safely.
- The main part is choreography. The teacher shows it in short pieces, the group repeats and joins them, then dances the whole piece to the music, often in smaller groups.
- Many studios film the choreography at the end. You can usually choose whether to take part.
- At a first class nobody expects dance experience. Come in heels you can already walk in, or ask the studio whether sneakers are fine for the first time.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Anybody who wants to feel confident and graceful in heels. Most dancers in these classes are women, but men dance heels too.
- Beginners, in a class marked for beginners.
- Dancers of other styles who want more stage presence — see Jazz funk.
- People who enjoy learning a new routine to pop music each week.
- It is less suited to anybody with ankle, knee or lower-back problems, because heels add load to all three. In that case, or in pregnancy, ask your doctor first, tell the teacher, and start in sneakers or lower heels.