Werk Magazine:
Top Stories of the Dance Industry

Taking your first heels class is a big (and brave!) step. You’re balancing in shoes, learning new movement, and being asked to perform with confidence— all at once. It’s normal to feel clumsy or unsure in the beginning, but some mistakes can make the process harder than it needs to be. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look out for.

Your first heels class might have been all about surviving — balancing in shoes, remembering the counts, and finding your groove. But once you’ve got a few classes under your belt, the question becomes: How do I get better? Progressing from beginner to intermediate in heels is less about perfection and more about building consistency, confidence, and your style in your performance. Here’s how to take that next step in your heels journey.

Heels dance is powerful, expressive, and confidence-boosting — but if you’re a beginner, your first thought might be: How do people do this without their feet screaming? The truth is, dancing in heels should challenge you, but it shouldn’t leave you in pain. With the right preparation, footwear, and technique, you can keep your feet supported and your focus on the movement (not the blisters).