Dance component returns to the Southeast Manitoba Festival
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The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) has opened its call for entries for the 2026 Southeast Manitoba Festival (SEMF) after a successful merger in 2024. Noteworthy, this year is the dance portion has returned to the festival.
“This merger is a positive step forward for arts accessibility and community engagement in Southeastern Manitoba. We saw fantastic enthusiasm following the announcement of the return of the SEMF Dance category recently, and we anticipate an even greater response this year across all disciplines,” said Cassandra Kornelsen, SAC’s manager of community programs.
Kornelsen noted thousands of people come to the festival every year and while it’s hard to predict how many people will attend this year’s festival, she said organizers are expecting an increase of entries due to the return of the dance portion.
“We’ve had lots of really great response(s) and we’re pretty excited to say that we’re partnering with the Southeast Events Centre to host that dance festival this year.”
The festival provides a platform for amateur musicians and speech performers to perform, compete, and receive adjudication from experts in various categories, culminating in awards nights and highlight evenings.
“(The festival) also gives (participants) an opportunity to perform which some people don’t always have. And yes, instilling the confidence and building different characteristics by being in a festival. It offers a lot to people who are within it just with the structure alone coming, being prepared, performing, and getting that adjudication,’ said Kornelsen.
Since the merger and under the new structure, all entries for the 2026 festival must be submitted directly through SAC located at 304 Second St. in Steinbach. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1.
The 2026 festival calendar features a diverse range of disciplines scheduled throughout early spring. Key dates include: Vocal (Feb. 17 to 19), Dance (Feb. 21 to 22), Strings (Feb. 28 and March 9), Junior Piano (March 2 to 5), Musical Theatre (March 6 to 7), Choral (March 10 to 11), and Senior Piano (March 16 to 20). The registration fee for the festival depends on the discipline.
Organizers this year have incorporated a provincial judging element to SEMF. Participants who meet eligibility requirements may be recommended by adjudicators to advance to the provincial finals, which are scheduled for May 22 to 24, 2026.
The festival is also looking for volunteers.
“Yes, we are looking for volunteers whether it is at our admission table or helping us set up the dance portion and there’s other volunteer positions that people can contact Kim Dyck about. We have lots of opportunities within the festival for people to get volunteer experience,” said Kornelsen.
Those looking to volunteer can call Dyck at 204-392-5639.
The addendum and all entry forms are available on www.SEMF.ca. For general SEMF inquiries, you can email semf@steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077 and ask for Cassandra.