Business Details
42 Years
experience
Experience Jazz Dance in Calgary
Decidedly Jazz (DJD) is a Calgary-based dance organization founded in 1984, dedicated to preserving and evolving the art of jazz dance. Our mission is rooted in the rich traditions of African American culture, which we honor through innovative performances, educational programs, and community engagement. With over four decades of experience, we have created more than 70 original works, performed for over 400,000 people globally, and enriched the lives of 350,000+ individuals through outreach initiatives. Our professional company comprises uniquely talented dancers who collaborate with live musicians to deliver dynamic, rhythm-driven performances. We operate the DJD Dance Centre, a state-of-the-art facility offering 50+ weekly classes for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals.Our educational programs include youth training, financial aid opportunities, and school residencies that integrate dance with academic learning. As a registered charity, we rely on donor support to sustain our artistic vision and community impact. Our team of seasoned instructors and artists brings decades of combined expertise in jazz dance, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship. We prioritize accessibility through initiatives like 'Send a Kid to Camp' and scholarship programs, making dance education available to underserved populations. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition as Calgary Herald's Readers Choice Gold Winner for Dance Studios and multiple awards for artistic innovation.
Services
Jazz Dance Classes
Professional Training Programs
Community Outreach
School Residencies
Performance Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1984 with 40+ years of jazz dance expertise
- Home to Canada's largest jazz dance school with 50+ weekly classes
- Award-winning professional dance company with 70+ original works
- Community-focused with financial aid programs for underserved populations
- State-of-the-art DJD Dance Centre featuring 7 studios and 230-seat theatre
What people say
Loved the energy
Thoroughly explained techniques
Community impact
Transformative experience
Professional instructors
Services
Jazz Dance Classes
We offer 50+ weekly jazz dance classes for all ages and skill levels at Calgary's largest dance school. Our professional instructors teach various jazz styles including swing, blues, and contemporary jazz. Classes emphasize technical skill development while maintaining the improvisational spirit of jazz dance.
Professional Training Programs
Our intensive training programs develop dancers from youth to professional levels with over 35 years of instructional experience. The Youth Training Program provides structured weekly instruction in a supportive environment. Professional dancers receive mentorship opportunities and access to rehearsal spaces for personal projects.
Community Outreach
We deliver school residencies and workshops that integrate jazz dance with academic learning for K-12 students. Our programs include historical jazz education, artist-in-residence experiences, and technical theater workshops. Financial aid initiatives ensure accessibility for underserved communities through bursaries and scholarship programs.
Live Performances
As one of North America's leading jazz dance companies, we present original productions annually with live music accompaniment. Our repertoire includes contemporary jazz works and historical retrospectives, performed at our 230-seat theater and special events like the High Performance Rodeo festival.
Dance Centre Rentals
The DJD Dance Centre offers rental spaces including a black box theater, 7 dance studios, and a 2500 sq ft community space. Our facility accommodates performances, rehearsals, and special events with professional-grade technical equipment and free parking for evening/weekend bookings.
People
Kimberley Cooper
Artistic Director
With over 20 years leading DJD, Kimberley Cooper has directed 40+ original productions and received multiple awards including the Chrystal Prize from Dance Victoria. She champions jazz dance innovation while honoring its African American roots.
Vicki Adams Willis
Founder in Residence
Co-founder of DJD and University of Calgary's jazz dance department, Vicki received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and Alberta Foundation for the Arts' 25 Influential Alberta Artists Award for her contributions to jazz dance.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer jazz, tap, hip hop, Bollywood, and West African dance classes for all ages and skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Our Youth Training Program includes performance showcases, and students can attend live performances at discounted rates.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide bursaries, scholarships, and the 'Send a Kid to Camp' program to ensure dance education accessibility.
Can I rent your performance space?
Our 230-seat theater and studios are available for rent with technical support and free evening/weekend parking.
How does DJD honor jazz dance's cultural roots?
We acknowledge jazz dance's African American origins through educational programming and maintain cultural respect in all our work.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Jeanine Williams
Jan 23, 2022
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The inclusive classes are really well tailored to individual needs while managing a fun and engaging group dynamic. Would strongly recommend classes here! Also really engaging performances and creative, outside of the box productions happening here!
Tom Jipp
Jan 01, 2021
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Although I had been aware for some time that Decidedly Jazz Danceworks offered a program for individuals with Parkinson's, I finally decided to check it out earlier this afternoon. WHAT A GREAT TIME IT WAS! I have nothing but good things to say about this organization and its leadership. I will definitely be back! Thanks so much for this wonderful program! The dance, camaraderie and laughter was truly superior medicine! I had a fantastic day today! Thank you.
P. Doll
Dec 20, 2020
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My $5 trial class ended up costing me $500 - the underground parking completely destroyed my Thule box (on a low-riding Mazda5!) - and that was WITH DJD staff helping!
Court C. The Banff Diaries
Aug 29, 2020
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I have nothing but good things to say about DJD. I've been attending drop-in classes as well as registering for semesters for the past 3 years and continue to love the studio ambiance, the classes offered, front desk staff and all of my instructors. Great place to meet new friends, share some laughs, and get a fun work out in! Amazing facility and free underground parking is a great plus during the winter.
Olivia McMurray
Jan 25, 2020
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The best place for adult dance classes in the city! The studios are beautiful and spacious with a nice view especially of the Calgary tower at night. I always do drop-in and the prices are great. Most importantly- the instructors are fantastic! The classes are perfectly suited for each level in terms of pace and content. Shoutouts to Tyler Day (Intermediate ballet), Katharina Schier (Advanced ballet) and Su-Lin Tseng (Beginner ballet).
