Decidedly Jazz Danceworks

Making their Jacob’s Pillow debut, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) is a decades-old jazz company from Calgary, Canada, dedicated to the rich traditions and boundless future of jazz dance. DJD dances in the spirit of jazz, recognizing themselves as guests in a form born out of Black American culture and the African American experience. Championing jazz in a time when not many dance companies are, the company was also featured in the documentary Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance. The full company came to the Pillow, accompanied by the six-piece Rubim de Toledo Ensemble with vocalist Karimah. PROGRAM: Family of Jazz; choreography: Kimberley Cooper; music: Rubim de Toledo, Karímah. Includes introduction by Melanie George and Post-Show Talk with Kimberley Cooper, Sabrina Comănescu, and Rubim de Toledo moderated by Melanie George. This performance was filmed live on August 11, 2023 on the outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Video by Nel Shelby Productions. Full-length performance films are copyright of Jacob’s Pillow. No part of this video, in whole or in part, may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, adapted, or otherwise used without prior written authorization from Jacob’s Pillow.