Calgary is growing (obvs). As new Calgarians bring diversity and culture to our city, we must find ways to invite them to be part of our community and what we have to offer.
From November 21-24, 2024, the 3rd annual Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival will celebrate Hip Hop through films, battles, performances, and workshops. It’s a jam-packed festival with so many events to choose from, so we are taking on the task of breaking down everything you need to know, from its history and goals to its schedule and official links with the hopes that (if you’re not already planning to go) you will find another dimension to Calgary for you and your family to embrace. There’s a lot to cover so let’s jump right in!
CHHSDF’s history and roots
Let's rewind to the start of the post-COVID era. Tara noticed how many dancers relied on their phones and devices to seek Hip Hop education and inspiration. Knowing the best way to pass down culture, history, and knowledge is through in-person connections, she devised a way to preserve and promote Hip Hop and Streetdance by uniting the Calgary community.
In 2022, Tara invited one of the greatest influences in Breaking and Hip Hop – B-boy Ken Swift – to Calgary to share the roots of Hip Hop from his perspective, having experienced and contributed to the birth of Hip Hop as a New York native. A film screening and lecture demo took place where Ken shared videos and interviews of original B-boys, emcees, graffiti artists, and DJs. A group of young dancers were selected to work with Ken on a performance piece presented on the festival's final night. Ken connected with Calgary’s Breaking community leaders for conversation and mentorship. There was also a battle and party that Ken judged. This was the start of the Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival, and the festival continues to grow from these roots.
Last year, four incredible dancers were featured in the 2nd festival, continuing the tradition of sharing through films, performances, battles, and teaching. The battles expanded beyond Breaking to welcome Hip Hop, House, Locking and Popping. The finals drew over 150 attendees. They enjoyed local high school dance crews and elite dancers from Vancouver, Utah, California, Montreal, Toronto, Saskatchewan, and Edmonton.
This year, the festival welcomes Waacking to the fold. Born in New York, this dance serves as a voice for the LGBTQ IA2S+ community. Princess Lockerooo, a Waacking leader, proudly introduces you to this high-energy dance. Discover the magic she brings by visiting www.princesslockerooo.com.
The culture thrives when people come together: The goal of the festival
The festival is not only about Hip Hop and Streetdance – it’s about connectivity and community. Calgary has four dedicated Hip Hop studios with the majority of dance studios having Hip Hop programs in their curriculum. Not to mention the countless individual dancers in the city who embrace the culture. Yet, these pockets operate independently and rarely unite as a community. That’s where the Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival comes in.
Thanks to PULSE, Dance Code, the K-pop community, and high schools like Father Lacombe and Bishop McNally, the festival now welcomes more of Calgary to celebrate Hip Hop and Streetdance under one roof.
By showcasing the diversity of Hip Hop in Calgary, attendees can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultural expressions. From dance films and battles to performances and workshops, the Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival is an experiential celebration of the history, techniques, and cultural significance of Hip Hop and Streetdance, promoting learning and skill development among participants.
Experience the vibes: a breakdown of each day
What can you expect from the festival? Let’s take a tour of the festival's events and paint an exciting picture for you to envision!
Thursday, November 21: The Film Festival and Kick-off Party @ West Village Theatre
You open the doors as enthusiastic spectators eagerly wait for 7:00 PM to arrive. Everyone finds their seats next to friends and family in front of a ginormous white screen. For the next 40 minutes, you are treated to a visual and auditory mix of multidisciplinary arts, merging dance into film. Much like this film, produced, directed, and choreographed by Marc Generoso. It stars a very young, Jacksun Fryer, a featured artist of CHHSDF, titled, "Forrest Gump Jr.” Check it out!
You join the crowd in applause for Calgary’s diverse dance filmmakers as they make their way to the front, welcoming any questions you have about their films. It's a room full of talent that wows you.
Before the night is over, the official Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival kicks off with a party in the theatre, put together by Secret Shop. You stick around for refreshments and great conversations with the community (we know what you’re thinking, and yes, they will be serving liquor at the venue – it’s a party after all!).
This event is $15 for the film screening and the kick-off party or $10 just for the kick-off party. To buy tickets in advance, visit showpass.com.
Friday, November 22: The Prelim Battles @ PULSE Studios
It’s time to see dance live and in battle mode. You arrive at PULSE Dance Studios, where dancers surround you as they get ready for their moment in the spotlight. You see someone you recognize and exchange enthusiastic curiousity. You learn there are eight categories: kids (11 and under), kids (12-16 yrs), Locking, Popping, House, Hip Hop, Waacking, and Breaking. The studio is buzzing with energy.
