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Sign UpIN 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 African American roots and the Black American experience. We acknowledge this history and culture is not ours and strive to approach our work with reverence and respect for this history and culture, and for those who came before us.
Artistic Director’s Message
Kimberley Cooper
What lifts you? What makes your heart sing? What do you do when you feel lousy? Sad? Lonely? Music is what does it for me, it can change my mood instantly. And of course, for me, music then becomes dance.
Some may ask, how can we dance when the world is as it is? How can we not? Dance is necessary, dance is medicine, dance is resistance. It’s about living life and giving life – not by making babies but by making art, art with history in resistance, in healing, and helping people rise and celebrate in the worst of times, and escape, or forget for a moment. And remember as well, what is important, what is the point. I believe a path to getting out of the mess we are currently in, is by coming together, sharing experiences by dancing and making music.
So, as you plan your path for the next several months, why not join us for a beautiful season of new work? We passed our 40th milestone last year and now we blast into the future with bold new ideas, movement and music.
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“Terra, a jazz dance by Kimberley Cooper, came next; my favourite work of the evening. The quartet of sneaker-clad dancers were captivating, diving in and out of the music and swishing their jewel-toned skirts.”
Penelope Ford, The Globe & Mail
“Plenty of ‘wow’ in DJD production… DJD forges ahead into bold new territory…”
Calgary Herald
“I love that DJD is not just a studio. It isn't just "a place where I go for dance," but it's a community where I learn about history, immerse myself in Jazz culture, and feed off the sensational energy of my peers. What I love is that DJD is not about simple movements in space, but it's about the music, passion, and emotion within those movements, which turn them into dance.”
Chantel, YTP
“Loved the energy of tonight’s drive in performance! Thank you to all the uber-talented DJD performers and wickedly creative production and artistic team for continuing to inspire our city, connect us and forge a path forward for the arts despite the challenges!! We love you guys and are so thankful you’re a part of this city. You inspire more than you know! Our daughter came home and headed right away to go put on some music and dance! “
Audience Member, There is Something in the Details
ACCLAIM & AWARDS
2023
Calgary Herald 2023-24 Readers Choice Awards
Health & Fitness – Dance Studio
Gold Winner
2023
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
2022
DJD Founders Vicki Adams Willis, Michèle Moss and Hannah Stilwell
Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame Inductees
2021
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
2021 Distinguished Artist Award Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation
2020
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement – UCalgary Alumni Association
2017
DJD Executive Director Kathi Sundstrom
The City of Calgary’s Community Achievement Award for the Arts
2017
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Alberta Foundation for the Arts, 25 Influential Alberta Artists Award
2016
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
MacLachlan Community Beacon Award (Mayor’s Lunch for Arts Champions)
2014
DJD’s Artistic Director Kimberley Cooper is awarded the Chrystal Prize from Dance Victoria
1999-2014
The ffwd Reader’s Choice Award was presented to DJD for Best Dance Company
2013
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
2006
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
Named one of the University of Calgary’s Top 40 Alumni
2005
DJD Founder in Residence
Vicki Adams Willis
City of Calgary Community Achievement Award for the Arts
2005
Kathi Sundstrom, Executive Director was awarded the Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management
2002
The Alberta Dance Alliance honoured Kimberley Cooper with the Emerging Artist of the Year award
2001
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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