Footloose at Stage West Calgary: New moves, familiar joy, and backstage Tetris

What happens when you stage a high-octane musical in a venue where the wings are barely wide enough to stretch your arms?

For Footloose at Stage West Calgary, the answer is choreography — on stage and off.

“Every night, I’m like, ‘Oh, Tetris,” laughs Makayla Moore, who performs in the ensemble and serves as the show’s dance captain. “Everything has to be in a specific spot.”

With a cast of 21 — considered large for regional theatre in Canada — the show delivers big energy in a relatively small space. Scene changes blur into choreography. Set pieces swing through narrow channels. And behind the curtain, cast and crew navigate a backstage ballet that’s just as intricate as the action the audience sees.

Moore wears more than one hat. She’s both a featured performer and the dance captain — responsible for maintaining the movement of the show long after opening night.

“My job is essentially to maintain the integrity of all of the choreography… I’ll watch archival videos, give notes, run lift calls before each show — and if someone’s out or injured, I help re-space the numbers,” she explains.

And while the plot may be familiar — small town bans dancing, big feelings ensue — the movement is entirely new. “It is all original choreography,” says Moore. “Our choreographer is Jesse Weafer, who’s an amazing dancer and choreographer. The inspiration is absolutely still there… but Jesse has definitely put his stamp on it.”

That’s where Moore’s role gets personal. Dance isn’t just her job — it’s how she connects to life.

“Dance is very much a part of who I am,” she says. “One of the lines our director, Phil Nero, always talked about is ‘celebrating life.’ And for me, dance is very much tied to that phrase.”

That philosophy runs through the entire show. Even if dancing isn’t your personal outlet, the production celebrates the universal impulse to move, feel, and express joy.

“It might not be dance for some people. It might be something different,” Moore says. “But I think we can all connect to the idea of just being able to do what makes you feel like you can enjoy life.”

The show runs through June 22 at Stage West Calgary, complete with dinner buffet and musical classics that will make you want to cut loose.

Tickets can be found at the Stage West website.