From 4:45-10:00 pm, it’s non-stop action. Calgary dancers battling local and international dancers for their right to be in the top 4 in their categories. Dancers take turns to solo in 30-second, 45-second, and 1-minute rounds. Judges in each category will choose the top 16 after each dancer has had a chance to battle once. Preliminary rounds will be 30-45 seconds, depending on how many enter each battle. Judges will make the brackets for the top 16, which will be one round each of 45 seconds. Judges will cut one dancer after each round until they reveal the top 4.
Throughout the night, the emcee introduces the judges for each category. If their names don’t sound familiar, watching their dance showcase in person definitely piques your interest.
| *Father Lacombe High School hosts the CHHSDF Dance Choreography Competition on November 16th. High school dance teams will compete with Streetdance-inspired choreography. Jacksun Fryer will judge the competition, and the top 2 winners will perform at the Battle Finals on November 23. This allows high school students to be part of the festival! |
At one point you think to yourself, “Dang, the music here is amazing!” That’s because DJ Rita Spirit, DJ Ruby Jane, DJ Andy Bbad, and DJ Catfish curate the best battle music Hip Hop has to offer. Emcees Teezy and Shiro Jackson keep you engaged and hyped throughout the event.
Entrance fees are $25 for one category and $10 for each additional category. If you’re there to support as a spectator, tickets are only $30 for the entire day!
Saturday, November 23: Finals and Showcase @ West Village Theatre
You’re back at West Village to witness who will be crowned winners from the top 4 in each category the night before. The best of the best compete for the chance to be champions. They also win a trophy, free workshop entry worth $225, and an honorarium from the festival. And you are right there, front and center. Between battles, you enjoy performances from the winners of the High School Dance Competition, Beast Machine, and other dance crews. You’re meeting new people along the way and having fun with great music in the background.
Saturday/Sunday, November 23/24: TransFoRM Festival @ the University of Calgary
The Finals and Showcase are from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. This gives you time to get to the University of Calgary Theatre for the TransFoRM Festival. It's a 12-day festival for choreographers and researchers from around the world. Included in the mix are Jacksun Fryer and Princess Lockerooo, who are featuring their choreography in this show with selected Calgary dancers. The show starts at 8:00 PM, giving you time for a quick bite to eat on the way.
If it’s too much for one night, that's okay. You’ll get another chance to see this show the following night.
Sunday, November 24: Dance Workshops @ PULSE Studios
You’ve watched all the films, battles, and performances – now it’s time for you to dance. The festival’s finale is a full day of workshops. Those same judges you saw at the battles now pass on their expertise to you. Choose based on your favourite style or teacher (but why choose one? Do them all!):
Here's a breakdown of the classes you can take:
10-11:30AM - Breaking with Heat Rock / Freestyle with C-Child
11:45-1:15PM - Lite Feet with Chrybaby Cozie / Locking with Scramblelock
1:15-2:45PM - The Judges Panel Discussion with the instructors, moderated by Tara Wilson
2:45-4:30PM - Popping with Mr. Wiggles / Waacking with Princess Lockerooo
4:45-6:15PM - Choreo with Jacksun Fryer / House with Kosi
The workshop is a welcome challenge, so your sweaty shirt is a sign of your hard work and growth. You catch your breath with the judges’ panel at 1:15 PM, moderated by Tara Wilson. You take one more class afterward because inspiration strikes. Prices: $35 per class before November 14 ($50 at the door) or $145 for 5 classes ($240 at the door).
Congratulations! You experienced the whole Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival. It was full of inspiration, education, and community.
Can’t wait for the festival to start? Neither can we!
Calgary and Hip Hop are best experienced as a community, and the Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival offers an experience that will surely enlighten you. There are lots to experience, new people to meet, and dancers looking for support and a community to cheer them on. You got a taste of the festival through text, but it’s time to experience it in real life. The festival runs from Thursday, November 21st to Sunday, November 24th, so book your tickets today and claim your action-packed seats!
Note: Don’t hesitate because last year’s showcase day was beyond sold out.
To stay updated on everything CHHSDF, follow @calgaryhhsdfest on IG. Also, visit www.calgaryhhsdf.com to book your family for this amazing experience!
See you there!!!
