CBE Students stepped into the spotlight this week to participate in the Eastside Dance Festival (ESDF), a two-day celebration of movement, culture, and community.

The festival represents far more than a performance opportunity; it is a powerful extension of classroom learning, equity in access to the arts, and fostering student well-being.

"Through these opportunities, students are not only developing their artistic skills, they are building confidence, finding their voice, and learning the value of community and cultural understanding,” says Janelle Ferrara, Teacher at Forest Lawn High School.

Expanding Access to the Arts

For many CBE students, access to specialized arts programming can be limited by a variety of factors. ESDF works directly to address this gap by offering inclusive programming that ensures students from diverse communities can participate in high-quality dance education and be introduced to many different styles of dance from jazz, Bollywood and hip-hop to traditional cultural and modern/contemporary.

By hosting students from both CBE and Calgary Catholic School District, the festival also builds inter-school connections and strengthens Calgary’s broader educational and cultural community.

"It is essential that young dancers relate to their instructors and feel represented," says Ferrara. "Exposure to a wide variety of cultural dance forms helps students better understand both themselves and the world around them."

Building Student Leadership and Well-Being

Beyond technical skills, ESDF fosters leadership development and social-emotional growth, key priorities within CBE’s Student Well-Being Framework. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their creative work, collaborate with peers, and develop confidence through performance.

The festival also emphasizes mentorship, connecting students with experienced artists who guide them not only in dance, but in broader life and career skills. These experiences help students build resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

Strong Participation from CBE Schools

This year, students from across the city participated in the festival, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm for dance education across the district. In addition to great representation from CBE, a few students were named as East Side Bursary recipients:

In a city as diverse and dynamic as Calgary, these opportunities reaffirm the importance of accessible, inclusive arts programming and the vital role it plays in education.​

CBE Students Take the Stage at Eastside Dance Festival 2026


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