about returning dancer levels

The PROGRESS program has 3 levels for Returning dancers:
the KITTEN HEELS, the PUMPS, and the STILETTOS.

Although our levels have cheeky high-heel inspired names, these aren’t literally the shoes you’ll wear when you’re dancing. We recommend everyone trains in a less then 4”, suede-bottomed dance shoe designed for Heels dance, like our Glow Getter heel.

how dancers progress for years in the same level

We’re continually developing a comprehensive curriculum of Heels dance movement with experts from a variety of fields, and our team of teachers are certified every year in Luminesque movement and processes through the Glow Giver Academy. While dancers do sometimes shift levels, it only really happens when their circumstances (in dance, life, etc.) have changed significantly.

see the levels in action

THE KITTEN HEELS

The Kitten Heels are dancers who just love to have fun! They may be fairly new to dance, or have some experience - but ultimately they’re here to develop foundational technique, feel confident in their performances, become comfortable with expressing sexuality, and receive loving support from their teachers and fellow dancers. They receive the most guidance from our team, and are able to succeed without much out-of-class-time commitment. If you’re “here for fun” or a busy bee, Kitten Heels is a great fit.

THE PUMPS

The Pumps are experienced dancers who are looking to further develop heels dance technique, strength and performance quality. They have a solid foundation of heels dance injury prevention and skills, and are looking to challenge themselves to take on more difficult choreography and performance prompts. They desire direct feedback from their teachers, and are committed not only to their own journey, but to their teammates' success as well. They’re getting comfortable with expressing sexuality and storytelling, and are committed to practicing outside class time.

THE STILETTOS

The Stilettos are advanced or professional dancers with years of experience, who desire a nurturing place to build upon and finesse their existing foundation of technique, artistry, and performance. They are extremely familiar with heels technique, and consistently demonstrate injury prevention, even when mindfully “breaking the rules” of proper alignment. They’re super self-aware about their own goals and limitations, and desire to be challenged in new ways by their teachers. They understand the value of collaboration over competition in a team, and are confident enough in their abilities to allow for others to shine.

how level placement is determined

Unlike traditional beginner/intermediate/advanced scales which only account for dance technique and exist as a hierarchy to climb - our levels are carefully designed as communities where dancers can thrive for years in the same level. Our intention with our level structure is that all dancers - from beginner to professional - can be challenged, supported, and celebrated every term, long-term.

FACTORS THAT INFORM LEVEL PLACEMENT:

• How much energy (focus, stamina, attention, etc.) does a student have to give their class?

• How familiar are they with performing heels dance onstage and in-studio?

• How consistently do they demonstrate consistent injury prevention in heels?

• How familiar are they with Heels dance technique and vocabulary?

• How much individual attention and/or constructive critique do they desire (if any)?

• How self-aware are they regarding your their artistry, embodiment, and limitations?

• How committed are they able to be in class and outside of class time (to practice, etc)?

• How dedicated are they to your team’s development (vs. being focused on their own journey)?

RECEIVING PLACEMENT

All returning dancers are automatically eligible to join the KITTEN HEELS, and do not need to receive placement.

If a student wishes to move from a NEWTOLUMI or KITTEN HEELS course, into a PUMPS or STILETTOS level - they must either attend a free Placement Class, or contact us to request a Video Placement or for a Placement Expert to attend one of their regularly scheduled Progress classes before the end of term. They will then directly receive a recommendation on which level would be the best fit moving forward. Dancers may not “self-assess” into any level except Kitten Heels.

“BY APPLICATION” COURSES
Since we have over 400 dancers in our program, there are often differences in the focuses and abilities of dancers even within each of the core levels. Because of this, we occasionally offer By Application courses. By Application courses allow our team to actively create one class for dancers that are united by a similar feature. These similarities can be: a shared learning or performing goal, a number of terms spent in the same level, special proficiency with the levels’ curriculum, to name a few.

The common feature of those admitted into By Application courses changes from term to term, and is dependant on the pool of applicants, as well as the show focuses, and the teachers leading the By Application course. We accept applications before registration launches, and then dancers who are determined by our Placement Experts to be a good fit will receive invitations to enroll. Applicants who do not receive an invitation are still eligible to enroll in any other class at their usual level.

APPLY FOR BY APPLICATION COURSES FOR FALL 25/26 HERE.