Welcome Program
New to Calgary Dance Stampede? We’ve got you.
Whether you’re brand new to dance events or simply new to the Calgary Dance Stampede, our Welcome Program is designed to help you feel comfortable, connected, and confident from the moment you arrive.
We don’t just want you to attend—we want you to feel like you belong here.
START HERE – FREE BEGINNER FRIDAY
Your weekend begins with our FREE Beginner Classes on Friday evening.
These complimentary classes are designed to introduce you to some of the core dance styles you’ll find at CDS in a fun, low-pressure environment.
- West Coast Swing
- Country Swing
- Line Dance
No experience required. No partner needed. Just come ready to have fun.
Following the classes, join us for our:
BEGINNER WELCOME INFORMATION SESSION
Following the beginner classes, join us for a short, casual session where we’ll:
- Walk you through how the weekend works
- Explain workshops, competitions, and social dancing
- Help you navigate the schedule with confidence
- Introduce you to your Welcome Ambassadors
Friday evening following beginner classes
MEET YOUR AMBASSADORS
Our Welcome Ambassadors are here throughout the weekend to answer questions, help you find your way, and make introductions.
Country Dance
2027 Welcome Program Instructors Coming Soon
West Coast Swing
2027 Welcome Program Instructors Coming Soon
Line Dance
2027 Welcome Program Instructors Coming Soon
You’ll see them in classes, around the ballrooms, and at key Welcome Program touchpoints—don’t hesitate to say hello.
SATURDAY COFFEE CONNECTIONS
Start your day with us.
Join your Welcome Ambassadors on Saturday morning for an informal meet-up in the hotel lobby. It’s a chance to:
- Ask questions
- Share how your first night went
- Get recommendations for classes and social dancing
- Meet other dancers and make new connections
9:30 AM – Hotel Lobby (Saturday, May 1, 2027)
Come by for a few minutes or stay and chat. It’s an easy way to start your Saturday and feel more connected to the CDS community.
BUILD YOUR WEEKEND YOUR WAY
With multiple ballrooms, workshops and social dancing happening throughout the weekend, there’s a lot to explore—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Your Welcome Ambassadors can help you:
- Choose workshops that are right for you
- Find Beginner Track Sessions
- Understand the event schedule and timing
- Find your way onto the social dance floor
Look for Beginner Track sessions throughout the weekend.
SUNDAY – WHAT’S NEXT?
We don’t want your dance journey to end when the event does.
On Sunday, we’ll help you take the next step by:
- Connecting you with dance communities, classes and instructors
- Helping you find opportunities to keep dancing after CDS
- Answering the question, “What do I do next?”
Whether you’re from Calgary or joining us from somewhere else, our goal is simple: help you leave with a clear path to keep learning, growing and dancing.
YOU BELONG HERE
The Calgary Dance Stampede is known for its welcoming community, supportive environment, and incredible energy—and the Welcome Program is your gateway into it.
Come curious.
Leave confident.
And most importantly… have fun.
