Dancing in Heels: Strength, Stability & Foot Care for Performers

This interactive, movement-based workshop gives performing artists a practical understanding of how to build strength, stability, and resilience for dancing and performing in heels. Participants will explore the unique physical demands that heeled footwear places on the feet, ankles, and lower body, and how these demands influence balance, posture, and movement control.

Through guided exercises and movement exploration, performers will assess their own balance, foot strength, and lower body support while learning strategies to better prepare the body for heel work. The session integrates principles of biomechanics, injury prevention, and recovery so participants leave with practical tools they can apply in rehearsal, training, and performance settings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the physical demands dancing in heels places on the feet, ankles, and lower body

• Assess their own balance and foot strength through guided movement exercises