Creating New Pathways to the Arts: Heather Close’s Capstone in Action

by Lisa Mackay

Photo from Olio (the first Relaxed performance show) by Laura Kleiner

For Heather Close, a participant in the 2021-2022 Rozsa Arts Management Program (RAMP), turning vision into action has meant real change—for her organization, her community, and future audiences. Her RAMP final Capstone Project, brought to life with subsequent Rozsa Foundation Capstone funding, focused on reducing barriers and broadening access to Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) through two exciting initiatives: relaxed performances and in-school jazz workshops.

The relaxed performances—developed in partnership with Inside Out Theatre—offered a welcoming, judgment-free environment for audiences who benefit from a more flexible arts-going experience. This included dimmed lighting, reduced sound levels, and relaxed house rules, allowing families with neurodivergent children, new parents, and others to enjoy live performance comfortably and confidently. DJD’s staff and artists received training, adapted the venue, and are now equipped to host these performances regularly. Feedback from audience members was overwhelmingly positive, and the energy in the room, as one dancer put it, was “joyous and unforgettable.”

Meanwhile, the Jazz Band Workshops brought DJD’s signature fusion of live jazz and contemporary dance directly into high schools. Students learned original music from DJD productions, collaborated with professional musicians, and explored choreography with DJD dancers. These sessions culminated in school performances and outings to DJD shows, deepening students’ connection to the performing arts. Through pilots at Bowness, William Aberhart, and Central Memorial high schools, DJD gained insight into adapting the workshops for different contexts and created a pricing model that balances school budgets with donor support.

AberhartWorshop – photo of the workshop in progress (photo by the teacher)

BownessJazzPerformance – photo of the jazz band and dance students performing what they learned through the workshops at their jazz gala by Laura Kleiner

Heather’s project not only laid the groundwork for two new long-term programs at DJD, but also demonstrated how targeted outreach can cultivate future audiences and make the performing arts more accessible and inclusive.

Reflecting on the journey, Heather credits the RAMP program with giving her the tools and confidence to lead bold new projects. “These programs wouldn’t have happened without the support of the Rozsa Foundation,” she says. “Being trusted to implement these ideas—and then seeing the joy, inspiration, and learning that came out of them—was truly rewarding.”

This project is a powerful example of how the Rozsa Foundation’s dual investment in training and funding strengthens Calgary’s arts sector. By supporting emerging leaders like Heather to explore new approaches, pilot ideas, and bring them to life, we help build more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable arts organizations.

As DJD continues to grow these offerings, we’re excited to see the ripple effects—new audiences, engaged students, and a more accessible arts landscape for all.