DJD’s PTP program is an eight-month training experience. The PTP is dedicated to the development of skilled and knowledgeable jazz dance artists. The program runs Monday to Friday, September to May, with three to four hours of training each day. Participants study Jazz, Tap, Jazz Improvisation, West African, Swing, Latin, Core Strength, Jump Rhythm Jazz Style, DJD Repertoire, Jazz History and Jazz Music Appreciation.

MEET MARIKO!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE PTP?
I am from Toronto, Ontario and have been in Calgary for the past 5 years attending University. My journey in the PTP began this September and has been amazing thus far!

WHAT HAS THIS YEAR BEEN LIKE BEING BACK IN THE STUDIO? HOW HAS MOVEMENT HELPED YOU THROUGH?
Being back in the studio has brought a sense of normality back into our lives and the movement, for me, has been extremely healing during these times. It has also given me the opportunity for improvement.

HOW HAS YOUR PROGRAM EXPERIENCE BEEN SO FAR AND WHAT HAS CHANGED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO JAZZ DANCE?
The opportunity to share space with other passionate dancers has been a blessing and a daily inspirational experience. The PTP community continuously pushes me to be a stronger and more informed jazz dancer. I feel that the program has helped me seek a deeper understanding of the rich history of jazz music and jazz dance as well as other branches of jazz. Under numerous teachers’ audiences, my movement quality and vocabulary have been expanded greatly. The biggest impact on my dancing is the discovery of my own style and recognizing how it fully immerses my body and transforms my movement.