Come to the Calgary Dance Stampede for an unforgettable weekend of unmatched excitement in championship dance sport!
While many people view this style of dance as a recreational activity, it has become more often viewed as a sport. Competitive Country, West Coast Siwnt and Line Dance is a popular, widespread activity in which competitors perform several different dances, such as; Two Step, Cha Cha, Nightclub, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Triple Two, Polka & Waltz in front of a common group of judges who evaluate and score each routine. The competitive dance industry largely consists of regional dance events, such as the Calgary Dance Stampede which is a Fully Sanctioned UCWDC Country Dance World Championship Qualifying Event. What that means is that dancers who compete at these regional sanctioned competitions are looking at earning top placement in their division and to secure themselves a qualification for the Country Dance World Championships held in January.
Dancers who compete usually range in age from about six to sixty-five years old. Competitive dancers must be physically fit because even short dances can be physically demanding. Also, dancers must continuously train to maintain and improve their technique, balance skills, strength and flexibility. Competitive dancing requires dedication as many months may be spent practicing dance and developing dance routines.
Today's dance competitions are split up into categories and then judged accordingly by an international panel of top judges.
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| Couples Dance | Pro-Am Dance | Line Dance | Teams |
Couples Dance:
Competitive Couples are comprised of two Amateur students competing together. Both members of the couple are being judged based on how well they meet the standards for their division and level in comparison to other competitive couples. As in Pro-Am, each division/level is judged by certified professionals and awards/standings are based on ranking system ( First Place, Second Place, etc.). The dancers are judged on costumes, musicality, technique, appropriateness, and overall performance.
Pro-Am Dance:
Pro-Am is danced by an AMateur student with his/her PROfessional dance instructor, therefore you do not need a partner for this form of dance. Only the amateur is judged based on how well he/she meets the standards for their division and level. Each division/level is judged by certified professionals and the awards/standings are based on a medal system (Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc.). You may have been watching "Dancing With The Stars"? This competition is a PRO-AM competition, where the Amateur is a celebrity that is teamed up with a Professional dancer/instructor.
Line Dance:
A Line Dance is choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which competitors dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the sex of the individuals, all facing the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Line dancers are not in physical contact with each other. This type of dance used to strictly Country, but it has evolved to one of the most widely dances forms in the World. Line Dance categories now include Lilt, Rise & Fall, Smooth, Stage, Cuban and Street.
Teams:
A team is made up of many members performing routines in unison. Teams can be comprised of Line Dancers, Couples Dancers or a mixture of both. The choreography may be based on a particular dance or a medley of dances. Teams may compete in many different divisions ranging from purely Line Dance to Couples dance involving lifts and acrobatic movements.
Competitive dancers have a wonderful sense of community. Many dance professionals and schools attend dance competitions and so dancers from different areas and countries may see each other many times during the competition season. This creates a sense of community as well as an opportunity to make and maintain new found friendships.
Questions about wanting to compete. Please contact the event directors, Keith & Chrissi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the contest coordinator Dave Getty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Come and Catch the Excitement !
You do not have to be a Competitor, Dance School or Instructor to attend … These competitions run over the full 3 day event and are open to the general public.
Admission to the Calgary Dance Stampede to watch and cheer on your favority dancers is FREE with donation of a non-perishable food item per person that will be distributed to the Calgary Food Bank.
Otherwise general admission fees apply:
Adults (+18) Spectator Pass $10/person
12 and under admitted FREE when accompantied by a parent or guardian
Pick one up, find a seat and be prepared to be amazed and entertained by some of North America’s best dancers. Competitors ranging from 6 to 75 will grace the competition floor at the Calgary Dance Stampede. Bring your voice and cheer on your favorite dancers … something you do not want to miss.
A full schedule of competition times can be found on-line on our EVENT SCHEDULE page.
A few things to remember when you are at the event;
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Please be courteous and do not obstruct the view of others during event.
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Bring your Picture Camera ... Private still photography will be allowed at the event.
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NO VIDEO TAPING allowed in the Workshops at any time, but you can video your favorite competitor or dancer.
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Bring a blanket or something warm to wear as the ballroom is kept at a comfortable temperature for the dancers, but that means it'll be a little chilly if you are sitting and watching the action
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Last, but certainly not least ... Bring your Voice !! The competitors love an interactive and excited audience.