Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Professional jazz dance company and Calgary's largest dance school since 1984
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is one of the only dance companies in North America dedicated to jazz dance.
Before your first class
DJD believes dance is for everyone and offers classes for absolute beginners alongside seasoned professionals.
Free underground parking in the DJD Dance Centre parkade Monday to Friday after 5PM and weekends; free to valid ticket holders and students (code required, provided 24 hours before performances or with class purchase).
About this studio
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is one of the only dance companies in North America dedicated to jazz dance. Founded in 1984 by Vicki Adams Willis, Michèle Moss, and Hannah Stilwell, DJD operates as both a professional creation-based company and a teaching studio. The organisation presents new work annually, most often with live original music, and has earned widespread critical acclaim. The Globe & Mail praised one performance: "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."
As Calgary's largest dance school, DJD offers over 50 dance classes per week across all ages and abilities, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. The studio runs adult dance classes, youth training programs, summer camps, and specialised programs. Classes are taught by professional dance educators. A student reviewing a Jazz Beginner class wrote: "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!"
The DJD Dance Centre, which opened in April 2016, serves as a hub for the community. The facility offers performances, training, outreach, rehearsal, creation and social space for all who enter. It is located near the intersection of Centre Street and 12 Avenue SE, one block east of Hotel Arts. The centre has been designed to inspire creativity and is a source of creative energy for the district. DJD also hosts special events including the Black & White Ball and Opening Night Celebrations.
The professional company is made up of a small group of unique and spectacular dancers with diverse training and backgrounds. Kimberley Cooper has been Artistic Director since 2013 and has created over 20 full-length works for DJD. DJD made its debut performance at Jacob's Pillow with her piece Family of Jazz in August 2023. Executive Director Kathi Sundstrom has led the organisation for over 28 years and oversaw the major expansion with the opening of the $28 million DJD Dance Centre.
DJD acknowledges that jazz is born of African American roots and the Black American experience, and strives to approach their work with reverence and respect for this history and culture. The organisation is a Canadian registered charity and offers financial aid opportunities to remove barriers to access.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll enter a welcoming community where professional instructors teach over 50 classes per week across multiple styles. The DJD Dance Centre is designed to inspire creativity and hosts performances, training, and social events. Classes range from absolute beginner to professional levels.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Kimberley Cooper is Artistic Director and has created over 20 full-length works for DJD. The studio is led by Executive Director Kathi Sundstrom, who joined DJD in 1989 and has been at the helm for over 28 years. Vicki Adams Willis, the founder in residence, founded the jazz dance department at the University of Calgary in 1978 before co-founding DJD in 1984.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
DJD believes dance is for everyone and offers classes for absolute beginners alongside seasoned professionals.
Studio history
In 1984, Vicki Adams Willis, who had founded the jazz dance department at the University of Calgary, and two of her graduating students, Michèle Moss and Hannah Stilwell, co-founded DJD to help keep the spirit of jazz alive. The organisation passed its 40th milestone last year. The DJD Dance Centre, a $28 million facility, opened in April 2016.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Decidedly Jazz Danceworkshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Decidedly Jazz Danceworks teach?
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks teaches General, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Bollywood. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Decidedly Jazz Danceworks located?
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is located in Calgary, AB. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Decidedly Jazz Danceworks offer private lessons?
Contact Decidedly Jazz Danceworks directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Decidedly Jazz Danceworks teach kids and adults?
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks?
The fastest path is to visit Decidedly Jazz Danceworks via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks?
Free underground parking in the DJD Dance Centre parkade Monday to Friday after 5PM and weekends; free to valid ticket holders and students (code required, provided 24 hours before performances or with class purchase). Additional paid public parking available at south and east sides of building.