When you see a heels class today — rows of dancers strutting confidently across the floor, hair whipping to the beat, choreography sharp yet fluid — it feels like a modern phenomenon. But the story of heels dance didn’t begin in a mirrored studio.
Heels dance evolved over decades, influenced by stage performance, commercial dance, and the growing demand for artistry and confidence in movement. What was once reserved for music videos and professional stages is now accessible to anyone with a pair of heels and a willingness to try.
Let’s trace the journey of heels dance: from its stage origins to its place as one of today’s most empowering studio styles.
Long before heels classes existed, heels were used in entertainment and performance. Think cabaret shows, Broadway productions, or burlesque stages. Dancers wore heels to elongate their lines, enhance stage presence, and add drama to their performances.
In the 1990s and 2000s, heels dance exploded in mainstream pop culture. Music videos became platforms where choreography and fashion fused.
This era transformed heels from a stage accessory into a defining dance style.
By the late 2000s and early 2010s, heels began moving into studios as an official class style. Dancers wanted to learn what they saw in music videos and live tours — and choreographers responded.
What was once reserved for professional stage dancers was now open to beginners looking for empowerment, fitness, or artistry.
Heels dance is often misunderstood as purely “sexy,” but the style is much deeper. Its evolution reflects a balance of confidence and technical skill.
This blend is what makes heels so transformative — for both seasoned dancers and absolute beginners.
Today, heels is one of the most popular styles taught in dance studios worldwide. Its growth has been fueled by:
If you’re new to heels, knowing its evolution helps you connect deeper to the style. Understanding that it comes from a rich blend of stage, commercial, and studio traditions gives you context for why classes focus so much on:
It’s not just about dancing in heels — it’s about carrying forward a legacy of performance, artistry, and expression.
Who started heels dance?
Heels evolved from a blend of Broadway, burlesque, and commercial dance influences. Pioneering choreographers like Danielle Polanco, Yanis Marshall, and Aisha Francis are credited with shaping it into a codified studio style.
Why do dancers train in heels?
Heels improve posture, balance, strength, and performance quality. They also build confidence by pushing dancers to move outside their comfort zones.
Is heels dance only for women?
Not at all. Heels is for everyone. Many male and non-binary dancers have become leaders in the style, proving that heels is about expression, not gender.
Do you need experience to take a heels class?
No — many classes are beginner-friendly. Instructors often break down walks, posture, and foundations before diving into choreography.
How is heels dance different from hip hop or jazz?
Heels pulls from multiple styles but is defined by movement executed in high heels. It blends jazz technique, hip hop grooves, and performance-based expression into one style.
The evolution of heels dance mirrors its message: transformation. From stage performances to commercial music videos to inclusive studio spaces, heels has grown into a style that empowers anyone willing to try.
When you put on a pair of heels in class, you’re not just learning choreography — you’re stepping into a history of artistry, performance, and confidence that has inspired dancers for decades.
