April 14th & 15th, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm → Student Workshops and Community Building at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (111 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1) May 4th & 5th, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm → Dress Rehearsal, University Tours, and Community Partner Performances at the University Theatre at U of C (230 University Ct NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4) With your help, we hope to promote our evening performances on May 6th and 7th at 7:00 pm at the University of Calgary Theatre, to raise awareness of our year-round programming, and elevate the esteem of dance held by society. Tickets are available through the University of Calgary Theatre Services website (https://arts.ucalgary.ca/creative-performing-arts/news-and-events/buy-tickets) In its thirteenth year, the East Side Dance Festival Society (ESDF) champions equitable access to Fine Arts through Dance. Dance transcends mere steps; it forms identity, builds bridges, and shapes futures. We recognize that access to fine arts programming is essential to the holistic development of young minds, should be equitable, encouraged and celebrated regardless of socioeconomic background. To achieve this, we provide a multifaceted approach. Our year-round community programs reach underserved areas in Calgary where access to formal dance training is scarce. For our participants, dance becomes a vehicle for self-expression, confidence, and cultural exploration. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of movement and benefit from belonging to Calgary’s dynamic dance community. Forming Identity. Building Community. Creating Pathways. This year, our festival theme has been inspired by two powerful documentary films that explore the historic court case of Charles Daniels, a civil rights activist who was denied his theatre seat in 1914 simply for being Black. The case was brought against James A. Lougheed and W.B. Sherman, owner and manager of Calgary’s Sherman Grand Theatre. We were honored to welcome Cheryl Foggo—local historian, author, and filmmaker—who shared with us her documentary Kicking Up a Fuss: The Charles Daniels Story. Featuring original transcripts, archival images, and other primary sources, this film reminds us that Alberta’s history is shaped by often-overlooked, yet deeply inspiring heroes. In the follow-up film, We Call Him Sir Charles, produced by the Grand Theatre, Calgary’s Poet Laureate Wakefield Brewster, and professional tap dancer Lisa La Touche offer personal reflections on Daniels’ legacy through spoken word and dance. Directed by Cheryl Foggo and with cinematography by Joel Varjassy, this moving tribute celebrates Charles Daniels' courage and enduring impact. Following the screenings of both films, all three artists contributed in a panel discussion with fellow ESDF members and invited guests that dove into their creative processes and explored how Alberta’s history continues to shape our collective identity. Later this year, ESDF has been asked to speak at the ATA Fine Arts Council Conference in October on the outcomes of this project. To learn more, please use the following link: ATA Fine Arts Council
Any personal information provided in a request to post a listing on the AFA newsfeed, or in the listing itself, will be used for the purpose of posting to the AFA’s newsfeed, administering the AFA’s website and providing individuals and organizations with information on AFA programs and events. Such information is collected under the authority of section 33 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is protected by the privacy provisions of the Act. Should you have any questions about the collection of this information, you may contact Aaron Talbot, Arts Services Consultant – Communications, at 780-289-3781.