Workshops & Social Dancing

We offer more workshops over three days than any dance event in North America–over 90 hours of workshops, including six free workshops on Friday night open to anyone and eight hours of intensives designed to take your dancing to the next level.

This is your opportunity to learn for the very best instructors in Country, West Coast Swing, Line Dance, and Country Swing and put all that new knowledge on the floor each night with the new friends you just met in the workshops. It’s a win-win!

You can attend the Calgary Dance Stampede as a single, couple or group. There is something for everyone. Be honest with your self and your dance ability when attending so that you are not attending workshops that a too advanced and slow down the class for other dancers.

Outlaw Workshops

At the Calgary Dance Stampede we call our Top Professional Staff, “Outlaws.” Even though we want to think we have the best set of instructors in the world, not everyone can be identified as an “Outlaw.” Intructors who have been teaching for many years and have created a very unique and effective teaching style have earned the privilege to be called “Outlaws.”

At least one Outlaw workshop is scheduled every session and include as many as 35 Outlaw workshops over the weekend. They are the highest attended workshops all weekend.

Leveled WCS Workshops

At the Calgary Dance Stampede, we want our leveled West Coast Swing workshops to be the most productive, respectful, and fun learning environment possible. That means giving every dancer the opportunity to learn at their own pace while ensuring our instructors can teach effectively at the level advertised. Levels aren’t about competition—they’re about creating the right environment for growth, community, and joy on the dance floor.

Because competition results don’t always reflect ability (many amazing dancers don’t compete at all), we provide two ways to qualify for Intermediate and Advanced WCS workshops:

  • By holding WSDC Intermediate points or higher, or

  • By attending our audition workshop, where you’ll simply be asked to social dance. Our professional staff will review your technique, musicality, and partnership skills, and let you know by the end of class if you’re ready to LEVEL UP!

We kindly ask that you do not request personal auditions during the weekend. Please come with humility and respect for your fellow dancers, and get ready to be inspired by some of the best WCS instructors in the world.

Intensive Workshops

Our Intensive Workshops are designed for dancers who want to dive deeper and truly push their skills to the next level. These extended-format sessions give our world-class instructors the time and environment to break down concepts, explore technique in detail, and help you build lasting tools you can take straight to the dance floor.

Because intensives are focused, progressive, and often tailored to advanced topics, they are not included in your general event pass and must be purchased separately. This ensures smaller class sizes, dedicated attention, and the right learning environment for everyone attending.

Come prepared to be challenged, inspired, and supported as you expand your dance knowledge in ways that simply aren’t possible in shorter workshop settings. Our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to grow, explore, and walk away with a stronger connection to both your dancing and our dance community.

Social Dancing

Social dance the night away with our three separate Dance Rooms (Country, West Coast Swing, and Line Dance). We create the perfect night life so you can stay and play. No need to choose which roo! One ticket gets you into ALL three rooms!

All Dance Rooms are a family friendly, smoke-free, and a safe environment where competitors, students, and the general public can dance with confidence.

Purchase passes for the weekend and workshops at Country Dance Director!