heels dance teacher training
LEARN THE METHOD BEHIND
THE LUMINESQUE MOVEMENT
Are you a Heels dance teacher looking for an expert-level edge?
Are you a passionate Heels dancer dreaming about teaching?
Do you want to empower students, create breathtaking choreography, or start your own Heels dance company?
ACHIEVE IT ALL BEFORE ANOTHER YEAR GOES BY.
SEP-DEC 2025 | EARLY ACCESS PRICE: $444 (REG: $1,444) | 4 LIVE COACHING CALLS + 11 SELF-PACED LESSONS
SEE WHAT OUR FOUNDING COHORT ACHIEVED IN ONLY 15 WEEKS
opened her own dream dance studio
After dreaming about it for years, Cece finally took the leap - signed the lease, got the keys, and opened her very own dance studio! She overcame her fears about judgment from her peers, and followed her dream opening a space.
fell back in love with teaching dance again
While she joined on the brink of quitting dance entirely - Maria reignited her passion so fully that she unchained herself from solely studio management, and returned to teaching Heels classes for the first time in years.
took her impact from surviving to sustainable
Ashleigh’s performance program for fat dancers was making a difference, but she was burning out. She gained the confidence to set sustainable prices AND created a sliding scale to keep her program financially accessible.
found community for herself as a leader
Sophie’s company was thriving - but peers in her local scene were always trying to cut her down. She found the confidence and community support she needed from more collaborative dance leaders to stay strong and carry on.
feeling inspired? read even more testimonials below
WHY WE’RE FINALLY READY TO TELL YOU HOW WE BUILT LUMINESQUE
After a decade of running the world’s largest Heels Dance performance program, we, Vanessa and Emily, the owners of Luminesque, have learned a thing or two about how to build community, empower dancers, and safely teach the art of Heels Dance.
Every year, we’ve curated extremely valuable in-person training summits that gave our dream team the skills, strategy, and support required to become well-rounded, trauma-aware, highly effective Heels Dance Teachers and facilitators of transformation.
They’ve then gone on to empower 1000s of dancers, create breathtaking art, and start their own studios, production companies, and training programs. Watching the impact they make on their students and communities has been our dream turned to reality.
But we’ve often asked ourselves, what impact could we make on the world if we shared this extremely valuable knowledge with more than just our own team? How many more leaders could we empower, and how many more dancers could they help find their glow?
So, we’ve decided it’s time for this work to go beyond our own home in BC, Canada.
For the second time, we’re inviting a limited cohort of Heels Dance Teachers (practicing or aspiring) to learn the method behind the Luminesque movement - directly from us, LIVE.
Wherever you are in the world or in your Heels Dance teaching journey, you can now get exclusive first access to the ultimate version of Heels Dance Teacher Training program we’ve been testing, refining, and improving with our team for the past 9 years.
By joining us for our 15 week hybrid program, you’ll have access to our self-paced training program, PLUS 4 live coaching calls with us.
Everyone who registers before September 21 also receives this career-transforming training at a HUGE discount ($1000 OFF).
After this round, our program will become a solely self-directed course, at a much higher price point. So this is your ONLY chance to work directly with our Executive team to help you become the best Heels Dance teacher you can be for your students.
Gain the skills, strategy, and support that have allowed Luminesque to transform 1000s of lives for over a decade, so you can make your own mark on the Heels industry.
We’re only accepting 88 members in this live hybrid round - so claim your spot now!
become a leading heels dance teacher
IN 15 VALUE-PACKED WEEKS, LEARN HOW TO…
WEEK 1 - WHY LUMINESQUE
Embrace a growth mindset
Operate from your values
Learn from our 20-year journey
WEEK 2 - ORIGIN OF HEELS DANCE
Explain what Heels Dance is
Responsibly acknowledge origins
Contribute back to its creators
WEEK 3 - ANATOMY IN HEELS
Cue for inclusivity & safety
Explain Heels biomechanics
Identify/fix hotspots for injury
WEEK 4 - LIVE Q&A CALL
Receive personalized feedback
Join the live Q&A with V & Em
Apply what you’ve learned so far
WEEK 5 - HEELS INSTRUCTION
Break down Heels movements
Adapt teaching for accessibility
Build a warmup all dancers love
WEEK 6 - HEELS CHOREOGRAPHY
Get your creativity flowing
Create memorable phrasing
Bring vision to life onstage
WEEK 7 - PERFORMING SEXUALITY
Safely lead consent conversations
Step into the director’s lens
Co-create empowering art
WEEK 8 - LIVE Q&A CALL
Receive personalized feedback
Get answers to your questions
Apply what you’ve learned so far
WEEK 9 - STRUT INTO LEADERSHIP
Overcome imposter syndrome
Hold safe(r) space for students
Manage the energy in your room
WEEK 10 - ART OF FACILITATION
Increase student retention
Build & care for a community
Care for yourself as a leader
WEEK 11 - YOUR UNIQUE ESSENCE
Discover your special strengths
Talk about yourself confidently
Stand out in the industry
WEEK 12 - LIVE Q&A CALL
Receive personalized feedback
Get answers to your questions
Apply what you’ve learned so far
WEEK 13 - PATHS TO PROGRESSION
Build cumulative curriculum
Help students push themselves
Plan for long-term growth
WEEK 14 - HEART-CENTRED SALES
Set sustainable pricing models
Design high-value programs
Make more money with integrity
WEEK 15 - LIVE CELEBRATION CALL
Celebrate your success
Chart your future offerings
Connect as a cohort
+ MORE BONUS RESOURCES, LIKE…
Time-tested templates
More reading/listening materials
Access to updated lessons later
make 2026 your year
STRUT INTO NEXT YEAR FEELING CONFIDENT AS A HEELS FACILITATOR
you don’t have to learn the hard way
Let’s be real for a minute - DANCE CULTURE CAN BE TOXIC.
