HISTORY

Footprints Dance Project was founded in 1999 by Artistic Director Neah Kalcounis and Administrator Ella Matthews. In 2009 Andrea Pass assumed the role of Artistic Producer. A graduate of Calgary’s Young Canadians and the University of Calgary Program of Dance, Andrea’s wealth of experience as a choreographer and arts programmer for over 20 years has contributed to the second decade of success…along with the talented and seasoned team of artist instructors each with extensive artistic and teaching backgrounds. It is thanks to their vision and dedication Footprints has been able to serve many of Calgary’s underprivileged communities, reaching a broad spectrum of aspiring dancers and performing artists for more than a decade. 

The Footprints Dance Project has provided arts programs to over 3,000 children and youth age 3-18, in various communities throughout Calgary.

Footprints Dance Project provides performing arts and dance opportunities to Calgarians who otherwise would not be able to participate. We provide no cost, seasonal, and year-round arts programs. Over the years we have served students who face economic, social, physical, and gender barriers. Many of our students and their families are new Calgarians who hail from war torn areas in Africa and the Middle East.

Our programs include a month-long summer dance intensive, afterschool program, youth leadership committee, move tool and school residency and community partnership programs and performances.

Achievements:
From the humble beginnings on Friday evenings in the Haultain Centre in downtown Calgary with a small group of students learning contemporary dance to appearing at the 2007 Western Canada Games…to our student film Passages shown at the 9^th MIVSC – São Carlos Videodance Festival in Brazil…Footprints kids keep truckin’ along.

We are looking forward to our best year yet. Help us with your generous contribution… Become a monthly donor. Volunteer your time. Spread the word about our programs. If you know someone who would benefit from the program direct them to our website.

Be a great audience! Watch the videos that have been created by Footprints Kids…even better provide an encouraging comment…or share with family and friends. Our aim is to share our dance films with 20,000 YouTube viewers spanning the globe during our anniversary season.

DANCE AND MEDIA ARTS PROGRAM

Fall 2022 at St. Alphonsus School

This program incorporates high level digital media instruction along with dance and choreography instruction.  Students create and manipulate dance on video learning about different editing and playback methods over the course of 6 weeks.

Afterschool: twice a week/6 weeks

Available sessions: Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023

Location: Various Calgary Junior High Schools

Interested in booking your school? Please email calgaryfootprintsdance [at] gmail.com

MONTHLY URBAN ARTS & DANCE PROGRAM

Footprints monthly dance program is a series of training days with master instructors Wakefield Brewster (Calgary Poet Laureate), Shemar Herbert (Hip Hop Dance), Nicole Pemberton (Contemporary Dance), and some surprise guests. Offered once a month, 9:30am-3:30pm on Saturdays, youth 11-17yrs gather for an immersive experience in urban arts and dance.

Times: 9:30am-3:30pm on Saturdays

Available sessions: January 21 to May 27, 2023
Location: Wildflower Arts Centre – 3363 Spruce Drive SW

Please email calgaryfootprintsdance [at] gmail.com to register

13th ANNUAL FOOTPRINTS SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE

In August, we will offer students 11-17 years old, from all over Calgary, the opportunity to participate in our annual dance program. Students train in hip hop, contemporary dance, rhythm/tap, video, and dramatic performance under the direction of four practicing professional artists/performers. Collectively students create videos, which will be hosted on the Footprints Dance Project YouTube channel.

Time: August 2023 from 10:30am to 5:30pm (Students are asked to commit to the full duration of the program)
Location: Hellenic Hall – 1 Tamarac Cr. S.W. Calgary, AB

Watch for more details March 2023

FOOTPRINTS MOVE TOOL

Finally, a resource tool for the recreational dance community! The Footprints Move Tool is a free resource for dance teachers and those interested in children and youth motor skill development. Learn basic biomechanics that will help you spot dangerous movement habits and tips and tricks on how to correct them. The online resource provides concise information on how bodies develop as well as sample activities for improving balance, alignment, and spinal awareness. Fun activities and teaching tips are available for different age groups, from preschool through to teens. You need not be a dancer, physical therapist, or certified instructor to benefit from this resource, regardless of your teaching experience or the student body that you instruct, the Move Tool can help you to be more active in your classroom.

Our Footprints team members are also available to come to you. We can provide professional development workshops in person as well as online webinars. A one hour session will provide you with the essentials concerning how to use the online resource. For additional hands-on experience, we recommend a minimum of two-four hour in depth workshop. Our specialists can tailor their presentation to your specific needs, based on the age and abilities of your students.

Take the FREE course visit footprints.myicourse.com

YOUTH LEADERSHIP
We are looking for youth to work with our Board of Directors to develop projects that support and build the Footprints Dance Project programs. Build your leadership skills as you help to plan performances, social networking, media opportunities, and fundraising events. Step up and volunteer to make a difference in the community. Join today! To learn more about how you can be a part of our youth leadership project team.

 For more info regarding programs contact:

587-228-5440 /calgaryfootprintsdance [at] gmail.com