Frequently Asked Questions

Any time! We offer over 30 drop-in classes a week, from absolute beginner to advanced, and every class stands on its own, so there’s no term to wait for. Check the class schedule and book a class whenever you’re ready.

New to House of Eights? Our Start Here page walks you through everything: intro offers, levels, and what to expect at your first class. And if you’d like to chat first, book a free info session. We’ll show you around the studio and help you pick your first class.

Hip Hop, Heels, Contemporary, Jazz, Jazz Funk, K-Pop, Afro Fusion, Fusion, Latin Fusion, Reggaeton, Waacking, Musical Theatre, Tap, and more, with most styles running at multiple levels. Browse our dance styles, meet our instructors, or check the schedule to see what’s on this week.

Welcome! Absolute beginners are our favourite people. Start with our Absolute Beginner (L0) classes. They’re purely technique-based, and focus on developing the foundational movements, dance vocabulary, and confidence needed to succeed in our choreography-based classes.

Once you feel comfortable there, add our Beginner Choreography (L1) classes, which build on those foundations with a short piece of fun choreography each class.

Every one of our classes works as a trial. Trial classes exist at term-based studios, where signing up means committing to a whole semester. Our classes are drop-in, so you can try a single class any time with no commitment. Grab a drop-in class or an intro offer, pick a class at your level, and come dance.

We don’t have visitors sit in on classes, since being watched can make students nervous or uncomfortable. You’re always welcome to peek through the glass window in the studio doorway, though. Honestly, the best way to experience a class is to try one: every class works as a trial. And if you’d like to see the space and chat with us first, book a free info session.

Every class starts with a warm-up. Depending on the class, you’ll then work on steps, grooves, and technique, followed by learning choreography. Most choreography classes end with the option to dance in small groups and film the routine. Each choreography class teaches a brand-new combo, so you never have to worry about catching up.

Our drop-in classes run at four levels, plus Open and Youth classes:

Absolute Beginner (L0): purely technique-based classes focused on the foundational movements, dance vocabulary, and confidence needed to succeed in choreography-based classes. No experience needed.

Beginner Choreography (L1): builds on your foundations with a short piece of fun choreography, and introduces performance, musicality, and choreography retention. Recommended after 1–2 years of experience, or once you feel comfortable in L0.

Intermediate Choreography (L2): mid-complexity choreography designed to improve your musicality, quality of movement, and performance abilities. Recommended after 2–4 years of fairly consistent dancing.

Inter/Advanced Choreography (L3): complex choreography in a fast-paced environment for experienced dancers. Recommended after 4+ years of consistent dancing.

Open Choreography (All Levels): accommodates every experience level, with a supportive environment for growth at any stage of your dance journey.

Youth (Ages 8–13): young dancers develop foundational movements, build confidence, and learn choreography in a non-competitive, welcoming environment.

Not sure where you fit? Our level guide breaks down exactly who each level is for.

Classes are for adults 18+ and teens 14+ with parental consent. Select mature classes, like Heels and Reggaeton, are 18+ only. Youth drop-ins are for ages 8–13.

Please note our adult classes may include music with explicit language and suggestive movement.

We recommend it. Space is first come, first served, and you can book up to one week ahead on our app or website. Just make sure you have an active membership or pass purchased through our website first.

Deciding last minute? If there’s still space, you can sign up at the front desk before class.

Life happens! If you cancel more than 2 hours before class starts, the session goes right back on your account to use another time. If you cancel within 2 hours of the class start time, it counts as a late cancellation and that session is deducted from your account.

Safety first: if a storm means we need to cancel classes, we’ll post on our Instagram @houseofeights and email everyone who’s signed up. Sessions from classes we cancel go right back on your account to use another time.

We don’t allow students into class more than 15 minutes after the start time. This makes sure you get a proper warm-up to avoid injury, and keeps the class from being disrupted. Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in and get settled. If 15 minutes have passed, your spot may be given to someone on standby and you’ll be late cancelled from the class.

If you’re on the waitlist, keep an eye on your email. More than 2 hours before class starts, you’ll be added to the class automatically when a spot opens, and we’ll email you to let you know. Within 2 hours of class, you’ll get an email with the option to opt in, and you must confirm your spot within that window to claim it. Add our email to your contacts so updates don’t land in your junk mail.

That almost always means your date of birth is missing from your profile. It’s the only pre-requisite we enforce, since select classes are 18+. Add your date of birth to your profile, refresh, and try booking again. Still stuck? Reach out and we’ll sort it out.

