The 2024 Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival came and went, but the aftermath is still reverberating to this day. If you missed this event or want to reminisce on the good times that were had, this is the place to be! We sat down with Eli Everett (PULSE instructor and participant in the festival) and Jacksun Fryer (guest judge, choreographer, instructor, and battle participant) to bring some of their insights from the festival. From films and battles to performances and workshops, the CHHSDF was a vibe (as the kids would say), so let’s get into it!
.jpg "Community Vibes at Calgary's Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival")
The battle that invited Calgary’s youth to the grand stage
We begin our recap with the high school battle on November 16 at Father Lacombe High. It wasn’t the official start of the festival, but the top two teams in this crew battle would earn a spot to perform at the Showcase the following Saturday. “It was so lit. I don't think I've ever been in a dance atmosphere like that,” Jacksun recounts.
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation. Dancers were eager for their spotlight to perform. If you remember the 2004 dance movie, “You Got Served,” the atmosphere was like that. Despite the competitive drive that filled the gymnasium, all the schools were respectful and cheered everyone on. Spectators were screaming at the top of their lungs throughout the night. It was electrifying.
At one point, Jacksun, who judged the battle, showcased his skills in a solo performance, which erupted the crowd. Known for NBC’s World of Dance Seasons 3 and 4 and runner-up for Canada’s Got Talent 2024, he added celebrity status to the event. Yet, he was more in awe of the teams, who were self-governed and choreographed these performances themselves.
Bishop McNally and Father Lacombe came out on top at the end of the night and secured their place with Calgary’s best in the dance community alongside Hip Hop legends at the Showcase. Congrats!
.jpg "High School Dancers Shine at Calgary's Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival Showcase")
One of the High School teams performing at the CHHSDF Showcase
Kicking off the festival with films, shops – and a surprise battle!
Lights… Camera… Action! The festival begins with a film screening of Calgary’s creative dancers who added a new dimension to their craft. Eli felt elated to see so many people from outside the dance community showing their support. He adds, “Sometimes, I feel like there's a separation between the dance community and artists. So, to have communities from the music and fashion scene is always super cool because that's how we build our scene.”
Several films were presented, displaying Calgary’s creative and abstract interpretation of dance on screen. Films like the one AJ had presented integrated freestyling and engaging visuals into a short, cohesive story. Jacksun marvelled at how big the Calgary scene was. From Vancouver, he had minimal exposure to Calgary's dance. This experience widened his view on the growth of its community.
Princess Lockerooo came up on stage to introduce Waacking's history. It was a hybrid presentation, with videos, interviews, and a demo.
After the screening, vendors took over the stage to set up a street-style Hip Hop market hosted by Secret Shop. For a couple of hours, you could buy jackets, jerseys, and other streetwear. There was a barber on stage offering haircuts. One vendor was selling tooth gems (yes, attaching gems to your teeth!).
Appearances from other dance studios were refreshing because the goal of the festival is to bring the entire Calgary Hip Hop and dance community together under one roof. An eclectic mix of communities mingled as amazing music from local DJs filled the room. The music inspired mini dance cyphers to form. It was a little hectic at times in the best way possible. It was a packed event and the best way to shake off the cold from outside.
The first day of the festival closed with a surprise battle. Sixteen dancers (10 invites and 6 wildcards) partook in an open styles battle. Poppers, Breakers, Hip Hoppers, and other Street styles went head-to-head like the early days of the UFC. Both Eli and Jacksun were among the battlers. Kosi, House and Youth judge, won the whole thing, but everyone went home happy.
It’s time to battle at Friday night’s preliminaries.
Battling is an integral part of Hip Hop and Streetdance culture. Dancers from different cities compete in a 1-v-1 tournament as an ultimate test of skill and strategy. This year’s festival has eight categories: 11 and under, 12-16, Hip Hop, House, Locking, Breaking, Waacking, and Popping. The top 4 dancers in each would advance to the Finals and Showcase rounds the next night.
