It's probably such a basic fundamental, that I haven't really looked at it that closely in some time.
But I always hear Len Goodman and other judges on TV shows and ballroom dancing programs make comments about "He used heel leads well," or "He has to remember to use heel leads."
I got to wondering, what other sort of "leads" would there be? Wouldn't most of the lead in the step be with the heel first?
Or, maybe what I am asking, if someone is not doing a heel lead properly, what is the common mistake? Can you lead forward on the ball of your foot, or in some other fashion that is a common mistake, depending on the dance?
I would like someone to explain or share their thoughts on this, so it is easy to explain to a beginner when I am working with one. I am mostly working with American Style, but do explain some International variations on occasion.

I can think of at least two gentleman in one advanced Smooth class who do ball leads all of the time. They seem to be "prancing" instead of dancing. In my opinion, these fellows are beyond help.

In Standard, I mostly see this issue among women when it's their turn to drive. In these cases, a good lead usually helps them correct the problem.

jj

Heel leads are used in the smooth dances, but NOT in Latin/rhythm dances. For example, in (American, at least) Rumba, it is normal to step onto the inside edge of the ball of the foot. And I can still hear an instructor saying "No heel leads" (in Rumba).

You have a heel lead in Paso Doble

. . . and in Bolero.

jj

I have never known there to be any heel leads in Bolero, are there specific steps in which you teach your students to dance with a heel? I find this very curious.