YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM
DJD’s Youth Training Program (YTP) has been designed to provide weekly instruction to students in a supportive, professional, and creative environment.
REQUEST INFOINTERESTED IN JOINING THE YTP?
We’re looking for dancers who are:
- 7-18 years old
- Experienced in dance
- Excited to learn
- Dedicated to dance
What is the YTP?
With almost 4 decades of experience in professional performance and instruction, DJD is known for providing audiences and students alike, with dance experiences that speak to the integrity that the company was founded upon.
Dancers within our Youth Training Program possess a strong desire to learn, grow and put dedicated effort into the art of dance. Our YTP provides high quality and consistent training across several dance genres with an emphasis on skill mastery, physical awareness, mindful intention and soulful artistry. DJD’s YTP showcases the talents of dedicated instructors who share a passion for dance and believe in educating well-rounded, happy and healthy dance artists.
See classes“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
“It's fun, multicultural and my teacher is amazing!”
Naomi
YTP KEY DATES — 2025/2026
August 15
YTP registration opens
September 15-June 11
YTP session dates
September 30
No classes for Truth & Reconciliation Day
October 13
No classes for Thanksgiving
November 11
No classes for Remembrance Day
Week of December 8
Holiday celebration
December 12-January 4
No classes for winter break
January 24
Workshop #1
February 10 & 11
Parent observation night
February 12-16
No classes for Family Day
March 23-29
No classes for march break
May 3
Workshop #2
May 18
No classes for Victoria Day
May 23 & 24
Year-end performance
Week of June 8
Wrap up celebration
TBA
YTP open house
TBA
Company Touch Points
YTP CLASS SCHEDULE
Monday
Intermediate Modern
5:00-6:00 pm
Intermediate Jazz
6:00-7:00 pm
Intermediate Ballet
7:00-8:00 pm
Intermediate/Senior Ballet
7:15-8:15 pm
Intermediate/Senior Pointe
8:15-8:45
Tuesday
Senior/Advanced West African & Hip Hop
4:45-5:30 pm
Senior Jazz
5:30-6:30 pm
Senior Ballet
6:30-7:30 pm
Senior Pointe
7:30-8:00 pm
Advanced Ballet
5:30-6:30 pm
Advanced Jazz
6:30-7:30 pm
Advanced Modern
7:30-8:30 pm
Wednesday
Junior/Inter. Hip Hop & West African
5:00-5:45 pm
Junior Ballet
6:00-6:45 pm
Junior Jazz
6:45 pm-7:30 pm
Intermediate Jazz
5:45-6:45 pm
Intermediate Ballet
6:45 pm-7:45 pm
Intermediate/Senior Ballet
7:45 pm-8:45 pm
Thursday
Senior Modern
5:30-6:30 pm
Senior Jazz
6:30-7:30 pm
Senior Ballet
7:30-8:30 pm
Advanced Ballet
6:00-7:00 pm
Advanced Pointe
7:00-7:30 pm
Advanced Jazz
7:30-8:30 pm
TRAINING LEVELS
DJD’s Youth Training Program welcomes dancers who are either working towards or have an established level of dance experience. Leveling within our jazz and modern classes is not set by a specific gauge, primarily due to DJD holding unique philosophies and aesthetics in these dance forms. Within our ballet faculty, we have Royal Academy of Dance certified teachers and portions of the R.A.D. syllabus are incorporated into our ballet program, however, previous R.A.D. training is not mandatory. Other forms of ballet training are recognized and leveling will be assessed on an individual basis.
| YTP Level | Age | Ballet Level |
|---|---|---|
| JUNIOR | 7-10 | 1-3 years dance experience/grades 1-2 |
| INTERMEDIATE | 10-12 | 3+ years dance experience/grades 3-4 |
| SENIOR | 12-15 | 5+ years dance experience/grades 5-Intermediate |
| ADVANCED | 15-18 | 6+ years dance experience/Intermediate - Advanced |
TUITION
CORE CLASSES: Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop/West African
2 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $1,470
3 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $2,205
4 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $2,940
5 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $3,675
3 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $2,205
4 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $2,940
5 CORE CLASSES/WEEK – $3,675
POINTE CLASSES:
$400/CLASS
EXPLORE YTP CLASSES
Our Youth Training Program provides instruction in jazz, ballet, West African and modern as well supplemental conditioning and pointe classes. We value training that sits outside of the confines of a set syllabus and believe that such training allows for increased exploration, artistry and inquiry within the traditional dance class setting.
We encourage our students to enroll in at least two classes a week (jazz & ballet). Individual class selections can be discussed further with YTP Director, Leanne Kidd.
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Keeping a connection to the history of jazz dance, the DJD YTP jazz program places strong emphasis on fundamental jazz concepts/skills (rhythm, grounded execution, musical connection, full body movement, community, improvisation) and social vernacular aesthetics while also guiding students through an understanding of more codified jazz techniques.
Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.
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Within our Youth Training Program, ballet will provide a solid classical technique foundation that inspires whole dancers, not just future ballerinas. Students’ knowledge, skill level and movement vocabulary will progress each year within a classical ballet framework. Portions of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus will be incorporated as well as unique additions within the freedom of individual teachers’ input and creativity. An emphasis will be placed on increasing self-discipline, self-confidence, co-ordination, musicality and grace.
Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.
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YTP modern dance will explore elements from Limon, Horton, and Graham techniques, as well as current contemporary and release forms. This class will challenge the dancer’s range of dynamics and self-expression, and students will learn improvisation, floor work, inversions, and age appropriate partnering skills. We will explore concepts such as weight, energy, breath, and space, all while developing solid, grounded technique.
Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.
