The Bevel is the fundamental heels stance that creates a flattering ‘s’ shape.
- Stand tall feet hip width apart with your weight evenly distributed.
- Ensure your alignment is correct with hips in line with feet, engaging your core, relaxing your shoulders and keeping your neck long with a slightly lifted eyeline.
- Choose your standing leg (usually your stronger leg!)
- Shift your weight fully onto that leg ensuring you keep the leg straight.
- Bring the free foot next to the standing leg.
- Have the toe of the free foot lightly touching the floor just in front and slightly to the side of the supporting foot.
- Cross the knees so they are gently touching.
- Focus on being ‘pulled up’ tightening your core and lifting through your chest.
Importance of the Bevel in Dance:
- The bevel is often used as the base pose or transition pose between steps (especially in heels dance)
- Improves balance and weight placement as it trains you to balance on one leg.
- Enhances confidence and performance quality (it’s not just a position, it’s a statement!)
Top Tips:
- Keep the knees together for a sleek look.
- Don’t sickle your feet (keep ankles strong and in line).
- Always maintain a lifted and engaged posture.
- Use a mirror to check alignment.
- Practise entering and exiting a bevel to allow it to be seamless when dancing.
The bevel is an essential element of heels dancing. Not only does the pose offer a powerful and confident opener but it’s a very useful transitional step. You can see the bevel in many on stage theatrical performances such as the Rockettes.
Blog by Erin McMillan – Class Instructor (Commercial Jazz & Commercial Heels)