Almost 200 dancers and spectators filled PULSE Studios. People were weaving in and out of the three studios to catch certain match-ups, styles, and their favourite dancers.
Eli reflected on witnessing the diversity in the crowd that was enjoying dance styles they don’t usually encounter. The crowd packed the Hip Hop room, but the Popping battles were the most intense. Jordan aka Born2Boogie (and PULSE MVP – check out his story here) had to endure three tie-breakers for one battle before ultimately prevailing to the finals.
Cyphers were happening throughout the day, in which Jacksun got to meet Calgary’s dancers more intimately. The presence of the out-of-town guest judges was both intimidating and inspiring. These judges include:
- Mr Wiggles (Popping)
- Princess Lockeroo (Waacking)
- Scramblelock (Locking)
- Heat Rock (Breaking)
- Chrybaby Cozie (Hip Hop)
- Kosi (House)
- Kosi, Jacksun, and C-Child (Youth categories)
Overall, Friday night was an amazing event. Especially with Calgary’s weather showing its rougher side, the community came out in droves to support the dancers and the festival.
Calgary’s dance scene is on full display at the finals and showcase.
This is it. The culmination of the festival was filled with performances and battles of the highest calibre. In between the battles, Beast Machine, a collaboration between Vessel and Team Mayhem, a K-Pop group called B.U. Dance Crew, and Jacksun and Princess Lockeroo’s choreography was showcased. Jacksun’s piece honoured Mr. Wiggles, a Hip Hop and Popping pioneer, by incorporating his trademark music.
Here are the winners of the 2024 CHHSDF Finals:
- Jacksun Fryer (Popping)
- Eunice (Waacking)
- Julian (Locking)
- Frescy - PULSE MVP – check out his story (Breaking)
- King Mars (Hip Hop)
- Difficult C (11 and under)
- Poppin’ Sean (12–16 years)
.jpg "Epic Battle: Ryan I vs. King Mars at Calgary's Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival")
Ryan I v. King Mars (winner of the Hip Hop category)
It was cool to see real-life brothers, Frescy and Eli, go head-to-head in the Breaking finals. Jacksun, Princess Lockeroo and their dancers headed to the University of Calgary immediately after to perform for the TransFORM Festival – a collaboration with the CHHSDF. Jacksun was in attendance and thought the show had an abstract beauty. “Super artsy,” he says. All in all, the Finals and Showcase were a vibe.
The finale: Workshops at PULSE
Four days in and dancers were hungry for more. The guest judges from the night before got to share their knowledge and wisdom in a star-studded workshop. This was an opportunity for up-and-coming dancers and seasoned Calgary players to learn from legends and pioneers.
A highlight of the workshop was the Q&A panel moderated by Tara Wilson. Dancers could ask the guest instructors anything to help their careers. They sought enlightenment, insight, and inspiration.
Eli asked what skills dancers should develop outside of dance. Mr. Wiggles urged dancers to improve their financial literacy. He encouraged them to invest in their development. Know what to do with your money. Invest in your future. One thing Jacksun took away from the panel was that many of the questions raised mixed opinions. Each judge had a different opinion, meaning dance is subjective and there can be more than one truth to many aspects of it.
.jpg "Princess Lockerooo Inspires at Calgary's Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival")
Princess Lockerooo - guest judge, instructor, and choreographer at CHHSDF 2024
Final thoughts on the festival.
Based on all accounts, the events were a success, and dancers and spectators enjoyed the experience. The festival had a well-balanced blend of films, battles, performances, and workshops. The participants felt inspired, motivated, and looked forward to the next one.
Jacksun was in awe of Calgary’s dance scene and had many of his followers intrigued by the festival. With the Vancouver Street Dance Festival closing in 2025, we hope Tara and the CHHSDF will return with this energy, prestige, and community spirit for years to come.
