Short-term study abroad in Calgary: Experiencing the lives of professional jazz dancers

Written by Trinity Leite ’25 

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD), located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a hub for jazz dance. Fondly referred to as the “jazz palace,” DJD is a state-of-the-art facility filled with experienced instructors, dedicated staff and passionate artists. In March 2025, as DJD celebrates its 40th season, 12 students, including myself, were given the opportunity to study at the institution for a week through Salve Regina University’s study abroad program.

I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in both dance and finance, with a minor in business administration. The dance program at Salve is unique in that it centers jazz dance. Through my studies, I have become passionate about engaging in and celebrating the art of jazz dance. After I graduate in May, I hope to pursue a career in dance, specifically as a jazz artist.

A core value of Salve’s dance program is community. In June 2023, I had the privilege of attending the spring intensive at DJD with a few other Salve students. Since that first visit, Salve has cultivated a relationship with DJD, leading to a beautiful exchange of collaboration and knowledge. In September 2023, DJD’s Artistic Director, Kimberely Cooper, did a residency at Salve. The short-term study abroad program has allowed us to expand our community, make meaningful connections with other jazz artists and learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Salve students at the DJD improvisation class.

The short-term study abroad trip to DJD offered me the chance to experience the daily life of a professional dancer. Throughout the week we took a variety of classes from DJD faculty, accompanied by dancers in DJD’s professional training company and professional company. Classes included jazz, Afro-Cuban, West African, improvisation and DJD repertory.

Jazz dance is driven by the music. As jazz dancers, we seek to respond to the music and embody it through movement. My senior capstone research focuses on the connection between jazz dancers and musicians. DJD provided the opportunity to dance with live musical accompaniment, helping me further understand this relationship.

The improvisation class, taught by DJD co-founder Vicki Adams Willis, featured live musicians, including a trombonist, drummer, bassist and saxophonist. During the class, we improvised with the musicians and one another, sharing a vivacious, thought-provoking and enlightening experience. After class, we had a conversation with the musicians, allowing us to learn from their perspective and gain ways to improve our listening skills.

The West African and Afro-Cuban classes featured drummers. Ingrid Díaz Céspedes, director of the professional training program, explained the rhythms of various traditional West African and Afro-Cuban dances. She focused on providing historical and cultural context, enriching our understanding of each dance’s roots.

Salve students dancing in the DJD Afro-Cuban class.

The week at DJD allowed Salve’s dance community to expand beyond its bubble. At the beginning of the week, we participated in a sharing session with the professional training company, exchanging pieces of choreography. It was inspiring to see their performance, as it demonstrated that pursuing jazz is a viable career path. Additionally, it was an opportunity to learn from other dancers.

At the end of each day, we were invited to watch the company rehearse for their upcoming performance. As a choreographer, I was fascinated by Cooper’s choreographic process. Observing a professional rehearsal offered valuable insight into how a professional dance company operates. We also had a Q&A with the company dancers which answered many of my questions about life as a professional dancer.

The trip to DJD also strengthened my interdisciplinary skills. As a finance major and business administration minor, I was particularly interested in learning more about DJD as a non-profit organization. I admire the institution’s community outreach, as it offers dance for Parkinson’s classes, community classes and a youth training program. During the week we spoke with Kathi Sundstrom, executive director of DJD, who informed us about different jobs within arts administration and the grant application process.

Other beneficial talks included those with Willis, Cooper and artistic assistant Laura Kleiner. After dance classes, we explored the city of Calgary. One highlight was visiting the Calgary Tower, which stands 626 feet tall. We also engaged in community dinners throughout the week, where we shared our experiences, highlights and lessons learned each day.

One of my favorite moments on the trip was attending a Salsa night with the other Salve dancers. The musicians at DJD informed us that they were playing at a venue. I experienced authentic Salsa dancing, Meringue and Bachata for the first time. I was immersed in the culture and able to learn from experienced dancers. It was a night of growth and joy, strengthening our bond as a community.

Students exploring Banff.

On the last day of our trip, we visited Banff National Park and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. After seeing Lake Louise, we toured Banff Centre’s facilities, including performance spaces, dance studios, music rooms and artist studios. It is a remarkable place to explore your creativity and develop an artistic voice.

DJD operates in a way that reflects the five Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. It is a female-led organization, aligning with the critical concern of women. It was motivating to see women run such a vital organization within the community. DJD also acknowledges jazz dance as a Black-American art form, honoring its roots and origins, which aligns with the Sisters of Mercy’s dedication to anti-racism.

I am incredibly grateful for my experience at DJD. It was a transformative experience that solidified my dream of pursuing a career in dance and opened my eyes to other viable paths within arts administration. As a graduating senior, I cherish the time I spent with my fellow dancers and the important lessons we learned together.

You can get another perspective on this experience from senior Jala Settles-Akbar, a dance major, from her vlog, here.