More than movement:  Inside the UCalgary Dance Company

By Leigh Patrick, September 30 2025—

The University of Calgary Dance Company (UCDC) is more than a performance group — it’s a student team where movement becomes a powerful form of storytelling. Blending choreography, musicality and emotion, the team brings creativity and dexterity to campus events and competitions across Alberta and beyond.

Dance isn’t just about performance — it requires elements of athleticism, discipline and grit to master the craft. With hours of training and physically demanding routines, these dancers push their bodies and minds to the limit.

The UCDC is entirely student-run, led by co-presidents Teanne Couture and Jasmine Sun, both Dance and Kinesiology double majors. Executive members rotate teaching duties, sharing their experience in lyrical, contemporary and jazz. These students lead with passion, inspiring others to explore movement. Guest teachers occasionally join to introduce new techniques and a fresh perspective. 

UCDC offers two paths: a training team for all skill levels and a competitive performance team, chosen by audition. While the training team meets weekly to build technique and offers an entry point into dancing, the performance team trains twice a week and competes in group, solo, and ensemble routines.

Their competition season consists of two local competitions and one varsity-level competition in Toronto, where the team performs choreographed routines in various styles and are judged on technique, synchronization, stage presence, and creativity. The atmosphere is electric, with teams from across Canada showcasing their best work in front of enthusiastic crowds and expert panels. 

Beyond the stage, dancers participate in team bonding, fundraising and volunteer work — making their impact felt across campus and Calgary. Whether on stage or in the community, the UCDC moves with purpose — and they never miss a beat.