The Art of Dancing in Heels: From Foundation to Finesse

The Art of Dancing in Heels: From Foundation to Finesse

At ilovedanceshoes, we believe a great dance shoe is a partner in your performance. But let's be honest: dancing in heels is its own art form. It requires strength, technique, and a deep appreciation for the foundation of it all—your feet.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just lacing up your first pair of practice heels, this guide will help you understand the why and the how behind dancing with elegance and power.

Start with Your Foundation: A Love Letter to Your Feet

Before we even talk about heel height or style, we need to talk about your feet. They are your connection to the floor, your source of power, and your body’s primary balance sensor.

Think of it this way: Your feet are constantly communicating with your brain. If they are uncomfortable, unstable, or unsupported, that message travels up your entire body. Issues with your feet can lead to problems in your knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. It’s a chain reaction.

We often neglect our feet, but they provide incredible support for us all day long. Showing them some love isn't just about a pedicure; it's about understanding their vital role. Your ability to feel the floor through your feet and articulate them properly normalizes your balance and posture, making everything else in dance possible.

Beware: Though the more love we give to our feet, the more comfortable we'll be in our heels, BUT it will never feel as comfortable as being barefoot. If you're looking for that feeling, you won't find it - sorry to disappoint. Being barefoot and being in heels are fundamentally different, and heels are not natural for our bodies. So keep that in mind.

Why Do We Even Dance in Heels?

Historically, heels originated in 10th-century Persiame for practical reasons, helping cavalry keep feet in stirrups while riding, and later became a symbol of wealth and high social status. European courts adopted them in the 17th century before the French Revolution, which brought an end to their use as a status symbol for the elite. They now have completely different functions in society. While ultimately it's a question of personal preference and style, here are some reasons why women dance in heels:

• Feminine Quality of Movement: Heels instantly elongate the leg line, forcing a shift in weight and posture that creates a classic, graceful silhouette.

• Visual Aesthetic: Heels create a visual distinction between partners, highlighting the different roles in a partnership. It also complements the dresses and skirts we like to wear.

• Enhanced Movement: Since latin hip movements originates from the ball of the foot, heels distribute the wight forward and thus enhance that movement.
  

All of this creates length, beauty, elegance, and speed. In short, heels aren't just footwear; they are a tool that enhances the very technique and beauty of the dance.

Choosing Your Weapon: A Quick Guide to Dance Heels

Not all heels are created equal! The right shoe depends on your style.

• Ballroom & Latin Shoes: These are truly built for comfort. They are often heavily padded, have very good arch support, and are impeccably flexible, all to allow for comfort during long practices and competitions. The heel sits in the middle of your heel, allowing you to comfortable relax into the floor and use the weight of the floor for power. The heel can be strsight or flared.

• Salsa & Bachata Shoes: The main difference here is that the heel sits more in the back. They are also less flexible, less padded, and more flat-arched compared to heels made for latin ballroom dancers. They generally look cuter, with different colours and designs, and professional dancers will wear them generally at socials to look adorable. But the heel being in the back pushes forces you to dance completely on your toes, which is inefficient technique for dancing latin dances. At iLoveDanceShoes, most of our "social dancing" shoes are have some features of latin dance shoes, such as a heel more in the middle and triple-leather sole padding.

• A key point: The style (slim vs. flair) is a personal and stylistic choice that doesn't inherently impact comfort or balance; it's all about what you feel most secure in.

Pro Tip: Heel Guards
You'll often see dancers with plastic caps on the tips of their heels. These heel guards are primarily designed to protect the studio floor from scratches and wear. They do protect the heels as well but only a bit, and at the expense of connection with the floor. A word of caution from the pros: if your technique involves sliding or precise heel placements, heel guards can sometimes get stuck or catch on each other. It's something to be mindful of during practice!

Mastering the Basics: Your First Steps in Heels

Ready to give it a try? Start smart.

1. Start Low: Begin with a lower, thicker heel to build strength and confidence before moving to a higher, thinner stiletto.

2. Warm up: Before you put on your heels, warm up your feet and ankles with mobility and flexibility exercises. Then practice feeling your feet in simple weight transfers. Focus on your pushing off the balls of your feet, articulating throughout, keeping your ankles in alignment by putting more of the weight on the inside edge of your feet (which communicates directly with the pelvis).

3. Walk Before You Dance: Practice your weight transfers in your heels - walking slowly, feeling all parts of your feet using the floor, and build your way up in tempo to retain that grounded connection with faster music.

4. Listen to Your Body: Your feet are talking to you. If you feel sharp pain, stop. Discomfort is normal as you build strength, but pain is a sign to take a break.

Dancing in heels is a journey of combining artistry with athleticism. It’s about respecting your foundation—your incredible feet—while using your shoes to express grace, power, and beauty.

So show your feet some love, find the perfect pair that makes you feel strong and elegant, and step onto the dance floor with confidence! If you have trouble finding the perfect shoe, consider customization!

What’s your top tip for dancing in heels? Share your wisdom in the comments