About me
Kelly Brownlee is an award winning dance educator and Dance Instructor at Father Lacombe High School, where she brings over fifteen years of international teaching, choreography, and performance experience to her students. Her work in the classroom and on stage reflects a commitment to the transformative power of dance, helping young artists build confidence, community, and technical and interpretive skills through rich performance and training opportunities. The Dance program at Father Lacombe boasts five consecutive High School Hip Hop Battle Championships and the Kaiti Peres Love of Dance Award.
As co chair of the East Side Dance Festival Society, Kelly helps lead one of Calgary’s most impactful and equity driven youth arts organizations. The festival removes barriers to fine arts access, connects students with professional artists, and provides mentorship, workshops, and post secondary pathways for young dancers across the city. Under its leadership, the Society has received major recognition, including the 2023 City of Calgary Community Achievement Award for Arts Organization and the 2025 ATB Powering Possibilities Through the Arts Award, and the 2026 Mazda Local Legends Award.
The Society has contributed to many initiatives such as the Gateway Project in partnership with Pulse Studios, Young Choreographer Residencies in partnership with Dancer Studio West, Dance to Campus in partnership with the University of Calgary and the Gamma Crew in partnership with illFX Education which connects hundreds of young artists to the wider dance community in Calgary every year.
Kelly’s vision and dedication continue to uplift dancers from diverse communities, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and inspired as they discover their artistic voice, grow their confidence, connection to a network arts professionals, and their shared passion for dance.
