Heels Dance for Beginners: What It Is and What to Wear

Author of this article

Louisa — Founder of Lou's Polewear

Louisa studied design engineering and develops every piece in the studio: worn, tested, refined. She knows what freedom of movement and a good fit require.

You are standing between the poles, the music kicks in, and you are wearing shoes you would not normally wear day to day. Heels dance in a pole studio happens in platform heels, and when you are starting out, questions come up fast: what are these shoes, exactly, and what do I wear with them?

Here you get an overview of what heels dance is and what to expect in class, an outfit guide with pieces from our collection, and neutral guidance on pole heels. We do not sell shoes at Lou's, so we do not give a buying recommendation.

What Is Heels Dance?

Heels dance, also called high heels dance, is a dance style performed in heels. It combines elements of jazz and hip-hop, sometimes contemporary too, and is shaped by music video choreography. The focus is on posture, walk, balance and expression.

Pole studios offer heels classes where you learn moves on and around the pole and on the floor in platform heels. You learn walks, turns, poses and choreography, with a focus on balance, posture and control. In a classic pole fitness class, by contrast, you usually train without heels. If you want to practise at home between classes, the guide on buying a pole dance pole covers purchase and setup.

What Are the Benefits of Heels Dance?

Studios mainly point to these effects: better posture and balance, stronger legs and body, and more self-confidence. On top of that comes the creative side: you turn music into movement and find your own expression.

Heels Dance for Beginners: What to Expect in Class

A beginner class usually starts with a warm-up. After that, instructors practice the basics such as posture, walking and balance, and put them together in a short choreography. The exact program is up to each studio.

How strict a studio is about shoes varies: some require pole heels, while others make them optional in the first class or let you dance in socks. Ask beforehand.

Finding a Heels Dance Class Near You

Search for "heels dance classes near me" or your city plus "heels dance," and include pole studios. Many studios offer a trial class, so you can get a feel for the atmosphere, level and teaching. Not every class is meant for complete beginners, so check the level listed.

What to Wear to Heels Dance Class

The good news: there are hardly any strict rules. Studios mostly say that you should feel good and be able to move freely. Leggings, shorts, bodysuits and tops that fit the body are common. Skip unnecessary accessories that get in the way while you dance.

From our collection, these combinations work best:

Heels Dance Class Outfit for Your First Class

Heels dance outfit for beginners: pick something comfortable that lets you move freely, for example a top with shorts or a bodysuit. If you want more coverage, the Liselle Bodysuit is an option: it has no cut-out at the front.

Heels Dance Outfits for Performances

Heels dance outfits for the stage: for showcases and videos you can choose bolder pieces, such as prints or a mesh piece like the Cabaret Shorts.

Pole Heels: What Shoes Do Dancers Wear in the Studio?

We do not sell shoes at Lou's. So here you get neutral guidance that manufacturers, specialist shops and studios give consistently, and no buying recommendation.

What Are Pole Heels and Platform Heels?

Pole heels are platform shoes with a high stiletto heel, built specifically for dancing on the pole. They differ from regular high heels, and some studios therefore rule out street shoes in heels classes. They come as sandals with ankle straps, sometimes with clear straps, and as boots, from ankle boots to knee-high and thigh-high styles. They are often made of patent material, which grips the pole well.

Why the Platform Makes Standing Easier

The reason is the platform under the ball of the foot: it offsets part of the heel height, so your foot sits flatter than in regular high heels. A large share of the visible height comes from the platform. On top of that comes support: straps or a boot shaft stabilize the ankle.

What Heel Height Should You Start With?

Pole heels mostly come in 6, 7 and 8 inches, with some models up to 10 inches. For a start, manufacturers, specialist shops and academies mostly name 6 to 7 inches, which is about 15 to 18 cm. Styles from 8 inches up are considered advanced. The recommendations differ in the details, and because of the platform, the height alone tells only half the story. So ask your instructor before you buy.

Heel heights at a glance (as given by manufacturers, specialist shops and academies):

When you feel confident in your outfit, you dance more freely. The rest comes with time and with every class.

"Confidence does not start with perfection. It starts the moment you feel at home in your own body."