Signing up ahead of time is recommended. Space is on a first-come-first-serve basis. You can sign up ahead of time on our website or our app. Just make sure you have an active membership or pass purchased through our website first.
Should you decide to come to class last minute and there is still space available, you may sign up at our front desk.
ANYTIME! If you’re ready to jump right in, we offer over 35 drop-in classes a week, from beginner to advanced. Read more about levels and check out our group drop-in class schedule here.
If you’re nervous about getting started or you’re not sure how best to get started, you can book a free intro with us so we can chat! We’ll show you our space and find how we can help you get started on the right foot. Learn more here.
All of the classes start with some kind of warm-up exercises. Depending on the level of the class, you would then work on steps, grooves, and technique, either during or after the warm up, followed by learning choreography. At the end of most of our choreography classes, dancers have the option to dance in small groups and film videos of the choreography. Since we do a new combo in each choreography class, you don’t have to worry about catching up.
We welcome absolute beginners and have classes designed just for you! If you’ve never danced before and want to start your dance journey, we recommend starting with our Level 1 Beginner drop-in classes and moving up as you get comfortable. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend you book a free info session with us so we can chat, show you our space, and find how we can help you get started on the right foot. Learn more here.
When it comes to learning any choreography, having a strong foundation makes all the difference. Level 1 Beginner classes focus on practicing the basics and strengthening dance technique. In every class, we’ll be breaking down and drilling common movements for the style, followed by a short piece of beginner choreography where you get to experience different ways of fitting foundations together.
Practice performing choreography, unique to every instructor. Perfect for anyone who is feeling comfortable with beginner classes and wants to challenge themselves with faster paced and more complex choreography.
For dancers looking for more of a challenge than a Level 2 Intermediate class. The choreography is often fast-paced, with movements that require a strong foundation and technical training in the style. These classes are meant to challenge experienced dancers, pre-professional, and professional dancers.
We do not allow students into class 10 min after the start time of the class. This is to ensure you attend proper warm-up to avoid injury, and to not disrupt the other students in class. We ask all students to arrive 5 minutes before classes start to sign in and give yourself enough time to prepare for class. If 10 minutes have passed since the start of class, your spot may be given to someone on standby and you will be Late Cancelled from the class.
If you are signed up on the waitlist for a class, it is your responsibility to check your email for updates on whether or not you have been added to the class. Outside of the 4 hour window before class starts, you will automatically be added into class and an email will be sent out to let you know. Within the 4 hour window before class, you will receive an email with an option to opt into class. You must confirm your spot in the class within this window in order to reserve your spot. Please ensure you add our email into your contacts so emails sent do not end up in your junk mail.
Please complete our membership management form here.
We recommend you bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated, but we do have a water fountain should you need a refill, just bring your own bottle.
Dress code depends on class type -generally, you want to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in. We enforce a strict No Outdoor Shoes policy inside the studio to keep our dance floors clean and safe. If it’s snowing or raining, wet shoes will not be allowed on the dance floor.
It is important that you come to class prepared with the proper footwear. We enforce a NO OUTDOOR SHOES policy on our dance floors.
Hip Hop/Jazz Funk/K-Pop/Fusion/House/Waacking/Reggaeton:
Indoor or clean running shoes/sneakers.
Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre:
Barefoot, foot undies or non-slip socks are best. Remember for these classes you must be able to point and flex your feet easily.
Heels:
While heels are not mandatory to take a heels class, they are strongly encouraged (it is a heels class after all), but don’t be stressed if you don’t have the right kind just yet. The most important thing is that your heels have good foot/ankle support. This is essential so your heel doesn’t fly off in the middle of a combo and to prevent rolling your ankle while dancing. Your heels should have straps or material that cover a good portion of your foot and ankle. High ankle heels/booties are the most ideal. Platforms and wedges are discouraged as your foot will be unstable in them (chunky heels are fine). The ideal height for dance heels is between 3-4 inches, but you can go lower if you aren’t comfortable dancing in higher heels just yet. For more experienced dancers, consider a stiletto heel. They may look a little intimidating but it makes a massive difference.
Also, consider avoiding pointed toe heels as they get in the way with floor work and distort quickly. You can definitely wear them but note that some things may be a little more challenging in them.
Our classes are geared towards adult dancers, 14 and above (18+ for heels).
Please note our music may include explicit language and suggestive movement as this is an adult dance studio.
You can pay for classes on our secure website here. We accept all major credit cards through our online payment system. If you cannot pay via credit card, please email us to arrange for an e-transfer payment at [email protected]. We can also accept cash at our front desk.
Private Lessons can be taken in any style or level of dance with your instructor of choice, pending availability. These private lessons can be small (1-2 people) or for a large group (i.e. bachelorette party or team-bonding event). We book around your unique schedule and progress at your own pace. These lessons can be just for fun, or can focus on helping you work towards a specfiic goal. Lessons can be held in your own space (if available) or at our home studio in downtown Halifax.
To get start, book a free info session with us so we can chat and find how we can help you get started on the right foot. Learn more here.
Filming is a great way to track your journey and also help us spread the word about our classes. Simply access them through our app or website with a special monthly password.
Participating in class videos is totally optional. Please note that any videos or photos captured on our studio cameras may be utilized for promotional purposes on social media.
If you decide to share any class videos online, remember to tag us @houseofeights and your instructor. We’d love to see your growth!
There is a paid parking lot across the street on Garrison Grounds, and behind our building on Carmichael Street, as well as plenty of street parking nearby. We also have a popular bus stop just seconds away from our location. If you are driving to class, please allow time to find street parking downtown or park in any of the paid parkades or parking lots nearby. More information on downtown parking can be found here: https://downtownhalifax.ca/parksmart
Yes! Bring a friend to House of Eights and you both earn $10 to your account to use for your next purchase. Just let our Front Desk team know when you come in together!
Your account credits can be used to purchase anything at House of Eights, including classes, rentals, merch, and more! Please note your friend must be new to House of Eights or has not visited in over 6 months.
