GirlsGroove is making its event debut: a women-only dance on March 29th at Crossroads Art Space. GirlsGroove founder Sherri Olsen is hoping that Calgary women will come out and enjoy “a real fun and crazy pumpin’ urban vibe” with the musical talents of Saskatoon based DJ Hottboxxx.
While travelling throughout North America, Olsen attended many women-only venues such as the Michigan Womyn’s Festival, The Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs, and events in Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. “There is something just so magical when we women come out and play and have some fun.” These venues inspired her to bring this excitement home to Calgary where she wanted “an event that was on par with other dances in other major urban centres.” “I’ve had conversations with many who wished for more women activities here, so finally I decided to just do it”. No holds barred, and with her own time and money, Sherri Olsen has done just that.
Olsen admits that the lesbian market is risky, however due to her passion for all-women events, she remains optimistic. In Olsen’s opinion the Calgary lesbian community is perceived as a city full of closeted rednecks, which has resulted in a lack in variety at women-only events. She asserts that “this city is full of amazing women’’, resulting in her willingness to experiment and explore the opportunities Calgary has to offer rather than simply giving in to fatalistic stereotypes. The lesbian community is changing considerably, Olsen believes, and is embracing this change by creating GirlsGroove.
Sherri is not only an entrepreneur when it comes to women-only events. She is an accomplished author of two books, Crossroads Cafe, Breaking Free from the Daily Grind, and COOLdog™ A Guide to Safe Off-Leash Fun. Olsen also works independently as a turnaround coach - in her own words, a “catalyst for people to feel good.” Perhaps attending the GirlsGroove dance on March 29th will be just the boost that women need to get that good feeling.
To get tickets for the GirlsGroove Dance, you can either go online to purchase them, or join Sherri at Money Pennies on March 13th from 7:00-9:00, while listening to a sample of DJ HottBox’s music. There are tickets at the door of the event, however there is a $10 savings to buy in advance instead.
If you would like to know more about Sherri or even purchase a book or two, visit her at www.sherriolsen.com. You can also keep up with GirlsGroove’s events by joining Sherri’s Facebook group GirlsGroove.
So what is next for Sherri? As listed on the GirslGroove website, the avid dog lover is organizing a women-only dog walking event for all dog-loving ladies on April 20th. She may even be planning an event to celebrate Gay Pride (let’s keep our fingers crossed).
We are lucky to have Sherri Olsen in Calgary. It is not often that an individual not only dedicates her time and money to something she believes in, but that she does it with so much passion. Sherri believes in the potential of Calgary. So, Calgary what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets today!
GirlsGroove
Debut Calgary Dance
March 29th, 2008
Tickets: $20 advance, $30 door
www.girlsgroove.ca
