Presenter: Meghaan Michalsky Audience: K–12 As a choreographer, the weakest skillset I often see when dancers enter a creative process is improvisation and the ability to generate material. How can we begin introducing these skills to dancers at a younger age in order to propel the form forward? This lecture will explore two essential avenues of training: developing critical thinking (or “dance IQ”) and cultivating physical specificity. We’ll begin with physical training focused on enhancing range, power, and functional capacity in key muscles and joints, using approaches drawn from various contemporary dance methods. In the second half, we’ll shift to improvisation techniques aimed at developing specificity in movement choices and generating clear choreographic material for creative processes.

Presenter: Theatre Calgary Audience: General Strategies for creating movement with participants with a wide range of dance backgrounds, including those who have little to no dance experience. Covers scaffolding choreography so everyone feels confident, using group patterns to support individual learners, and working with varying skill levels.

Presenter: Danielle Booker Audience: K–12 This session provides an immersive exploration of the Red River Jig and the music of Métis people. Participants will move beyond passive listening to examine the intricate fusion of Indigenous drum rhythms and European fiddle traditions. By blending physical movement, rhythmic accompaniment, and traditional regalia, educators will learn how to bring the vibrant history of the Métis into their classrooms through kinesthetic learning.

Presenter: Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Audience: General Please note: This add-on session is an additional $25 to be paid during online registration. Experience the energy, history, and creative spirit of jazz in a 90‑minute education session at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. Join fellow arts educators for an immersive class that blends movement, musicality, and cultural understanding inside DJD’s vibrant studio space. Led by DJD’s experienced teaching artists, this session explores the foundations of jazz through a warm‑up, across‑the‑floor, and guided choreography creation. Participants will also engage in swing dance fundamentals, examine the historical importance of jazz, and build a deeper appreciation for understanding jazz music as both an art form and a cultural legacy. Some foundational background with movement and dance is suggested to support your experience.