PowerGirl AfroDance Program

The Futures Leadership Institute offered the PowerGirl AfroDance Program in Edmonton over the summer of 2025. This 15 week program was designed for girls ages 10-15, to have a safe and inclusive space to engage in culturally relevant dance rooted in Afrobeat and African-inspired movement.

A key priority was removing barriers to participation. The program was offered free of charge, ensuring that girls from low-income, racialized, and newcomer families—who often face limited access to extracurricular opportunities—could join without financial pressure. Additionally, hosting sessions in a City of Edmonton recreation facility provided an accessible, supervised setting that parents trusted.

The program also worked to reflect and celebrate cultural identity, offering role models and facilitators with diverse lived experiences. Girls were encouraged to express themselves through dance, explore leadership roles, and build peer support networks. The season concluded with a community showcase that highlighted not only the skills developed but also the confidence and sense of belonging participants gained. This initiative demonstrated how culturally affirming, low-cost programming can empower girls and foster equity in recreation.