Many of us grew up immersed in problematic practices, and may have even quit dance for awhile because of bad experiences.
So even when you have the best intentions, toxic mindsets and habits can slip into your teaching without you even noticing.
In an industry steeped in ruthless competition, you can’t always rely on others to even tell you when you’re doing harm.
But we’re not about that. We believe everyone has room to shine, and that together we can make positive changes to the industry.
LEARN TO AVOID THESE BEFORE HAVING TO LIVE THEM:
Crippling imposter syndrome that makes teaching feel stressful and full of shame instead of passion, joy and confidence
Burning out creatively, emotionally, and physically from giving unsustainably with no nourishment or support
Heels dance communities becoming so insular, exclusive, and catty that they start to look, sound, and feel like a cult
Gatekeeping of knowledge of how to make safer spaces, meaning everyone causes harm while they stumble through alone
Ignorantly causing harm to Black and Latin artists and Indigenous Peoples, and being cancelled for cultural appropriation
Your students (or you) being taken out of Heels forever by easily preventable injuries before careers have a chance to start
Competitive scarcity culture causing in-fighting and desperate price slashing that devalues our entire industry for everyone
Unknowingly excluding entire demographics, losing out on valuable clients and the chance to build a diverse community
Traumatizing students by pushing them into sexually-charged situations in class (or worse, onstage) without proper consent
Operating in silos, creating loneliness for community leaders, watching students feel belonging while you feel alone yourself
how this training has transformed dance careers
amber barton
world renowned dance artist, choreographer, & founder of the responseI have never experienced working for a studio and/or company that takes so much time investing in their teachers let alone constantly finessing their programs offered to their students. I was absolutely impressed (and continue to be) with their teacher training.
Dance has managed for many, many years to get away with toxic, traumatic teaching practices that tend to be unregulated with uncertified teachers. The level of accountability, responsibility and education that Luminesque encourages, seeks and fosters with its teachers, team and staff... it's unique and extremely special. And the company continues, year after year, to keep asking how can we be better and how can we improve?
Luminesque taught me what it is to be a part of a community and what being in community means. Luminesque is also a place what made me feel so seen and valued for my experience. I think above all, the programs offered and my experience on staff...it truly made me fall in love with dance again and why I love dance—that it can be fun despite all the challenges that the profession can present.
Working with Vanessa and Emily aligned with my own values: that dancing doesn't have to take place in a toxic environment; that we can work hard and play hard, show up messy and still be great because we showed up for ourselves.
bronwynn joy
artistic director of Luminesque DanceVanessa was the first person I ever took Heels from. From the moment I stepped into her room, there was a ball of genuine light. She creates a space that challenges you to stretch even further than you thought was possible - not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.
As dance teachers, it is our job to provide a space that feels accessible for folks to be educated, nurtured, encouraged and challenged.
Luminesque training has provided just that - the tools that leave me confident to continue to explore who I am as leader, and also an artist. To approach leading a room and teaching movement not just as steps, but as embodiment, artistry, and technique. To know that I am creating the safest space I can for movers to feel liberated, confident, bold and educated. To teach the how and more importantly, the WHY.
Vanessa and Emily are powerful forces themselves - but when they’re leading, you really feel like they’re there to hold space for you to expand even bigger and bolder than them. They know when to inspire, and when to simply witness. This grace allows you to find your own essence and the confidence to share it with the world.
rachel helten
dance artist & choreographerI entered the room and could feel my whole being buzzing with an inner knowing that transformation was on the horizon. I was home. Vanessa thoughtfully created a space for us to express, to feel held and to find freedom.
I have had the immense pleasure of being guided by Vanessa as a dance mentor, choreographer and teacher. She has a way of awakening the truth within your body and heart. Vanessa’s leadership is kind and powerful. She does not only teach dance steps but she guides you to a place of wholeness through deep embodied awareness. Each time I am present in class or creative processes with V I feel I remember who I am. In a world that so often distracts from our pure essence and magnificence, her process allows you to drop in so you can remember the vast intelligence and wisdom of your mind, body and soul.
