East Side Dance Festival 2026

East Side Dance Festival Performance Evenings

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

Tickets are available through the University of Calgary Theatre Services website (https://arts.ucalgary.ca/creative-performing-arts/news-and-events/buy-tickets)

7-9pm