new to heels
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
INTO HEELS DANCE
about NewToHeels
6-Week Heels Dance Progressive Designed Specifically for Beginners
Want to try Heels Dance but don’t know where to start?
NewToHeels is the perfect first step!
Designed for beginners - our 6-week journey is a gentle yet powerful immersion into Heels Dance.
We guide you with intention and care through the essentials - Heels technique, moves, context, musicality, and artistry. Beyond learning the basics, you’ll also be guided through connecting to your own unique identity, body, and way of moving in Heels.
Over the past decade, we’ve safely supported 5000+ beginner dancers from their very first step into Heels Dance, all the way to soaking up the spotlight in show after show (with many even going pro)!
This 6-week program is a rich distillation of everything we’ve learned about how to nurture new dancers with confidence, clarity, and care as they start their Heels Dance journey.
Whether you want to feel more confident, explore gentle sensuality, or take your first step towards your dream of performing in our legendary Progress program - this is your chance to dip your toe into the style before taking that big leap.
Ready to feel confident, secure, and empowered in Heels? Join us for our next round of NewToHeels.
why we created NewToHeels
Heels Dance can be intimidating - the shoes, the sexuality, the pressure to perform… it can be a lot. Especially at first.
Over the past decade, we’ve heard the concerns of those new to Heels dance (or dance in general) again and again:
“I’ve never danced before… what if I can’t do it?”
“What if I don’t feel ready to perform on stage?”
“Five months is too long to commit to right now.”
“What if I find out that Heels just isn’t for me?”
“Can I start Heels dance without wearing heels?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, this program is designed specifically for you!
We’ve built NewToHeels as a low-pressure, highly supportive space for those new to the style, or even dance in general.
It’s not about performance or perfection - it’s about giving yourself permission to take the first step, indulge your curiosity, and see if Heels is your jam (or not).
In just 6 weeks you’ll gain…
A strong foundation in essential Heels Dance technique and movements
Improved understanding of dance vocabulary, musicality, and basic anatomy
Tools for learning & retaining choreography (so you can strut into drop-ins, head high!)
Increased connection to your own unique movement, body, and identity as a dancer
A sense of community, encouragement, and confidence in your ability to learn new skills
While this course (deliberately) does not have any video or stage performance aspect, we do work with one song throughout the 6 weeks as a learning tool. This practice helps us build familiarity with musicality, choreography retention, character expression… and plus, it’s fun!
become a Heels dancer in just 6 weeks
WEEK 1 - Welcome to Heels!
Introduction to Heels dance history and cultural roots
What makes a great dance heel (and how to find them)
Rise & Shine: how we “warm up” and why it matters
Foundational Heels movements
WEEK 2 - Building our Foundation
Going deeper on history and context
Movement review + adding new layers/skills
Introduction to dancing across the floor
WEEK 3: Dimensions of Dance
Refinement and repetition
Exploring multi-dimensional movements
Introducing counting and choreography
WEEK 4: Exploring Your Essence
Playing with dancer autonomy and personal expression
Linking movement elements into short phrases
Tools for recalling and retaining choreography
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a new dancer
WEEK 5: Intro to Embodied Storytelling
Introduction to embodiment practice
Exploring movement dynamics (accent, flow, texture)
Stringing choreography phrases into your “full piece”!
WEEK 6: You’re a Heels Dancer! 🎉
Locking in & reflecting on the foundation you’ve built
Compassionate, supportive guided witnessing exercise
Closing celebration of your personal and collective wins!
is NewToHeels a good fit for me?
YES, if you:
Are curious about Heels but feel nervous to start
Have never danced or haven’t danced in a long time
Want to move in a way that feels empowering and exploratory
Are intimidated by, but working towards our Progress performance program
Are ready to try something new, just for you!
NewToHeels logistics
PROGRAM TUITION: $222 CAD (all-in price)
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
6 classes (one per week), 90 minutes long each
In-person instruction with one of our certified teachers
BONUS: NewToHeels members often receive exclusive discounts to our other programs, and some cohorts receive free tickets to our Progress program shows.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need heels? NO! They’re encouraged, but not required. Clean feet, socks, or soft shoes are all great. Bring ‘em if you have ‘em, and if not, we’ll help you find the right pair when you're ready.
What do I wear/bring? Just a water bottle, and any clothes that feel good to move in.
we’re ready for you!
Give yourself 6 weeks to just try.
Connect with yourself, learn something new, and have fun… we bet you’ll surprise yourself! You don’t need experience. You don’t need to “be” anything first. You don’t even need to be sure you’ll like Heels Dance in the end.
YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP!
Join our next round of NewToHeels now.
upcoming NewToHeels course schedule
in Vancouver
PROGRAM RUNS:
NOVEMBER 5 - DECEMBER 10
CLASS TIME:
WEDNESDAYS @ 8:00-9:30PM
STUDIO LOCATION:
GLOW STUDIOS VANCOUVER (1026 Davie St, Suite 400, Buzz 200)
FEATURED INSTRUCTOR:
NIKKI REI (she/they)
Whether you want to feel more confident, explore gentle sensuality, or take your first step towards your dream of performing in our legendary Progress program - this is your chance to dip your toe into the style before taking that big leap.
NewToHeels is a 6-week distillation of everything we’ve learned about how to nurture new dancers with confidence, clarity, and care as they start in Heels Dance.
Ready to feel confident, secure, and empowered in Heels?
Join us for our next round of NewToHeels with Nikki Rei.
in Victoria
PROGRAM RUNS:
NOVEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 8
CLASS TIME:
MONDAYS @ 8:00-9:30PM
STUDIO LOCATION:
GLOW STUDIOS VANCOUVER (1026 Davie St, Suite 400, Buzz 200)
FEATURED INSTRUCTOR:
VANESSA LALONDE (she/they) - our Founder!
Whether you want to feel more confident, explore gentle sensuality, or take your first step towards your dream of performing in our legendary Progress program - this is your chance to dip your toe into the style before taking that big leap.
NewToHeels is a 6-week distillation of everything we’ve learned about how to nurture new dancers with confidence, clarity, and care as they start in Heels Dance.
Ready to feel confident, secure, and empowered in Heels?
Join us for our next round of NewToHeels with our Founder, Vanessa Lalonde.
still have questions?
Our team is here to help! Contact us and we’ll help you find the best program for you.