Alberta Dancesport

Alberta Dancesport runs Friday evening workshops and social dance nights at St. Vladimir's Hall in northeast Calgary. Classes run from 8:15–11:30 PM weekly, with a workshop followed by social dancing. You can join as a couple or single; the studio encourages partner rotation during class, though couples can stay together if they prefer. About half the students register without a partner.

The beginner workshop is designed specifically for those new to dancing or with no prior dance experience. The studio emphasises that "if you can walk and keep your balance, you can learn to dance." All dancers are welcome, and the atmosphere is described as friendly and positive. You learn a new dance each week.

The teaching team includes Kelly Lannan (featured choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Canada and Dancing With The Stars), Diana Lefebvre (Calgary-based performance coach and retired professional ballroom dancer known as one of Canada's dancing sweethearts), Ryan Anderson (10 Dance Ballroom and Salsa professional with over 28 years of experience competing and performing across North America and Europe), Annick Paquet (over 30 years of dance experience in ballroom, Latin, salsa, and country), Andrew Nguyen (professional ballroom and Latin dancer with 18 years of experience, trained and taught in Montreal at a high level), Michael Williams (over 20 years in the social dance community as teacher, event organiser, and performing artist), Jonathan Llewellyn (multi-disciplinary social dancer, competitive performer, instructor, DJ and choreographer since 2005), and David Joseph. The instructors are all professionals who compete at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Alberta Dancesport also hosts Salsa Rica, a performance group providing world-class choreography and shows throughout Alberta and internationally, appearing in venues from Calgary to Toronto, Las Vegas, and Mexico. The studio runs private lessons and event planning services for meetings, conferences, festivals, performances, and competitions.

The studio is heavily involved in Calgary's dance calendar. Local events include the Calgary International Salsa Congress (17th annual, March 27–30, 2026), a Fiestaval Intermediate Bachata Workshop with world champions Jhaime & Valentina (July 18), appearances at the 4th Street Lilac Festival, Fiestaval Latin Festival, Sun Fest, and Taste of Calgary. The studio also hosts fundraisers and after-parties for the congress, and an annual Holiday Party. Director Kelly Lannan judges at major national and international competitions including The Summit Championship, the Montreal Salsa Convention, and the Ultimate Latin Dance Championships in Las Vegas.

You'll arrive for an 8:15 PM Friday workshop at St. Vladimir's Hall. The class teaches a new dance each week with professional instruction, followed by social dancing. You can come solo or with a partner, and switch partners with others during the session. Expect a welcoming, positive atmosphere with dancers of all levels.

Alberta Dancesport's team includes Kelly Lannan (featured choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Canada), Diana Lefebvre (retired professional ballroom dancer and performance coach), Ryan Anderson (10 Dance Ballroom and Salsa professional, 28+ years experience), Annick Paquet (30+ years in ballroom, Latin, salsa, and country), Andrew Nguyen (professional ballroom and Latin dancer, 18 years experience), Michael Williams (20+ years in social dance teaching and event organisation), Jonathan Llewellyn (multi-disciplinary social dancer and instructor since 2005), and David Joseph. All are professionals who compete at local, regional, national, and international levels.

The beginner workshop is designed specifically for those new to dancing or with no prior experience; the studio states anyone can learn if they can walk and keep their balance.