FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At The Arch Method, we are sure you might have questions about the heels dance class. With this FAQ section, we intend to make the answers to your most common queries available in one place. However, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email or give us a call to ask for more information.

HOW LONG IS A SESSION?

We run 10-week sessions three times a year (fall, winter, and spring). You’ll have two hours in the studio every week, which means a full 20 hours of dancing your heart out!
WHAT DOES A 2-HOUR CLASS LOOK LIKE?

Every class is different to keep our dancers engaged and challenged. One week you might practice show choreography and do some technique training (because yes, there IS a strategy to a booty drop). In other sessions, you might learn a seasonal number just because! The one guarantee every week? Plenty of fun, sweat, and support.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A CLASS?

Class size varies, but we cap it around 15 to make sure you get the space and attention to shine on stage. Every class has both a teacher and an assistant to help you hit every move.
WHO ARE THE ARCH METHOD TEACHERS?

Our beginner classes are taught by current and former Arch Method students who fell in love with our community and style. They want to pass their passion onto you… with a touch of their own personality, of course! Plus, they learned from the best. Our AMAZING owner, Heidi Dowden, runs most of our intermediate and advanced classes. She’s a choreographer, dance instructor, and dancer with 15+ years of experience.
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY DANCE EXPERIENCE?

Nope! In fact, about 85% of our beginner students have never set foot in a studio before. We start with the basic foundations you need to feel sexy and confident on stage… and we’re ALWAYS ready to hype you up and cheer you on.
WHAT IF I HAVE AN INJURY OR EXISTING CONDITION?

Dance isn’t about doing every move perfectly. It’s about selling the moves you can do. We make sure EVERYONE feels included, so send us a message or talk to your teacher about any accommodations you might need.
WHAT LEVELS DO YOU OFFER, AND WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?

We have Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes with sublevels in between. This gives everyone a chance to increase their skills and push themselves without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re brand new to dance or to the Arch Method, we suggest signing up for a Beginner’s class. As you groove and grow with us, your teacher will make recommendations on when you should move up (if you want to, of course!).
WHAT KIND OF DANCE MOVES WILL I BE DOING?

Heels dancing is sexy… but it’s also empowering and beautiful. Our dances are a mix of hip-hop, jazz, burlesque, contemporary, and any other style you can do in a heel. (Spoiler alert: it’s a lot more than shaking your hips and dropping it low!)
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU USE IN CLASS?

Expect a mix of high-energy pop beats, hip-hop, and slow and sensual lyrical pieces. Our theme for the show changes every semester, so our music choices do too! Have a particular song or artist you LOVE to groove to? Our teachers happily take suggestions for warm-up or in-class choreography.
IS ANYONE WELCOME IN CLASS?

The Arch Method is for anyone 18+ who wants to dance in a heel. There are NO restrictions! Don’t worry about your age, body type, or background. We see, encourage, and honour everybody in our studio.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR HEELS? WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO GET THEM?

Yes, heels are mandatory – we are called the ARCH Method, after all! (And believe it or not, some of our moves are actually EASIER in heels). You’ll want an ankle-high black boot with a thick, chunky heel like these or these. Aldo is a great place to get them locally! (Psst: Very first class? Feel free to rock sock feet or any thick-heeled shoe in your closet. If you can’t wear heels because of an injury, talk to your teacher about combat boot options).
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CLASS?

Wear anything you can move in… and, most importantly, that makes you feel good! Some of our dancers wear sweatpants or classic workout sets. Others choose leggings, crop tops, bodysuits, or even fishnet stockings. It’s your class (and your body), after all!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?

Make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated as we move. Other than that, you’ll only need some self-kindness and a smile!
IS THE SHOW MANDATORY?

No. As much as we love seeing our students shine on stage, the end-of-semester performance is completely optional for each dancer. We’ll always encourage you to give it a try, no matter how nervous you are. You might even surprise yourself with your excitement!
WHAT’S REQUIRED TO BE IN THE SHOW?

In the week leading up to the show, there will be a dress rehearsal and a staging session. These are essential to feeling comfortable during the show! Some classes also organize extra practices amongst themselves to help each other with moves and enjoy some social bonding time.
WILL I NEED TO BUY A COSTUME?

Yes. We typically send out costume links in the third week of each semester. Since these are required to be in the show, we do everything we can to make your pieces affordable, accessible, and re-wearable.
DO I HAVE TO BE IN PICTURES AND VIDEOS?

We do take photos during class and shows, so you’ll be required to sign a media release when you register. That said, we don’t make anyone do anything they’re not comfortable with! Let your teacher know if you don’t want to be in a particular piece of content. We encourage students to take videos of choreography in every class. This isn’t mandatory, but it’s incredible to look back and see how much your skills and confidence can grow in just a few weeks.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO CLASS?

Only registered students can attend class. But we DO offer several drop-in classes every semester! They’re a great way to get extra practice, learn from new teachers, and show your friends what the Arch Method is all about. Drop-ins take place on Friday nights, with registration opening the Wednesday before.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?

We certainly do! We’re happy to accept payment in two parts: half due upon registration, and the remainder due before the first class. Send us a message to discuss setting one up.
I WANT TO JOIN THE ARCH METHOD, BUT I’M SCARED! WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Trying something new is scary… but it’s also wonderful and rewarding. You deserve the chance to feel like a diva! Plenty of dancers join by themselves, so don’t worry if you don’t have a friend to sign up with. With the Arch Method staff and students on your side, you’ll have a community full of people ready to lift you up and make you shine. Give us a chance. We guarantee you won’t regret it.