Footprints Dance Project Society of Alberta

The Footprints Dance Project Society of Alberta is a Calgary-based Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to performing arts programs, especially dance, for children and youth facing economic, social, physical, and gender barriers. Registered under the Business Number 886887728RR0001, the organization focuses on delivering free, seasonal, and year-round arts programming to diverse communities in Calgary.

History

Founded in 1999 by Artistic Director Neah Kalcounis and Administrator Ella Matthews, the Footprints Dance Project began as a small community initiative offering contemporary dance classes. Since then, it has expanded its reach significantly, serving over 3,000 children and youth aged 3 to 18 across various Calgary neighborhoods. The organization has grown to include a broad spectrum of programs, engaging participants from underprivileged backgrounds, including many families who are new Calgarians from regions affected by conflict in Africa and the Middle East.

In 2009, Andrea Pass assumed the role of Artistic Producer. A graduate of Calgary’s Young Canadians and the University of Calgary’s Dance Program, Pass brought over two decades of choreography and arts programming experience. She expanded the organization's offerings to include a month-long summer dance intensive, afterschool dance and digital media programs, youth leadership committees, school residencies, and community partnerships. Her tenure contributed to Footprints’ development of innovative projects integrating dance and film, as well as collaborations with local and international arts and social organizations.

In 2020, leadership transitioned to Nicole Pemberton, who brought a versatile skill set and a leadership style focused on team culture, mentorship, and making a meaningful social impact through the arts.

Programs and Impact

Footprints Dance Project creates inclusive environments where youth can explore dance, share experiences, inspire each other, and perform. The programs improve participants' physical literacy, fitness, agility, creativity, and confidence. Through memorization of choreography and creative movement exercises, youth develop cognitive as well as physical skills.

The organization works closely with community professionals—such as social workers, teachers, and family assistance groups—to reach youth who benefit most from their offerings. Volunteers and staff dedicate countless hours to nurturing values of citizenship, social accountability, independence, and respect among participants.

Footprints Dance Project emphasizes community engagement and accessibility, ensuring that over 90% of donations directly fund programming. The organization also supports outreach through digital media and performances, such as their student film "Passages" shown at international festivals.

Recognition

Over its more than two decades of operation, Footprints Dance Project has seen its students perform at events like the Western Canada Games (2007) and participate in international videodance festivals. It continues to be recognized for its dedication to equity in the arts and its role in fostering social inclusion through dance and performance.

This summary reflects Footprints Dance Project Society of Alberta’s mission, history, programs, and impact as a charitable organization supporting youth through performing arts in Calgary[1][2][4][5].