IN THE SPIRIT OF JAZZ, WE DANCE.
EXPLORE OUR SEASON
DJD is one of the only dance companies in North America dedicated to jazz dance. As a creation-based company, we present new work annually, most often with live original music.
Attend a performance“You listen. You look. And you say yes. That’s what music should look like.”
Calgary Herald| DJD Performance
TAKE A CLASS
We believe dance is for everyone. As Calgary’s largest dance school, we offer a wide variety of classes for all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals.
Explore classes"Rebecca is a great teacher. Her combos and exercises are fun and thoroughly explained, and she takes the time to ensure everyone is comfortable where they are at. Highly recommend!"
Kate W.| Jazz Beginner
THE COMPANY
The DJD professional company is made up of a small group of unique and spectacular dancers with diverse training and backgrounds.
Meet the dancersTRAIN WITH US
With over 35 years of experience in performance and instruction, our training programs offer students a place to learn and grow within jazz dance.
Explore programs“The feedback offered in PTP is extremely personalized so I came out of my experience with knowledge that continues to process through my body and mind.”
Elizabeth Emond-Stevenson| Professional Training Program
ATTEND AN EVENT
DJD hosts a number of special events, from the Black & White Ball to Opening Night Celebrations to Artist Talkbacks.
See events“...one of the best events there is - Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) Black White Ball…”
Bill Brooks| The Black & White Ball
DJD was born in 1984 to keep the spirit of jazz alive.
Jazz is born of Black American culture and its roots lie in the turbulent history of the African American experience. We acknowledge this history and recognize ourselves as guests in this form. We are inspired by and benefit from traditions born of a culture that is not our own. We strive to be respectful in honouring the roots and history of jazz, we dance with reverence for those who came before us, we dig deep to go forward, we strive to appreciate rather than appropriate.
Learn more2021/2022
Message from the Artistic Director
Kimberley Cooper
I saw my first jazz music concert since March 2020 last weekend. It was a small, distanced crowd, we all wore masks including the band. I was surprised by how moving it was, how I was either smiling until my face hurt or choking up throughout the performance. What it felt like in the space, I was sitting near the drummer and could really feel the percussion. Watching the musicians communicate with each other with their eyes, they had fully admitted they hadn’t played together in a year and explained there might be more improvising than usual. At any rate it was a wonderful concert. It reminded me why I do what I do, and love what I love…
Read moreBe the first to hear about upcoming performances, new classes, events and more.
ACCLAIM & AWARDS
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
2021 Distinguished Artist Award Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement – UCalgary Alumni Association
DJD Executive Director Kathi Sundstrom
The City of Calgary’s Community Achievement Award for the Arts
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Alberta Foundation for the Arts, 25 Influential Alberta Artists Award
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
MacLachlan Community Beacon Award (Mayor’s Lunch for Arts Champions)
DJD’s Artistic Director Kimberley Cooper is awarded the Chrystal Prize from Dance Victoria
The ffwd Reader’s Choice Award was presented to DJD for Best Dance Company
DJD received the Light House Award from the Calgary Board of Education in recognition of the organization’s contributions to the CBE, its schools and its programs
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Named one of the University of Calgary’s Top 40 Alumni
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
City of Calgary Community Achievement Award for the Arts
Kathi Sundstrom, Executive Director was awarded the Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management
The Alberta Dance Alliance honoured Kimberley Cooper with the Emerging Artist of the Year award
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Global Television’s Woman of Vision Award
BE PART OF THE IMPACT.
Decidedly Jazz Society is a Canadian registered charity. The generosity of our many individual and corporate donors enriches our community through jazz dance.
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