Pole Heels: Your Complete Guide to Mastering Pole Dancing in High Heels
Overview of Dancing in High Heels
Pole dancing and pole heels (alternative name high heels) have become synonymous in the world of exotic dance. This combination has been popularized by numerous movies and TV shows, and it has now become a mainstream form of exercise and entertainment.
The first question that comes to mind is, how do you use high heels in pole dancing? Well, the answer is simple. High pole heels add an extra element of sensual appeal to your dance moves. They elongate your legs, and the added height can make your movements look more fluid and graceful. High pole heels also provide a better grip on the pole and help to execute more complex dance moves.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Pole Heels
- The Benefits of Dancing in Pole Heels
- How to Choose the Best Pole Heels for Your Style
- Preparing to Dance in Pole Heels
- Advanced Techniques and Exercises for Dancing in Pole Heels
- Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Frame Up & Strip Dance with Pole Heels
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pole Heels
- Final Thoughts on Mastering Pole Heels
The Benefits of Dancing in Pole Heels
- Aesthetic Appeal and Confidence Boost
Wearing pole heels transforms your dance by accentuating your leg lines and creating a visually stunning presence. This added height and structure can make your movements appear more refined and powerful, boosting both your confidence and stage presence.
- Improved Grip and Control
Certain materials used in pole heels, such as patent leather or plastic, enhance grip against the pole. This can be especially useful for performing complex tricks, inversions, and spins that require additional stability.
- Enhanced Muscle Engagement
Dancing in heels challenges your body to engage additional muscles for balance, posture, and core stability. This increased engagement can accelerate strength and endurance development, making you a stronger and more confident dancer overall.
But before you start incorporating high heels into your pole dancing routine, you need to make sure that you select the right pair of shoes. Look for shoes with a sturdy platform and ankle support to prevent any injuries. It is also important to choose shoes that are comfortable to dance in for extended periods of time.
When selecting shoes, keep in mind that the higher the heel, the more difficult it is to execute certain moves. So, if you are new to pole dancing, it is recommended that you start with a lower heel and gradually work your way up.
How to Choose the Best Pole Heels for Your Style
Heel Height and Platform Support
For beginners, it’s wise to start with a moderate heel height (5-6 inches). Higher heels can be more challenging to manage but offer dramatic flair for advanced dancers. Platforms provide extra support and cushioning, distributing weight more evenly and reducing pressure on the feet.
Ankle Support and Strap Security
Select pole heels with sturdy ankle straps or built-in support structures to prevent injuries and enhance balance during routines. Ankle support is crucial, especially during rapid spins and intricate footwork.
Shoe Material and Traction
The material of your pole heels can influence your performance:
- Patent Leather: Offers a sticky texture that enhances grip.
- Clear Plastic: Common in pole shoes, providing flexibility and a unique aesthetic.
Consider your specific needs and surface conditions when choosing your shoe material.
When it comes to high heel shoes for pole dancing, there are many options available on the market. Some popular brands that are known for producing high-quality pole dancing shoes include Ellie Shoes and Aachcol.
Ellie Shoes is another brand that is popular among pole dancers. They offer a range of shoes in different styles, including ankle boots, thigh-high boots, and strappy heels. Their shoes are known for being comfortable and affordable, making them a great option for beginners.
Aachcol is a newer brand in the pole dancing world, but they have quickly gained popularity for their high-quality shoes. They offer a range of shoes in different styles, including platform heels, ankle boots, and thigh-high boots. Their shoes are known for being comfortable and stylish, making them a great option for both beginner and experienced pole dancers.
Ultimately, the best high heel shoes for pole dancing will depend on your personal preferences and skill level. It’s important to choose a shoe that is comfortable, supportive, and suits your style of dance. With so many options available on the market, there is sure to be a shoe that meets your needs.
Practicing Dancing in High Heels
Once you have selected your shoes, it is important to practice dancing in them. High heels require a different stance and balance compared to dancing barefoot. You may want to start by practicing simple moves, such as walking and posing in your shoes, before attempting any complex dance routines.
If you’re new to dancing in heels, it’s important to remember that your center of balance will be different from what you’re used to. It may feel like you’re wearing stilts, which is why it’s crucial to keep your shoulders back and firmly plant your weight on the best anchor point, whether it’s your foot on the ground or the pole you’re holding onto. This will help you maintain your balance.
When it comes to using your heels on the pole, it’s essential to be aware that the style and material of your pole heel can affect your pole work. The shank – the hard, plastic piece between the platform and the heel – will see most of the pole contact, so any decorations like glitter or pleather may wear away over time. Patent is a shiny, plastic-like material that can help you stick to the pole effortlessly. Depending on the type of pole heel you’re wearing, this can give you more options when doing certain moves.
For example, wearing sticky patent boots can help you accomplish Cupid by pressing the patent material side against the side of the pole, making you stick. However, you may not want extra stick in some cases, as it can make you too grippy on the pole, so take that into consideration when choosing which pair of heels to wear.
