Dancing in Heels: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Slaying Safely & Confidently
So... you’ve got the heels. Now what? Whether you’re eyeing that Beyoncé vibe or just want to make it across the dance floor without face-planting (we’ve all been there), I’ve got you. This guide will take you from “help, I’m wobbly” to “hello, slay queen.”
1. Walking (and Dancing) in Heels 101
“How do you walk in heels without rolling your ankle?”
Ah, the million-dollar question.
- Start with the right shoes. Like, seriously. If they’re cute but feel like medieval torture devices, put them back. Look for heels that hug your foot—booties or lace-ups are magic because they give you ankle support.
- Shift your weight forward. Heels aren’t flats. Think tiptoe energy. Most of your weight should land on the balls of your feet, with your heel just brushing the floor behind you like a little afterthought.
- Shorter steps, hips engaged. Imagine there’s an invisible line and you’re working that runway. One foot in front of the other. Add a little hip sass if you’re feeling it. 😉
⭐ Pro Tip: Walking in heels is a skill. Dancing in them? That’s next level. Start slow. Feeling wobbly is normal (and secretly part of the fun).
2. Heels Dancing Starts with the Right Shoes
We need to talk about shoe choice.
- Chunky heels? Yes, please. Booties with a sturdy heel are your bestie when you’re starting out.
- Dance-specific heels (Latin or ballroom styles) are made for moving—and surviving.
- Maybe don’t grab your 6-inch stilettos just yet. We’ll get there, I promise!
3. What to Wear: From Bottom to Top
You want to feel snatched but secure.
- Clothing: Leggings or bike shorts (especially if you’re rocking a skirt). A fitted top that won’t flip up mid-turn.
- Knee pads: If you’re doing floorwork, your knees will thank you.
- Hair: Down for drama, ponytail for focus. Choose your fighter.
4. Warm-Up & Strengthen (You’ll Be Glad You Did)
This isn’t just “shake it out” and go.
- Stretch your ankles, calves, hips, back—heck, everything.
- Strong legs = happy ankles. Barre or ballet classes are game-changers. Even 10 squats a day makes a difference.
- And if you skip this step? Well… don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😅
5. Posture & Balance Are EVERYTHING
- Shoulders back. Chest lifted. Core on. You’re a queen, remember?
- Learn the Bevel stance:
- One foot bears your weight; the other lightly touches beside it.
- Squeeze those legs together like you’re holding a $100 bill between your knees.
- Check out that “S” curve you just created. Gorgeous.
⭐ Pro Tip: Practice in the mirror. Own it until it’s second nature.
6. Four Poses You Need to Master (Like Yesterday)
These aren’t just for photos—they’re your power moves.
- Over-the-Shoulder Smirk
- Big S Curve (hips popped, chest proud)
- “That Thing Right There” (point dramatically at the floor 😏)
- Sideways Glance (hello, mystery)
⭐ Why bother? They buy you time to think, reset your balance, and look effortlessly cool while you do it.
7. Moving Fast & Slow (The Art of Tempo)
- Slow = like you’re dancing through honey. Intentional. Drippy. Delicious.
- Fast = push off the ball of your back foot, stay light, let your arms swing naturally. Energy, baby!
Play with both. Control is the name of the game.
8. Connection Is the Secret Sauce
It’s not just steps—it’s a vibe.
- Be playful, not perfect. Flirty is fabulous.
- Listen to the song. Feel it. Don’t just count 5-6-7-8; tell a story.
⭐ Pro Tip: Pretend you’re acting in a movie scene. You’re feeling things, not hitting marks.
9. Take It Slow & Trust the Process
You’re not meant to slay day one.
- Focus on balance and posture first.
- Tricks and flips can wait (they’re overrated anyway).
- Every wobble-free moment? A total win. High-five yourself. 🙌
10. Final Thought: There’s Moving in Heels… and Then There’s SLAYING
Slaying is:
✅ Owning your space
✅ Feeling yourself
✅ Connecting with your audience (even if it’s just your cat watching you in the mirror)
✅ Moving with joy, not fear
Ready to get started? Take a beginner heels class! You’ll love how supportive the vibe is. And if you’re looking for inspo? Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love walk is your mood board. Watch it on repeat. Thank me later.
Dance Styles That Use Heels (and Own It!)
These styles love a good heel moment:
1. Latin Ballroom (Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba…)
- Heels? Absolutely. Latin shoes (2”–3” heels) make your hips pop and spins smoother.
2. Salsa
- Performances = heels on. Salsa shoes are built for speed and style.
3. Bachata
- Especially Sensual Bachata—heels help those body rolls shine.
4. Tango
- Argentine or Ballroom—heels complete that sharp, sleek vibe.
5. Kizomba
- Urban Kiz dancers often rock heels for added styling.
6. Heels Dance / Commercial Heels
- Think music videos and fierce energy. Booties or strappy heels made for dance.
7. Burlesque
- Character heels, stilettos—adds a sultry edge.
8. Pole Dance / Exotic Dance
- Platform Pleasers (yep, the tall ones!). They support your ankles and your style.
9. Jazz Funk
- Heels often make an appearance for that edgy commercial look.
Dance Styles Moving Away from Heels (And Why)
Sometimes flats just make more sense:
- From slim heels to sneakers—comfort and connection matter.
2. Lindy Hop
- Flat shoes help with all those fast footwork moments (and save your knees).
3. Swing (East Coast, Jive, Balboa…)
- Modern dancers are going for sneakers or flats to keep up with the speed.
4. Zouk
- Flats help with balance and crazy head movements.
5. Hip Hop
- Sneakers always. Unless you’re blending with Heels choreography.
Why the Shift?
- Foot health & longevity
- Grounded connection
- Trick complexity
- Social dance comfort (no blisters, thank you very much)
Summary
Heels dancing is its own world—and worth learning if you want to channel your inner diva. But in partner dances, flats are having a moment. It’s about finding what works for you.
