start your journey with confidence
5 Tips for New Heels Pole Dancers
If you’re just beginning your journey into pole dancing in heels, welcome! Whether you’ve signed up for your first studio session or are diving into online pole dance classes, learning to dance in heels is a powerful and empowering experience. But like any new skill, it’s important to build your foundation with intention.
Here are five essential tips for new dancers who are ready to explore the world of heels pole dancing.
Tip 1. Know Your Shoes and Find The Ones That Fit You
In heels pole dancing, your heels are more than just a look—they’re a tool. Choosing the right pair can make a huge difference in your safety, comfort, and ability to move with ease. Look for pole-specific heels that provide ankle support, a snug fit, and sturdy construction. There are many brands and they all fit differently. Not sure what to buy?
Try different heel heights (we recommend starting with 7 or 8 inch heels) and styles in your online pole dance classes & ask your instructors for recommendations before you buy! A great pair of shoes should feel like an extension of your body, not something you’re fighting against. Aching or painful feet are a sign that your shoes might not be the right fit for you.
Tip 2. Start Conditioning Your Legs, Hips and Ankles Immediately
Heels dancing requires strength and stability in the lower body, especially around the joints. Begin conditioning your legs, hips, and ankles early on, well before you attempt complex movements. Building strength in your legs will help you master challenging movements like the pirouette. This will not only help you dance more fluidly but also prevent common injuries.
Our Strong for Heels program is a great place to start—it’s a self-paced online conditioning course specifically designed for heels dancers.
Tip 3. Focus on Your Basics First
It’s easy to get distracted by new choreos & advanced movements, but in heels pole dancing, it’s the foundations that truly matter at the beginning. Start with the essentials: basics like pirouettes, slides, leg waves, and confident, intentional walks. These foundational movements are fundamental to all the movements you’ll learn later, and they teach you how to distribute your weight, create graceful lines, and move with purpose. They’re also the heart of pole dancing in heels—you’ll come back to them again and again as your dancing evolves. The more you refine these basics, the more fluid, expressive, and powerful your movement will become and you’ll be able to approach harder movements with more ease.
Want to learn the fundamentals step by step? Check out our Heels Goddess Online Course—it’s a go-to for anyone wanting to master the foundations of heels pole dancing.
Tip 4. Start Taking Regular Classes 1-2 Times a Week
Whether you’re training at a studio or joining online pole dance classes, consistency is key. Attending classes once or twice a week will help you build muscle memory, stay motivated, and track your progress. Choose classes that are right for your level, with instructors who break down technique clearly and offer options for different levels. Classes will help you start joining movements together and finding your flow.
Our Online Studio offers 10+ weekly online heels classes with the industry’s best heels instructors, and on-demand recording & tutorial library so you can keep learning and growing on your schedule, from anywhere in the world. Start your 5 day free trial today!
Tip 4. Refine What You Learn Before Moving On
In dance, more isn’t always better. Before jumping to the next move, spend time refining what you already know. Revisit a combo you learned in class, clean up your transitions, and explore how each movement feels in your body. This not only helps build confidence, it also unlocks strength & will help you slowly develop your unique style. Repetition isn’t a step backward; it’s how mastery is built. Many online pole dance classes allow you to rewatch content, making it easier to polish skills at your own pace.
Learning pole dancing in heels is a journey of strength, sensuality, and self-expression. By starting with the right shoes, conditioning consistently, focusing on foundations, and training regularly, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Whether you’re training in-person or through online pole dance classes, remember to enjoy the journey & stay present in your movement.