Heels Training
Technique first. Always.
We believe heels dance should be trained with intention and care. Our approach centers around safety, stability, and building functional strength — so you can move freely and fearlessly long after the class ends.
A different approach to heels
A note from our founder, Shayla:
I’ve spent the last 15 years training in heels technique and working with industry veterans — from London to Los Angeles to right here at home in so-called Vancouver — all while navigating disability, chronic fatigue, and myofascial pain syndrome.
Through my personal journey with chronic joint instability, injury rehabilitation, and intensive physiotherapy, I’ve seen firsthand what dancers truly need to stay strong.
My teaching blends traditional heels technique with principles from strength & mobility training, physiotherapy, yoga, and pilates — building stability from the ground up so you can move powerfully and sustainably for years to come.
Grounded in Back to Basics
Back to Basics is the foundation of how I teach heels — because dancing in a heels isn’t just a style choice, it’s an entirely different skill.
At the heart of this curriculum are what I describe as the 6 pillars of safe and effective heels technique. When you put on a high heel, the way you approach these elements fundamentally changes; they don’t look or function the same as they do barefoot or in sneakers, instead they require specific, intentional training that takes into account the shifts in alignment, balance, and muscle engagement that happen the moment you step into a heel.
That’s why these aren’t “basics” because they’re simple (hint, they’re not) — they’re basics because they’re critical foundation every heels dancer needs to build strength, protect their body, and move with confidence.
The Pillars:
Body Awareness
Lower Body Conditioning
3D Movement & Oppositional Force
Weight Transfers
Balance & Single Leg Stability
Momentum & Rotation
Want to learn more about our
Back to Basics method?
Explore your training options
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Multi-week programs that build your skills step by step. Each week stacks on the last, helping you deepen your technique, strengthen your body, and grow your confidence in heels.
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Single-session classes that dive into specific pillars or focus areas. Some follow our Back to Basics method, others explore style & choreography.
More info coming soon
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Train with us anywhere, anytime, with programs that guide you through the six pillars at your own pace.
Coming Soon!
Heels Progressives & Intensives
Deepen your heels technique with our progressive series, built on the Back to Basics pillars and designed to evolve week by week. Or dive into intensive training for a powerful burst of growth, honing specific skills and artistry in a shorter format. Wherever you’re at, there’s space to level up with us.
Current Programs: