DJD celebrates 10th birthday of dance centre with Matters of Rhythm and Harmony

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks celebrate the 10th anniversary of their dance centre with a new show that opens April 23

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is celebrating the 10th birthday of its DJD Dance Centre with a season finale that’s two shows in one.

The Calgary dance company, founded in 1984, is closing out its 2025-26 season with Matters of Rhythm and Harmony.

“The show features the beautiful DJD company of nine dancers, live original jazz music composed by Carsten Rubeling and played by an ensemble of five remarkable musicians, spectacular costume design by Hannah Fisher, and magical lighting design by Steve Isom,” said DJD artistic director Kimberly Cooper, in a media release.

“The two acts will give the audience two very different experiences, highlighting the versatility of our dancers, musicians and this wonderful space,” Cooper added.

The $26 million DJD Dance Centre -- a 107,000 square foot 11-storey building that blends office space with dance studios and a 200-seat theatre -- opened in 2016 on 12th Avenue S.E.

In the past decade, it has been part of the revitalization of that area, transforming the neighbourhood into a dance hub that attracts dancers from around the world, resident dance tenants, independent artists, a community school and a professional training program that teaches the next generation of jazz dancers.

During that time the company has gone on to perform at places like the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and Jacob’s Pillow, one of the most prestigious dance festivals in the U.S.

“We’ve been acknowledged in jazz dance textbooks and films and have been celebrated at home and abroad,” said DJD executive director Kathi Sundstrom. “Our first decade in this beautiful dance centre has been phenomenal and we’re excited to mark the occasion by featuring our dancers in an exciting double-bill performance – really, two shows in one.”

Matters of Rhythm and Harmony runs from April 23 through May 10 at the DJD Dance Centre.

For tickets and information, go here.