Lindy Harvest

October 1–4, 2026

Hello Lindy Hoppers! We would like to invite you back to Edmonton this Fall for our annual workshop, Lindy Harvest. Behind the scenes, we have been working extra hard to get everything up and running for registration. There's some big changes for 2026, please read on. However, with registration opening at 12 o'clock noon MST on Friday July 31st, this means...

Registration is
Now Open!

News & Changes

Here's a rundown of important news & changes for 2026

• Artist Line-Up
• Removal of Level Check
• Dancer Access Program Expansion
• Pricing
• Venues Update
• Beginner Weekend Pass Changes

Other Notes:

• Bands & DJ Line-Up
• Volunteering

Our Artists

Removal of Level Check

Other approaches will be used

Level checking has consistently produced many opinions. Many dancers find it useful and necessary. Others have told us that past Lindy Harvest level checks did not always feel clear, consistent, or supportive, and that they left discouraged by their placement or uncertain about how decisions were made. If that was true for you, we are truly sorry that this was part of anyone’s Lindy Harvest experience, and for that, we apologize. Our goal is to build an event that feels inclusive, communal, and supportive, not one that leaves dancers feeling discouraged, excluded, or unfairly assessed.

For 2026, we plan to eliminate the mandatory level-check session or class.

In truth, this change is not being made solely because some dancers felt their individual placement was unfair, unclear, inconsistent, or incorrect. The concerns are broader: Level checking is stressful for participants and evaluators. It takes valuable time and energy during an already full weekend. Holding it on Saturday morning, after a few classes and two social dances, is also less than ideal. Finally, and crucially, the outcomes of level check sessions/classes do not always align with our vision for Lindy Harvest to feel inclusive, communal, and supportive for everyone attending.

Level checks have helped us manage class sizes, maintain reasonable role balance, and group dancers with similar experience, efficiently and quickly. Many dancers also value clearly leveled tracks so they may be appropriately challenged and so that everyone in the class can have a strong learning experience for everyone in the class. As we move away from the mandatory session, we will introduce other strategies to preserve these benefits while helping dancers find classes where they can learn successfully.

How will levels, skill challenge, class sizes, and balancing be addressed?

Prior to the weekend

We plan to sort out most level placements prior to Saturday of the workshop:

1. First, thoroughly read the track descriptions and register for the track that best suits the description. You may choose to register in the track you took last year if you prefer a similar pace and content.
2. We may need to contact you for a brief placement conversation or assessment. We do not plan to assess everyone, but if you are contacted, see it as 'normal procedure'.
3. You may also request a level assessment at any time by emailing info@lindyharvest.com.
4. Balancing & class sizes will be addressed ahead of time to the best of our ability; though, admittedly you should expect some imbalances regardless
5. Assessment may involve: a short conversation and email dialogue; a short private dance assessment; a brief video of you dancing; referrals from instructors

During the weekend

1. We will be re-introducing multi-level classes back into Lindy Harvest and introduce open-level classes into the weekend. This will provide more opportunities for dancers from different backgrounds and experience levels to learn together without every class depending on a strict track placement.
2. Yes, we still intend to mix in single-level classes.
3. Instructors & evaluators will observe the first classes to confirm that dancers are in the appropriate level without significant outliers. If there appears to be a significant mismatch, an organizer or instructor will speak with the dancer privately and discuss the available options

Assessment options & discussion may include:

1. remaining in the track with guidance;
2. moving to another track;
3. attending selected classes from another track;
4. choosing more open-level or multi-level classes;
5. receiving a second opinion from another instructor or organizer

Placement Concerns & Reassessment

Placement concerns will be handled privately. The published track descriptions and criteria will be used in reference. When practical, this will involve input from more than one instructor or organizer.

Your thoughts and input?

If you have any thoughts or concerns, we invite you to email us, info@lindyharvest.com

Dancers Access Program Expansion

In light of necessary price increases, we have decided to expand our dancers access program. If you have an unstable financial position, you may opt to receive a $40 discount to help take the edge off. If you need even more assistance, there is a second, larger subsidy you may apply at a $80 discount or please consider billeting and volunteering for even further financial accessibility.

We only ask that you please pay the standard rate by default, and only opt to take the subsidy if you feel the need. Subsidies are limited in supply and we want everyone to be able to come while also allowing us to keep the event financially sustainable. Moreover, if you can afford to, we will be collecting contributions which would be applied directly to offsetting the cost of these subsidies!

2026 Passes & Pricing

We have done our best to keep prices as low as possible, and they remain comparable to many similar workshops and events across the region and Canada. Our costs are also higher because Lindy Harvest 2026 includes welcoming two legendary elders; Thursday to Sunday socials with live music throughout the weekend, including big bands; panels; and 10+ hours of instruction.

In 2025, Lindy Harvest was heavily subsidized by a grant from the Edmonton Arts Council, which allowed us to keep pricing similar to previous years. Unfortunately, this funding is no longer available for 2026, so we have had to adjust workshop pricing accordingly.

Weekend Passes Include:

• Admission to four (4) nights of dancing to live music including big bands
• Two talks/panels with our special guests
• Intermediate to Advanced: 10 hours of instruction
• Beginner: 6 hours of instruction

Volunteers Wanted!

Looking to get involved in the community? And save a bit of money? Help us out and volunteer for a few hours at Lindy Harvest!

Sarah Dickson is helping to coordinate our volunteer needs, and we ask that you complete the volunteer interest form below to help her best coordinate the right job for the right people!

Music

Lindy Harvest just wouldn’t be the same without incredible live music! This year’s edition will feature outstanding bands and musicians to keep the dance floor buzzing all weekend long.

2026 Merchandise

The Design

Working off our previous edition of Lindy Harvest, we will be offering prior-year stock at the event, along with these new variants! Disclaimer: the mock-ups below are shown for your visual aid; the final print may vary slightly than what appears here with no major changes.

Available for pre-order until September 7th

Designer: Jenna O'Flaherty, Aviatrix Design & Illustration 

Highlights from Lindy Harvest 2024

If you were at Lindy Harvest last year, you know that it was legendary! Need a reminder why attend this year as well? Here are a few highlights from prior years!

See you on the Dance Floor!

Sincerely,

Birkley Wisniewski
Artistic Director

Community of Jazz

Branching out of Sugar Swing Ballroom and previously called the Sugar Swing Community of Jazz, "COJ" operates our facilities, rentals, and hosting of the workshops & festivals you hear about.