You can pay on our secure pricing page. We accept all major credit cards through our online payment system. If you can’t pay by credit card, email us at [email protected] to arrange an e-transfer. We also accept cash at the front desk.

Yes! Physical gift cards are available at the front desk, and online gift cards can be emailed to you or straight to the recipient, even on a date you choose. See our gift cards page for all the options.

Fill out our membership management form and our team will take care of it.

Our policies page has the full details on bookings, cancellations, memberships, and more, and our codes of conduct cover how we keep the studio a safe, welcoming space for everyone.

Comfortable, breathable clothing you can move in, with optional layers for the warm-up. Footwear depends on the class:

Sock classes (Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre): socks, half soles, or bare feet. You’ll want to point and flex your feet easily.

Sneaker classes (Afro Fusion, Fusion, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, K-Pop, Latin Fusion, Reggaeton, Waacking): clean, indoor sneakers.

Heels classes: 3–5 inch heels with strong ankle support (stilettos preferred). Indoor sneakers, socks, or bare feet work too. Kneepads optional, just in case.

Tap classes: metal-tipped tap shoes, or indoor sneakers, socks, or bare feet.

Outdoor shoes aren’t allowed inside the studio. It keeps our floors clean and safe to dance on, especially when it’s snowing or raining.

Heels are encouraged in heels classes, but never mandatory. Don’t stress if you don’t have the right pair yet.

The most important thing is foot and ankle support, so your heel stays on mid-combo and your ankle stays safe. Look for straps or material covering a good portion of your foot and ankle; high-ankle heels and booties are ideal. The sweet spot is 3–5 inches, but go lower if that feels safer for now. More experienced dancers often prefer stilettos: they may look intimidating, but they make a massive difference. Chunky heels are fine too, but avoid platforms and wedges, since your foot is unstable in them. Pointed toes are workable but can get in the way of floor work, so round toes are the easier choice. Kneepads are optional, just in case.

A refillable water bottle is the big one. We have a water fountain for refills. A small sweat towel is a good idea too, plus layers you can shed as the warm-up kicks in. We have change rooms and washrooms on site.

Most choreography classes end with the option to dance in small groups and film the routine. It’s a great way to track your progress, but totally optional. Join in, or cheer from the side.

You can download class videos through our app or our class videos portal with a special monthly password. Videos and photos captured on our studio cameras may be used for promotion on our social media. If you share your videos online, tag us @houseofeights and your instructor. We’d love to see your growth!

Yes. There’s paid parking across the street on Garrison Grounds and behind our building on Carmichael Street, plus plenty of street parking nearby. A popular bus stop is just seconds from our door. If you’re driving, allow a few extra minutes to find parking downtown. More info: downtownhalifax.ca/parksmart

Yes. Getting to the studio from the entrance takes a short flight of stairs down, an elevator up, and a short walk down the hall. The flight of stairs has a wheelchair lift. We also have an accessible washroom. If you have any questions about access or would like a hand when you arrive, reach out at [email protected] or (902) 789 8880 and we’ll be glad to help.

Private lessons can be taken in any style or level with your instructor of choice, pending availability. They can be one-on-one, a small group, or a big group event like a birthday or bachelorette party. We book around your schedule and you progress at your own pace, whether it’s just for fun or working toward a specific goal. Lessons can be held at our studio in downtown Halifax or in your own space.

To get started, book a free info session and we’ll find what works for you.

Yes! Our Performance Programs are the next step beyond drop-ins: learn and rehearse a piece with a group, then perform it on stage. Our Training Programs offer structured small-group training with weekly progression and focused feedback. Follow @houseofeights to hear when the next round of each opens.

Yes! Our studios are available to rent, with mirrors, professional lighting, and sound systems, right in downtown Halifax. They’re perfect for classes, rehearsals, photo and video shoots, workshops, and private events. Head to our studio rental page for details and booking.

Yes! Our Work Study Program lets you earn drop-in classes by helping out at the studio, at the front desk or with studio upkeep. It’s a great way to make dance more affordable, get more involved in the community, and gain experience in a professional studio setting. Participants must be 18 or older and able to commit to at least 4 months, and priority goes to dedicated dancers in financial need.

Yes! Bring a friend to House of Eights and you both earn a $10 account credit toward your next purchase. Just let the front desk team know when you come in together. Credits can be used on anything at House of Eights: classes, rentals, merch, and more. Your friend must be new to House of Eights, or not have visited in over 6 months.