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One of the primary core aesthetics of DJD’s work is rooted within West African dance, music, rhythms and history. Our YTP students are fortunate to add this grounding art form to their regular training and will provide important connections to the full understanding of the history of jazz dance.
Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.
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We believe that the understanding of foundational styles and proper execution go hand in hand with the development of personal style and hip hop swagger. Our instructors will bring their passion for hip hop culture to their students through the exploration of foundation hip hop styles.
Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.
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An exciting highlight to any students’ classical ballet training, this class will prepare students to take their ballet skills to higher heights! This class will focus on kinesthetic awareness, structural alignment, safety precautions, musicality, grace and increasing physical strength and rotation.
Students will be assessed and invited to this class on an individual basis. Students can purchase pointe shoes only when their teacher recommends to do so or have come into the YTP already working on pointe.
Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.
YTP TEACHERS
Leanne Kidd (nee McIndoe) - YTP Director
Ballet & Pointe Instructor
Born and raised in Calgary, Leanne Kidd trained at Calgary’s International School of Ballet, performing many leading roles with Jeunesse Classique Ballet Company, under the direction of Umran Sumen. Her early training highlights include summer intensives at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Banff School of Fine Arts and The American Academy of Ballet. A fun, notable mention - and perhaps what ultimately led her to DJD later in her career - was her high school Dance Option classes under the direction of one of DJD’s original company members, Jill Currie.In 1997, Leanne was accepted into London, England’s Royal Ballet School. In her senior year, she was selected Head Girl, a position carrying key leadership responsibilities and the honour of representing the student body both within and beyond the school. During her studies, she earned awards such as The Cyril Beaumont Scholarship - appointed by Nancy Kilgour. In addition to technique and performance training, across several dance genres, Leanne earned multiple teaching certifications (ARAD, AISTD Cecchetti, AISTD National Folk Dance, Contemporary, BMN- Benesh Movement Notation, amongst others) and completed advanced studies in subjects such as Anatomy, Psychology, and Dance History, graduating with distinction in 2000 (RBSTCA).Since returning to Canada, Leanne looks back with gratitude for the many opportunities she has had to share her art form in British Columbia and Alberta. Some highlights include teaching and performing with Pacific Dance Arts and Three Left Feet Movement Creations, choreographing the full-length production GLORIA for Jeunesse Classique Ballet Company and teaching at organizations such as International School of Ballet, Calgary Arts Academy, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, The Wright Studio and participating in numerous school residencies as a Guest Artist. From 2002 to 2020, Leanne was honoured to be amongst the first artists to work for Calgary Arts Academy, a K–12 charter school, where she served in various roles including Resident Dance Artist, Choreographer, Artist Team Leader, and Performance Coordinator.Her journey with DJD began in 2002 as a Scholarship Student, later joining the Pre-Professional Program and performing in DJD’s school performance, Live and In Sync. In 2005, with encouragement from Michèle Moss, she received two grants to study dance in West Africa - a life-changing experience. Over the next two decades, whenever possible, she continued to teach and train at DJD. In 2016, Leanne was asked to join YTP’s early teaching staff and in 2022, under the guidance Joanne Baker, followed by Kathi Sundstrom, Leanne was happy to move into the role of Directing DJD’s Youth Training Program. She was excited to help re-build YTP, post-pandemic, and introduce new ideas into the program such as YTP Company Touchpoints. Also, since 2022, Leanne has worked within Alberta Dance Theatre’s community and has enjoyed growing into her role as Backstage Manager.Leanne is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Instructor with a lifelong love of yoga, music, and movement. She enjoys teaching conditioning and wellness classes to individuals of all ages whenever she can, sharing what she’s learned along the way. A dedicated wife and mother of two daughters, Leanne values family and community, and hopes to inspire her students to do the same. She encourages a spirit of curiosity, personal growth, and finding joy in the process of creating and learning.
Thys Armstrong - DJD company dancer
Ballet & Pointe Instructor
Hailing from Vancouver, Thys began dancing at RNB Dance & Theatre Arts with teachers Charmaine Nobes, Haley Walker, and Vicki View, among others. Thys has danced with Coastal City Ballet, under the direction of Li Yaming and Katie Bois, Ottawa Rhythm Initiative, and 3120Dance Collective Amsterdam. He has had the pleasure of performing works by Brandi Coleman, Lisa La Touche, Melanie George, Ben Stevenson, and Wen Wei Wang. Thys is featured in Centre Stage: On Pointe (film) and Unreal! (TV). He is thrilled to continue his journey into the world of jazz in his third season with DJD.
Kaja Irwin - DJD company dancer
Jazz Instructor
Kaja is a Winnipeg born dancer, choreographer, and dance educator. After deciding to pursue a career in dance after completing her B.A. in Political Science, Kaja studied in the Professional Training Program offered at DJD, developing her love of both jazz and the Calgary dance community. Kaja loves to explore movement and collaborations across art forms. This includes working with Calgary jazz drummer Nate Chiang developing improvised pieces for the stage, most recently presented in Fluid Fest’s Physical Therapy Cabaret 2023, as well as creating solo jazz/mask work in both short film and stage formats, collaborating with jewelry artist Corey Morani in a short art film, developing her love of costuming and styling, and a continued relationship choreographing music videos for Winnipeg band, Royal Canoe. She has choreographed for Alberta Dance Theatre for several seasons and continues to love teaching in the youth and adult programming at DJD, feeling very inspired and grateful to be a part of this Calgary arts community. Kaja is excited and dedicated to continue growing in the jazz art form and is honoured to be back for her ninth season performing with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
Submit the form below to learn more about the YTP or express your interest in joining.
