By Lesley Mealor / Edited by Samantha Bellerose, B.Ed, Dip.Dance(Performing Arts)
A heels class can be one of two things depending on the dancers it’s intended for. A heels class in the context of a children and teen’s dance studio will be a class that includes jazz, street jazz, theatre dance and/or commercial dance styles that utilize character heels.
A heels class for adults typically utilizes any type of high heeled shoes, not necessarily character heels, and could combine styles of dance like jazz, street jazz, hip hop or commercial dance.
A studio heels class will focus on technique as well as learning dance combinations in heels. Technical dancing in character heels involves a change in weight placement, the ability to maintain balance when landing leaps and jumps, and simply learning how to execute steps with the addition of 2 to 3 more inches.
An adult heels class is often geared towards non dancers, or is presented as a fitness-type class. You will see all kinds of heels, from stilettos to wedges to boots, and the goal of this type of class is empowerment, body positivity and fun! Depending on the studio and the clientele, you may find a technical heels class for adults but more often than not, adult heels classes are inclusive of all levels and welcoming to all.
This page is just one of hundreds of definitions of the many styles and genres of dance. This library is being continually added to by the writers and contributors of Dance Parent 101!