IN THE SPIRIT OF JAZZ, WE DANCE.

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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.   

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“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.

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"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.  

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TRAIN 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.

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“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.

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“...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. 

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2024/2025

Artistic Director’s Message

Kimberley Cooper

Lordy Lordy WE are 40!

Since our humble beginnings in 1984 we have had quite a time.  4 decades, 3 homes, over 100 dancers, countless collaborators, over 70 original performances…  We are thrilled to celebrate our 40th season with you!

We are currently working hard on a new piece entitled Call and Response that will be presented January 16-26th. featuring the Falling Bullets Jazz Band from New Orleans.  I heard Marla Dixon sing and play trumpet last spring at The Spotted Cat Club in New Orleans and couldn’t stop thinking about her sound.  I called her up and after a little convincing, she agreed to pull together some of her favourite musicians and come work with us….

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More from our blog

History of DJD

DECIDEDLY JAZZ DANCEWORKS In 1984, Vicki Adams Willis who had founded the jazz dance department at the University of Calgary,…

DJD Invited to Perform at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival with Family of Jazz

Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that DJD has been invited to join an array of US and international…

Happy 39th Birthday DJD!

Happy Birthday DJD – wow – 39! For this birthday, the DJD family would like to celebrate our Founding Artistic…
More from our blog
“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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