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A local dance instructor has spoken out about the double standards that exist in the performance industry, after seeing female dancers who experiment with sensual themes being accused of being overly sexual and lacking self-respect.
Nikki Zachariou, the owner and founder of UberEdge Dance Company, sat down with Express in the podcast studio to explore recent controversies surrounding a style of dance performed in high-heeled shoes — which can explore suggestive themes related to female sexuality and sensuality.
The experienced instructor explained how ‘heels dance’, as it is known, has been described as ‘overly sexual’ and even ‘vulgar’ by critics.
However, Nikki has argued that heel dance provides a platform for women to reclaim their power and agency.
She is now seeking to raise awareness of what she sees as "double standards" in the dance industry regarding the different ways men and women are treated in conversations about expressions of sensuality.
Nikki recently posted a video on social media earlier this month that called out the underlying misogyny inherent within of debates that shame women who embrace their sexuality.
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Video: Nikki recently posted a video on social media highlighting the underlying misogyny in debates that shame women for embracing their sexuality.
"I want to talk about how misogynistic the debate is even in its mere existence. If heels was a male-dominated space, we would not even be having this conversation," she said in a video posted to Instagram.
"No one says to male dancers dancing with their tops off 'Why are you wearing so little clothes?'
"No one says to the Magic Mike guys, 'Oh my God, have more respect for yourself! You're just an object for the female gaze.'
"All the debate like this does is divide us."
"Heels dance is essentially exactly what it sounds like...just dancing in heels, typically a stiletto… It takes techniques from jazz and ballet and modern and commercial dance styles as well," Nikki explained on the latest Bailiwick Podcasts episode.
Pictured: critics have described heel dance as overly sexual and even vulgar, prompting Nikki to argue that it provides a platform for women to reclaim their power and agency in the face of a patriarchal society.
“It's not only a style, but it's a skill. And it's the art of making the difficult look easy. So, when you tackle it, and you achieve it and you do something that you never thought you'd be able to do, it starts to help you see yourself in a different light."
“I think heels helps women start to see how powerful they are, how capable they are. How strong and sensual they are at the same time.”
She explained that some have argued that the style of dance has become too suggestive and even vulgar as a way to compensate for a lack of technique.
"There is this big debate in heels dance about whether or not it's become overly sexualised and it's lost its way from being a style and a skill based around technique.
“And look, we all have different artistic preferences. Everyone has a different creative preference for what they like to consume."
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She continued: "Some of the heels dancers that I like are more subtle and implied, whereas some are a little bit more suggestive. But they do that beautifully.
"And you know, in my honest opinion, there are some dancers and choreographers that I don't particularly like their style.
"But that doesn't make them wrong. And it doesn't make the audience appreciate them wrong.
"That's art, isn't it? Art is subjective.”
“I feel like the debate is sexist, misogynist, and it just pits us against each other, which we have enough of in society anyway.
"And I just made that video just to highlight how sexist the debate was, and not to let it split us as a community.”
“So one of one of the criticisms of female heel dancers is about what they're what they're choosing to wear.”
Nikki also explained how female dancers are often judged or criticised for their choice of clothing: some are shamed for wearing revealing outfits, while others are questioned about why they are not showing enough skin.
She pointed out that this was not the case for male performers who are rarely judged for their sexual appeal or the amount of skin they show on stage, even when they perform topless.
“So it just goes to show that women literally cannot do anything without having to justify and explain and defend, regardless of what your choice.
Pictured: Nikki criticised the sexist double standards in the dance industry, pointing out how female dancers are often judged for their choice of clothing while male performers are rarely scrutinised in the same way.
“Sometimes the choice of clothing is functional. In pole dancing, you have to wear less clothing, because you need your skin to be able to grip.
"Sometimes It's just because of what the woman wants to wear, and that is her choice.
"You know, we're always focused on the appearance of women and not what they bring to the table. Just because they're not wearing many clothes doesn't mean they're not talented.”
“Male dancers perform in very little clothing all of the time. And they never get criticised in the same way that women do if they choose to wear more revealing clothes.
“For example, Magic Mike is literally for the female gaze. That's why that film, that show exists, and it's why it's had massive success.
“Heels dancers and pole dancers get accused of doing this hobby for the male gaze all of the time. And then we're told to not complain about it when we're treated as objects.
"But everyone I know who comes to heal class does it because it's fun. They do it for themselves and how it makes them feel.
"Now if that confidence spills out into their everyday life, including their intimate relationships, then good for them. But that is not the main aim of them coming.
“It’s also a very heteronormative view. It's assuming that everyone who comes to heels dance is interested in men, which they're not. So there's that layer as well.
“And I think a way to combat [the sexist narrative] is just to work on our own awareness of it and not feel bad for anything we've done in the past. And just to just try to be a better person, I guess.”
Cindy Marques, who has been taking heels classes for just over a year, spoke about the significant confidence boost she's gained from attending classes, attributing it to the supportive community and safe space where women uplift each other.
"I think this has less to do with the dancing itself and more to do with the community around it. The girls who are in my classes are just the best hype women. I could be having the worst day, and I know that those girls will still be cheering me on like I was the best dancer out there.
Pictured: One islander has shared her positive experience with heels dance, highlighting the supportive community and safe space it provides for women to uplift each other and boost their self-esteem.
"I started in 2023 super anxious and self-conscious but now, I cannot wait to go in, listen to some great music and feel good about myself while dancing to it.
"For me, it's a safe space. I am surrounded by women who know the struggles that come with being a woman and when I go in that room, I know that not one negative thing will be said.
"It has helped me admire other women...being in that room, you find out that everyone has something in common with one another and you instantly become at ease.
"It makes me feel good mentally when I move my body through dance as I love music and love to perform.
"I have days after a dance class where I look at myself with more compassion and love myself and my body a little more. So it has really helped with my own self-esteem.
"People who objectify or sexualise heels dancers are often basing their opinions on a stereotype and are therefore being prejudiced. People are entitled to their opinions at the end of the day.
"Heels dancing isn't just for women, I have been in classes with male heels dancers, no one seems to objectify them. I think maybe people should ask themselves why that is."
Listen to the full podcast interview with Nikki below – or find this and more with your favourite pod provider by searching 'Bailiwick Podcasts'...
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