To practice dancing in heels, we recommend having a pole nearby for these exercises. Still, you can do them without one as long as you have a chair or something else nearby that you can hold onto.
Exercise One: The Stand in Pole Heels
Kneel beside the pole, angled slightly for space. Shift your weight to one leg, raise the other foot to the side of the pole, and brace yourself with your hand. Move your hand to the pole for balance, lift your other foot to the ground on the opposite side, and choose the side that feels most comfortable. Raise your buttocks while dipping your head low, arch your back, and shift your weight smoothly from the floor to standing, practicing this fluid motion to improve your balance.
Exercise Two: The Sweep in Pole Heels
Start by standing next to the pole with one hand firmly grasping it for balance. Walk around the pole a few times to get into the motion, and when you feel comfortable, step with your inside foot and shift your weight onto that foot. While holding onto the pole, sweep your outside foot as far out as you can, dragging the platform along the floor, then sweep back in, allowing the momentum to carry you back into the pole. Practice this motion a few times to get the hang of it. This will help you get used to the shift in balance as you extend one leg far from your body.
The lower you lunge as you sweep your leg out, the more extended you are, but the more momentum you can gather to carry you back in, making it an excellent move to add some flair to your routine and a prime time to transition into a pivot or another spin.
Remember, while these exercises will help you feel comfortable in your new heels, nothing beats practice. Do some basic spins and try out some simple pole tricks in your heels every time you put them on, and before you know it, you’ll be expertly wearing your new heels and dazzling your pole sisters with how quickly
Are Pole Heels Safe for Beginners?
Yes, provided you choose supportive, comfortable heels and start with basic moves.
What’s the Best Material for Pole Heels?
Materials like patent leather provide excellent grip, while clear plastic can offer a unique aesthetic.
Can I Use Regular Heels for Pole Dancing?
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Regular heels lack the stability and grip of pole heels and are not recommended for safety reasons.
Pole Heels Safety Tips and Injury Prevention
- Overview: Introduce common injuries dancers may face while using pole heels (e.g., ankle sprains, foot pain) and how to avoid them.
- Prevention Tips: Offer practical advice, such as using cushioned insoles, warming up thoroughly, using heel grips, and strengthening exercises for the ankles.
- Foot Care Routine: Detail how dancers can care for their feet, including stretching routines, foot massages, and choosing breathable materials to prevent discomfort.
The Evolution of Pole Heels in Dance Culture
- Historical Context: Provide a brief history of how pole heels became synonymous with pole dancing, touching on their origins, how they evolved, and their rise in popularity within mainstream fitness.
- Impact on Dance Styles: Discuss the influence of pole heels on dance styles, such as exotic, fitness-focused routines, and how they create unique choreography opportunities.
Expert Tips for Mastering Moves in Pole Heels
- Pro Advice: Share insights or quotes from professional pole dancers or instructors about their favorite tricks and techniques when using pole heels.
- Progression Strategies: Explain how dancers can gradually build their confidence with more challenging moves, incorporating specific exercises and progressions for mastering spins, flips, and floorwork in heels.
How to Customize Your Pole Heels
- Accessories and Personalization: Talk about adding embellishments, like rhinestones, straps, or custom paints, to enhance the appearance of pole heels and make them uniquely your own.
- Maintenance Tips: Provide care advice for preserving faux leather, rubber soles, and other materials found in pole heels.
Comparing Different Pole Heel Styles and Their Use Cases
- Ankle Boots vs. Strappy Heels: Compare the pros and cons of different types of pole heels for various dance styles.
- Matching Heel Styles to Skill Levels: Explain which styles are best suited for beginners, intermediates, and advanced dancers.
Incorporating Music and Choreography with Pole Heels
- Music Selection: Offer tips on choosing music that complements dancing in heels, including different beats and tempos that work well with specific movements.
- Choreography Tips: Share examples of how dancers can craft routines that highlight the advantages of pole heels, such as powerful stomps, elegant leg sweeps, and spins.
Pole Heels and Body Confidence
- Body Positivity: Emphasize how dancing in pole heels can empower individuals by enhancing their body confidence and self-expression.
- Overcoming Self-Doubt: Share motivational tips for dancers who may feel intimidated or insecure about trying pole heels.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Pole Heels
Mastering pole heels is an exciting journey that combines strength, skill, and artistic expression. By choosing the right heels, practicing with dedication, and focusing on balance and technique, you can enhance your pole dancing performance and captivate any audience.
Start your journey with confidence and elevate your skills in pole heels today.
Frame Up & Strip
A newer dance style, “frame up and strip,” features the use of pole heels without a pole. This style combines core dance techniques with modern and acrobatic floorwork, creating sensual and striking choreography. It requires no equipment, making it accessible for all skill levels. Frame Up routines can be fast or slow, adapting to any music genre or mood, making it a versatile way to showcase pole heels.