Calgary Dance Teacher Expo: One of Canada’s most exciting dance events of the year
Our take
## Our Take: Elevating Dance Education and the Power of Movement
The upcoming 2026 Calgary Dance Teacher Expo is more than just a conference; it’s a vital sign of a thriving and evolving dance community. As someone who understands the transformative power of movement – whether it’s the controlled strength of pole work, the joy of teaching a beginner their first steps, or the sheer confidence that comes from feeling amazing in your own skin – I see this event as a crucial opportunity for growth and innovation within the Canadian dance landscape. It's wonderful to see events like [Kinetic truth, spanning time: Abilities Dance Boston’s ‘Firebird 2’] showcasing the incredible artistry and resilience within the dance world, and the Expo provides a space for educators to learn from these pioneers and bring fresh perspectives to their own studios. And speaking of positive impact, recent research linking dance and positive affect in children and adolescents [New research associates dance and positive affect in children and adolescents] highlights just how important these educational spaces are for fostering not just skill, but also emotional well-being. The promise of business seminars alongside movement classes is particularly encouraging, recognizing that running a successful dance studio requires both artistic expertise and savvy business acumen.
The focus on Western Canada is significant. While dance thrives across the country, the logistical challenges of connecting educators from geographically dispersed studios can be considerable. Bringing hundreds of studio owners and teachers together in Calgary offers a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the forging of lasting professional relationships. The expo hall component, showcasing leading dance vendors, is equally important. It’s about providing access to the latest innovations in dancewear, equipment, and resources, enabling teachers to elevate their classes and provide students with the best possible experience. For those of us who believe that looking and feeling your best is integral to confidence and performance, and who understand the dedication it takes, having access to quality resources is paramount. It's not simply about the technical skillset; it’s about the presentation, the energy, and the unwavering belief in oneself.
Beyond the practical benefits, events like the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo contribute to a broader cultural shift – a celebration of movement as a powerful tool for self-expression, physical fitness, and community building. As Aimed Dance Summer Fest in Southeast Texas demonstrates [Southeast Texas is heating up with Aimed Dance Summer Fest this July], dance is becoming increasingly accessible and diverse, and these educational platforms play a critical role in supporting that growth. The opportunity to network with industry leaders is invaluable, allowing teachers to learn from the best and adapt their teaching methods to reflect current trends and best practices. As someone who has built a career around embracing sensuality and strength through dance, I know firsthand the power of mentorship and inspiration. It's about creating a supportive ecosystem where educators can continually refine their skills and empower their students to reach their full potential.
Ultimately, the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo represents a commitment to the vitality and evolution of dance education in Western Canada. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and inspire – and to reaffirm the profound impact that dance has on individuals and communities. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how the insights and connections forged at this event shape the future of dance instruction, and whether we’ll see a greater emphasis on incorporating diverse movement modalities and perspectives into the curriculum. Will we witness a broader recognition of the holistic benefits of dance – not just physical fitness, but also mental well-being, self-esteem, and creative expression – influencing the way dance is taught and perceived?
The 2026 Calgary Dance Teacher Expo, happening this August 11-12, promises to be Western Canada’s most exciting dance event of the year. It will bring together hundreds of dance studio owners and teachers for a chock-full schedule of business seminars and movement classes with industry leaders at the Westin Calgary Airport in Calgary, Alberta. In addition, the event will offer exclusive access to Canada’s biggest expo hall with leading dance vendors, with a chance to network and see the latest dance trends and what’s on the market.
Jay T Schramek and Kent McCord are the co-owners of the Toronto and Calgary Dance Teacher Expos. Schramek is the Director of Programming, and McCord is the founder.
“For the last 10 years, my business partner Kent McCord and I have built Toronto Dance Teacher Expo into the largest conference and tradeshow for the dance industry in Canada,” Schramek tells Dance Informa. “We had a Calgary location back in 2017, and we are delighted to return to Western Canada this year with the re-lauch of the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo.”
McCord adds, “Our events are filled with experts in teaching in all disciplines. Toronto will feature 35 Master Teachers with 45 seminars and classes in Movement, Business, Early Childhood, Special Needs, Best Practices and more. These classes include 13 Professional Development Certificates from World Class pedagogic institutions. Calgary will feature 20 Master teachers and experts, and 26 Classes and Seminars including 10 Professional Development Certificates.”
Some featured presenters for the 2026 Calgary Dance Teacher Expo include Brian Foley of Adapt Syllabus, Kim McSwain of International Competitive Dancer Registry, Ruben Sanchez of Tap Shoes Canada, former So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Tara-Jean Popowich, and dance business expert Tiffany Henderson of Twinkle Star Dance and Tiffany’s Dance Academy.
Summer is always a great time for dance studio owners and teachers to gather at events like the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo, be with like-minded community, and leave feeling inspired for the year of dance ahead.
“Both Toronto and Calgary Dance Teacher Expos bring outstanding classes in all disciplines for teachers to grow, learn and be inspired!” Schramek says. “Every discipline has experts to share innovation. Connecting with hundreds of other teachers and networking with industry, these events are a time to come together as a community.”
The Calgary Dance Teacher Expo will offer various tracks and specialties: Pedagogy/Movement Track, Business Track and Best Practices Track. Topics covered include audition techniques, how in some ways AI can save money and alleviate stress, preschool dance, leadership intensives, acro dance, strength training for dancers, a Cocktails and Costumes Fashion Show, and more.
In addition, there will be dozens of vendors presenting valuable resources and products at this year’s expos. “We are so excited to welcome over 60 exhibitors in Toronto featuring the latest innovations to inspire our teachers and studio owners,” McCord notes. “All of them are offering exclusively discounts, promotions and thousands in booth prize giveaways. Calgary will feature 38 amazing exhibitors.”
Well-known exhibitors will include 42nd Street Tours, Acrobatic Arts, Bloch, Capezio, Harlequin Floors, Evolve Dance Competition, Twinkle Star Dance, Só Dança, Tap Roots and others.
There is still time to register for 2-Day Expo Tickets, which give access to the 2026 Calgary Dance Teacher Expo event including classes, seminars and expo hall for dance studio owners and dance teachers. There is also an option to purchase 2-Day Expo Assistant tickets for teacher assistants ages 22 and under. You can register here.
It has been a mission of Schramek and McCord to keep the cost down for their events, to enable access for a broad range of studio owners and teachers. “Both Toronto and Calgary Dance Teachers Expo offer value to our exhibitors because we offer our events at a fraction of the cost of similar events produced outside of Canada,” McCord explains. “Our events have a distinct Canadian voice that recognize the opportunities and challenges we face in Canada. Keeping our price affordable creates accessibility for every teacher at every stage in their career.”
Schramek adds, “My hope is that attendees will leave our events with new tools in their toolkits, inspiration, creativity, incredible discounts and savings from our exhibitors.”
For more information on the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo, which will be held August 11-12, in Calgary, Alberta, visit events.dancenewyorkcity.com/2026CalgaryDanceTeacherExpo.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
The post Calgary Dance Teacher Expo: One of Canada’s most exciting dance events of the year appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
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