Spotlight: Heels Technique (Beginner) with James Jared

In this workshop we will focus specifically on the technique of dancing in heels. We will utilize a series of exercises and movement flows to develop a stronger foundation that can be taken into other classes and choreography. Class will begin with a warm up, followed by exercises both in center and across the floor to practice balance, walking, floorwork, sensuality, and performance. Finally, we will learn a brief choreography to combine all these skills together.

Class Details:

Spotlight Artist:

JAMES JARED | IG: @jams_jrd

Date/Time:

• Saturday, October 11th | 4:30pm-7:30pm

Ticket options:

• $40 General Admission

Registration is required for this event. Please note that all sales for specialty classes are final. No refunds will be given for missed or forfeited classes.

Meet our Instructor:

James began his dance journey as an 8-year-old in Southern California, where he trained in a variety of styles including jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary. He earned a minor degree in Modern Dance and Choreography from Princeton University in 2019, where he also danced and choreographed for diSiac Dance Company. It was during this time that James also began his heels training. Since college, James has continued his dance education in Boston and San Francisco, and more recently has taught heels classes at various studios in the Bay, including City Dance, ODC, and Rae. James has been honored to perform choreography by Chris Martin, Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, Robert Battle, and others.

In his heels choreography, James blends the movement vocabularies of all styles he’s trained in, with a primary focus on contemporary and jazz. Like most other heels classes, his choreography is rooted in the sensuality of the feminine form. However, James also explores how this feminine aesthetic can be in dialogue with a masculine presentation and how a more masculine aesthetic can also fuel a feminine performance. In other words, he asks the question, “How can traditionally female movement qualities demonstrate maleness, and how can traditionally male qualities emphasize womanhood?” Of course, his choreography is still full of the sexy, fun, and flirty style that you can expect from any heels class.

Check out videos of James choreography below: