The Excel Assistant Experience

Price: $150 (Holiday Special - Until January 1st)

The Excel Assistant Program is designed to inspire the next generation of dance leaders by offering select dancers the opportunity to train, perform, and mentor alongside our faculty.

By earning this title, dancers receive the opportunity to assist for one full year with Excel Dance Experience. Beyond conventions, the program provides mentorship, performance opportunities, and community connections that help prepare dancers for future careers in the dance industry.

Dancers who complete their one-year commitment as Excel Assistants have the opportunity to advance into the Pro Excel Assistant role upon turning 16. This elevated role is a paid assisting position that includes: pop-up class appearances and choreography collaborations, portfolio and résumé building opportunities, potential faculty teaching positions after graduation

Assistant Experience Schedule

Event Date

June 13th, 2026

Location

Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre, 2720 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2E6

Mini/Junior (Ages 12 & Under)

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Assistant Solo Competition

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Audition Class with Director, Gretta Briceno

Teen/Senior (Ages 13 +)

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Assistant Solo Competition

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Audition Class with Director, Gretta Briceno

Evaluation & Selection Process

Excel’s Assistant Team is chosen through a comprehensive scoring system that includes:

  • Solo Scores: Performance, technique, and artistry
  • Audition Scores: Adaptability, presence, and musicality
  • Workshop Scores: Engagement, teamwork, and leadership during the June 14 Convention

The dancers with the highest combined scores, along with demonstrated professionalism and community spirit, will be invited to join the 2026–2027 Excel Assistant Team.

Hear from our Past Assistants!

"Excel is such a good environment for dancers to learn and grow. I love meeting other dancers from all different studios and being inspired by them. Learning from all the amazing and new choreographers is such an amazing opportunity in calgary"

~ Sienna Giusti, Excel Assistant 2025

"Excel has been such an incredible experience for me as both a dancer and an assistant! This event has brought a high caliber dance experience to Calgary while fostering an environment of learning and connection. Through Excel, I’ve made lasting friendships and valuable industry connections, and I truly cannot recommend it enough. Gretta has been an amazing mentor who works tirelessly to give students and assistants every opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.”

~ Trissa Wildeman, Excel Assistant 2025-2026

"Being an Excel Assistant has been such an incredible experience, from taking part in photoshoots and rehearsals to performing and even teaching our own choreography. Additionally, learning and performing choreography on the spot for each class at excel events has been a great challenge and pushed me to improve as a performer."

~ Luke Green, Graduated Excel Assistant

"Being part of the Excel Assistant Team is an incredible experience. I love Excel because it allows me to inspire and connect with other dancers while also getting to work with choreographers from all across North America. The environment encourages growth, positivity, and passion and I’m so thankful be a part of it."

~ Alice Pettigrew, Pro Excel Assistant

"Hi! My name is Daniella Olson and Im an assistant with excel dance experience! My experience with excel has been nothing short of amazing, the opportunities Ive been provided with are incredible. I have had the privilege to assist and learn from faculty from all over the world, alongside an amazing assistant team that inspires me everyday. The excel assistant community is so positive and uplifting, and I’m so thankful to be apart of such an amazing community that provides me with these opportunities."

~ Daniella Olson, Pro Excel Assistant

About the Assistant Experience

The Assistant Experience Add-On is where each dancer’s journey begins.
Held the day before the Summer Convention, it offers the chance to:

  • Perform a solo in the Assistant Competition

  • Participate in a professional audition class with Excel Director Gretta Briceno

  • Receive personalized solo feedback from Excel’s judging panel

  • Earn a free entry into the Improv Challenge held during the Summer Convention on June 14th

  • Be evaluated for the opportunity to become a 2026–2027 Excel Assistant

Note: Attendance at the full Summer Convention on June 14th is mandatory for all Assistant Experience dancers.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Join us for the Excel Assistant Experience on June 13th, 2026, at the Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

Registration opens December 1st, 2025 — limited spaces per age level.

Register December 1st!