ICAN - Dance with Us

The Immigration Community Alberta Network Association (ICAN) used their Women in Motion funding to pilot a program for their local Chinese community, successfully recruiting women participants from various age groups and regions, including mainland China and Hong Kong. The project was focused on body training and dance movements for women with no previous exercise experience. Of the 20 women participants, 18 were new Canadians, and was a multi age program with 13 adults, 5 older adults, and 2 children.  

The project had many key aspects in it’s success:

• As part of the project, an experienced instructor with a Chinese cultural background was hired to create a suitable curriculum for participants of different abilities and ages. 
• Over the two-month period, the participants formed connections and friendships, expanding their social circles and expressing interest in future sessions.
• To encourage participation beyond the program, there was a focus on building a supportive and engaging community atmosphere. It was important to provide participants with ample opportunities to connect and socialize during each session, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship. 
• Moreover, the organizers emphasized the long-term benefits of the body training and dance movements taught in the program, such as improved posture, overall health, and an appreciation for the aesthetics of dance. Participants were encouraged to continue practicing these exercises and dance routines outside of the program to maintain their progress.
• The positive feedback and the expressed desire from participants to continue the program indicate that the supportive environment and relevant training content were effective in encouraging ongoing engagement. 
• ICAN plans to leverage this network and the enthusiasm generated by this program to promote future sessions and related events, ensuring sustained participation and community growth.

To continue the momentum of the program, the group showcased their learning experience with a debut performance at a cultural celebration event hosted in the fall of 2024. This was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the skills acquired from the program and to represent the spirits and achievements of local Chinese women.