Your first heels dance class: what to wear, which shoes to take and what to expect

You booked your first heels class. Yay! Then you started packing your bag and a tiny panic kicked in. What goes in it? Do I need to buy shoes? Will everyone else show up in perfect outfits with ten years of heels experience?

Breathe! 🙂 Most women who come to my class in Zurich ask me the same questions, and the answer is almost always: you need less than you think. In this guide I’ll tell you what to wear to heels class, how to choose the best heels for heels dance (if you want your own pair) and what happens once you walk through the door. If you’d like the big picture first, start with my beginner’s guide to high heels dance.

First things first: you don’t need heels on day one

My philosophy is simple: at least for beginners, I teach heels / no heels classes. That means dancing in heels is optional. You can do your whole first class barefoot or in socks and put the heels on when you feel ready. Some women do it after a few classes, some after a few months, and some stay barefoot because they love it that way. All of it is fine.

What to wear to heels class

Think about it as a gym outfit with a little more fun. You should be able to move freely and go down to the floor without thinking about your clothes.

• Something comfy on the bottom. Leggings or shorts are great, but not a must. Wear whatever you feel good in and can bend and roll in.
• A top you can freely move in.
• Knee pads. We do floor work, and floor work is fun until you meet your kneecap. I have knee pads you can borrow or buy in the studio.
• A water bottle. Bring yours, but you’ll also find water and glasses in the studio.
• A hair tie. Optional, but turns and loose hair don’t always get along.

And what should you leave at home? The pressure to look perfect. We’re not filming a music video. Yet! 😉

The best heels for heels dance: what to look for

Here’s what I’d look for in your first pair.

1. Support for your ankle. Choose shoes that hold your ankle well. You’ll feel more stable and safer in them.
2. A beginner-friendly heel. A flared heel is a great place to start. A thicker stiletto works too. A very thin heel is harder to balance on.
3. A moderate height. Start lower and go higher when your ankles and balance feel at home. Something around 5 to 7 cm is a comfortable beginning.
4. The right sole. I usually recommend a suede sole over a rubber one, because it makes turning easier. But people differ, and some women prefer rubber. You’ll find out in class which one feels better for you.

No shoes yet? I’ve got you

If you’d like to try heels but don’t own a pair, I lend shoes for your first class. Just send me your shoe size before class and bring socks.

If you want your own pair afterwards, I have professional dance shoes for sale in different sizes and models. There’s no need to buy anything before you’ve tried it, so wait until you know what your feet like.

What happens in your first class

Here’s how a 60-minute class at The Dance Class looks:

1. Warm-up. We wake up the whole body, because your muscles are about to work harder than usual.
2. Technique. Walks, turns, isolations and the basics of moving safely in heels (or without them). This is usually where the giggling starts 🙂
3. Choreography. A short routine, taught in small pieces.
4. Cool down and stretch. We slow down and breathe before you go back to real life. The stretch at the end feels sooooo good.

Come about 5-10 minutes early, so you have time to change and say hi. Just FYI – most women leave their first class with a little bit of a sore body but a BIG smile on their faces. The body recovers in a day or two. The smile stays 🙂

Where to try it in Zurich

The Dance Class runs high heels dance every Tuesday at 18:00, followed by lyrical jazz at 19:00, at Studio Le Nid Kulturraum, Rüdigerstrasse 10, 8045 Zürich, a few minutes from Sihlcity. All classes are taught in English and beginners are very welcome. You can book your first class as a trial class, so you can see how it feels before you commit to anything.

Not in Zurich? I also teach live online classes, so your living room becomes the studio.

Check the online class schedule

See you on the dance floor!
Dorota

FAQ

What should I wear to my first heels dance class?

Something comfy that you can bend, squat and go down to the floor in. Leggings or shorts are great, but not a must. I have knee pads you can borrow or buy in the studio.

What are the best heels for heels dance for beginners?

Look for shoes that support your ankle, with a flared heel or a thicker stiletto and a moderate height. Many teachers prefer a suede sole, but the best sole is the one that feels right for you.

Do I need to buy heels before my first class?

No. You can dance barefoot or in socks. If you’d like to try heels, I lend shoes for your first class. Send me your shoe size before class and bring socks.

Do I have to dance in heels?

No. For beginners I teach heels / no heels classes, so you decide whether and when you put heels on.

How high should my heels be?

Start with a moderate height and go higher once your balance and ankles feel confident.

What if my feet hurt in heels?

Some tired calves after class are normal. Sharp pain or blisters usually mean the shoes don’t fit well. Switch to barefoot, tell me and try a different pair.

Can I buy dance shoes from you?

Yes. I have professional dance shoes for sale in different sizes and models.

Where can I take heels dance classes in Zurich?

At The Dance Class, every Tuesday at 18:00 at Studio Le Nid Kulturraum near Sihlcity. Check the class page for current details.