Jackets in Heels: A new source of empowerment for BW students
Sage Mullins, staff writer , The Exponent
17 January 2025
Every semester, BW holds a wide variety of opportunities for students to get involved in the arts. This year brings a new opportunity for a different type of dance on campus.
Co-founders Dreyer (pictured bottom row, second from left) and Mullins (bottom row, second from right) with Jackets in Heels participants. Photo credit: Urban Dance Association
Started by Ella Dreyer, a junior music industry and music B.A. major, and Olivia Mullins, a sophomore neuroscience major, the Jackets in Heels group originated from a love for burlesque and their involvement in Urban Dance Association (UDA).
The two bonded as members of UDA and participated in an off-campus burlesque show at House of BurlesCLE. After the show ended, Dreyer and Mullins wanted to continue their involvement in the art and bring it to the campus community. With encouragement from Mullins' mom, the duo began plans for Jackets in Heels. The opportunity not only further bonded their friendship but enabled them to expand their love of burlesque to others.
Mullins helps lead instruction and choreography.
During their experience with the burlesque show, Dreyer and Mullins realized that a heavy time commitment wasn't going to work for others since they, too, struggled. They wanted to make it low-commitment, especially for people who don't want to perform.
The group is not part of the Conservatory of Performing Arts or a registered club. It's a once-a-week heels class through UDA. All the choreography and instruction are done by Mullins and Dreyer and catered to BW students, regardless of skill or experience.
"The intention of it is to act as an empowerment tool," said Mullins. "That's what it was when we did burlesque prior. It's a way for people to express and feel good about themselves for an hour and a half each week."
Alongside building a space of inclusivity, they also wanted to build an environment for positivity and lack of judgment.
"We exist to promote body positivity," said Dreyer. "It's to feel comfortable in one's skin while also promoting exercise and building better dance technique."
Their efforts are to help students embrace their sensuality in a place without guilt and judgment.
"I feel like most dancers don't have any exposure to this style. So, if you are also a dancer that wanted to reach beyond the courses that are typically offered here at BW, this is a free co-curricular way to do it that is low stress." Dreyer went on to say.
According to Mullins, the most important point of the class is to go and have fun. "It's something to give you that supplemental source of joy and freedom without restrictions that everyone else has on you."
This story originally appeared in The Exponent, BW's student newspaper. Its edited version is used here with permission.
