Dance trends are constantly evolving, but one style that has firmly planted its feet and is here to stay is Heels Dance, also known as stiletto dance. If you’re exploring various forms of dance, especially within the realm of professional women’s dance, you’ve likely encountered heels dance. But what exactly defines this captivating dance style? Let’s delve into the world of this international phenomenon.
What is Heels Dance?
As the name suggests, heels dance is characterized by movements performed while wearing high heels. While stiletto heels are often considered the quintessential footwear, dancers adapt and utilize various heel types, adjusting choreography as needed. However, heels dance is much more than just putting on a pair of high heels and moving to music.
2 female dancers wearing black posing in high heels with arms in voguing position
Similar to how different techniques and styles are associated with various dance shoes, such as tap shoes, ballet pointe shoes, or character shoes in musical theatre, heels dance embodies its own unique style and technique. It’s not just about the footwear; it’s about a specific approach to movement and expression.
The Blend of Traditions Shaping Heels Dance
The development of heels dance is a fascinating fusion of diverse dance traditions that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. Imagine blending the precision and elegance of ballroom and jazz dance with the vibrant energy of Latin dances like tango, salsa, and mambo, and then infusing it with the boldness of go-go and showgirl dancing. This dynamic combination forms the foundation of classic heels dance.
While heels dance may draw inspiration from the more provocative aspects of dance entertainment, it stands firmly as a professional and technical discipline, distinct from burlesque. It’s a highly refined art form where mastery results in a mesmerizing and passionate display of dance. Think of it akin to figure skating: beyond athleticism, the skaters’ expertise in utilizing their skates brings their choreographed movements to life. In heels dance, the heels are the tool that elevates and defines the movement.
Embracing the Challenge and Reward of Heels Dance
Learning heels dance presents a unique challenge, particularly as it requires retraining your legs and ankles to execute movements you might already be proficient in on flat footwear. However, this challenge is incredibly rewarding for those who embrace it. Whether you choose to learn heels dance online or in a studio, driven by professional aspirations, personal enjoyment, or fitness goals, it’s a genuine art form within the dance world.
For those familiar with some of the incorporated dance styles, heels dance offers a thrilling way to reimagine familiar steps. The addition of heels introduces a new dimension of skills to acquire. You can explore heels dance within the frameworks of jazz, ballroom, musical theatre, and even hip-hop styles. Beyond the stylistic aspects, dancing in heels is excellent for enhancing strength, flexibility, and improving posture. For recreational dancers, heels dance serves as a significant confidence builder. What might appear difficult to an observer transforms into an empowering accomplishment as you master the technique, turning a simple walk into a captivating strut.
3 female dancers wearing black posing in high heels with framing their faces
Many find heels dance to be a liberating way to express femininity, with classes often incorporating hip movements, confident walks, floor work, and hair styling techniques. Some instructors view heels as simply another dance shoe adaptable to jazz, hip-hop, or theatre dance classes. CLI instructor Liana Blackburn, for instance, offers classes on our website that explore her approach to heels, including warm-up routines with ankle exercises specifically tailored for dancing in heels.
Once you’ve grasped the fundamentals of heels dance, you’ll find that transitioning to other dance styles becomes surprisingly easier. Imagine mastering a cartwheel on a balance beam – performing it on solid ground would feel significantly simpler. A similar principle applies to heels dance. It cultivates both confidence and serious skill development, making it an appealing and enriching dance form to explore.
