Express sat down with Nikki Zachariou, the owner and founder of UberEdge Dance Company to explore recent controversies surrounding heels dance – which is a style performed in high-heeled shoes.

‘Heels dance’ has recently come under fire for being ‘overly sexual’, with female dancers facing criticism over their choice of clothing and for perceived lack of self respect. 

In this episode, Nikki challenges the social biases that target and shame women who embrace their sexuality, contrasting this with the leniency afforded to male performers who also explore suggestive themes through the medium of dance. 

She argues that heels dance provides a platform for women to reclaim their power and agency, calling for awareness of double standards in the dance industry when it comes to gendered conversations surrounding expressions of sensuality.