Vanessa’s practice incorporates a magical fusion of guided meditation, breath, embodiment practices, dance, and connection. For weeks after taking her most recent workshop, fragments of that experience have led me to a greater understanding of myself and a deepening of self-love and empowerment.
Needless to say I highly recommend working with Vanessa. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her magic will enliven your senses and her grace will inspire you.
cierra rohde
founder of Dance Directions SquamishLuminesque has been a transformative force in my life, far beyond the world of dance. When I first registered for the program, I was seeking community and connection while battling shyness, low self-confidence, and anxiety. The kind and supportive environment at Luminesque helped me grow not only as a dancer but as a person. The talented, passionate and educated teachers offer more than just technical training—they impart invaluable life lessons that have empowered me to embrace my potential and overcome self-doubt and anxiety.
Through their encouragement and the positive, growth-focused atmosphere, I gained the confidence to pursue my dreams outside the dance studio. With the skills and self-assurance I developed, I took a bold step and started my own business. Today, I feel empowered in all areas of my life - whether as a dance teacher, a business owner, or simply as a person. I am continuing to thrive and grow in all aspects of my life.
What Luminesque built is more than just a dance program; it’s a community where you discover your inner strength, find your voice, and achieve your dreams. I am deeply grateful for the impact they've had on my life and wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to grow both as a dancer and as a person.
JOIN NOW TO RECEIVE THE MOST VALUE FOR OUR LOWEST PRICE EVER
As a thank you for being patient as we refined our training and integrated Founding Member feedback, we’re giving everyone on the waitlist an unbelievable discount.
At our Early Access price, running just ONE well-priced Heels workshop would pay for this entire 15-week program. And after this, you’ll have the confidence to launch.
what you get for your investment
11 self-paced lessons, built on decades of expertise
4 LIVE one-hour Q&A sessions with Vanessa + Emily (+ guests)
Bonus listening, reading, and reflecting resources
Course completion badge for your Heels Teacher resume
Early access + exclusive discounts to all future GGA offerings
EARLY ACCESS PRICE: $444 ($1000 OFF)
REGULAR PRICE: $1,444.00 CAD
Offer ends September 21
about the co-owners
vanessa lalonde
FOUNDER + DIRECTOR
Vanessa is the Founder of Luminesque, as well as a trauma-informed holistic embodiment coach, dance educator, Temple Body Artist™, breathwork facilitator, and visionary. Her deepest passion is to help humans feel alive and to help them tap into their innate power through creative expression.
Vanessa is an avid believer in continual education for herself and her team at Luminesque. Beyond her Diploma in Dance from Grant MacEwan University and certificate from the Canadian College of Performing Arts, she has completed thousands of hours of professional development in certification programs specializing in creativity coaching, life skills coaching, EFT/TFT, directing, breathwork, embodiment, reiki, manifestation, equitable business ownership, and leadership.
In her own artistic career, Vanessa has trained and performed extensively all over the world - spending multiple years as a travelling artist in the USA, Mexico, Europe and Australia. She has worked as a Choreographer and Movement Coach with renowned artists such as Xavier Rudd, Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, Rachel Keller and many more. She has choreographed for world tours, music videos, film, and TV.
As a Show Writer and Producer, Vanessa has worked on almost 100 stage shows over the past decade and continues to write at least 3 per year in her role as Artistic Director at Glow Studios (Luminesque, The Lovers Productions). She is an acclaimed dance teacher (in and out of Heels) and continues to train, perform, and help create shows across BC.
emily sandbeck
CEO + CO-OWNER
Emily is a creative entrepreneur, marketing educator, and mentor of heart-centred business owners. After receiving her BA in Communications with Distinction in the First Degree, her career started in non-profit arts before catapulting into the entertainment tech industry. She built and led a dream team of fan-based marketing experts that sold out massive stadiums in mere minutes for industry leaders like Spotify, LiveNation, and major league (NFL, NHL) sports teams. She’s spoken at international conferences and guest taught at accredited universities about how to make the arts into a thriving, profitable industry. However, she’d always been an advocate for equity, decolonization, and unabashed sexual expression - all of which were silenced at best and outright shamed at worst in the hyper-capitalist, predominately white, male-dominated tech industry.
Discovering Luminesque as a dancer showed her that she could be a respected leader and a sexual being at the same time. So she left Tech behind - equipped with their Fortune 500 formulas like a marketing Robin Hood - with a mission to make our world better for everyone, not just the one percent. As the now CEO + Co-Owner of Glow Studios (Luminesque, The Lovers Productions, Glow Giver Academy), and as the Founder of HeartUP - she uses her privilege, education, and experience to help dancers and heart-centred entrepreneurs alike discover their unique essence and share it proudly.
While she spends a lot more time dancing in her kitchen with her one year old daughter than on stage these days, she will always be passionate about Heels dance and how it helps people (including moms like herself) shine so bright.
ready to glow even further?
Be the first to know when we open applications to become a fully Certified Luminesque™ Heels Instructor in your area.
If you’re curious about certification, make sure you join this Heels Dance Teacher Training now, as it is a prerequisite for our full certification program, and may not be available again until 2026.