Calen J. Kurka

Executive/Artistic Director

Raised in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, Calen Kurka started his training in

Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Modern, and Chinese Dance. He then later moved to

Edmonton, Alberta, furthering his training competitively.

Currently on faculty at Broadway Dance Center in New York City, as an instructor Calen

has taught across Canada, the U.S. and Japan, and more recently in Ireland at Dublin's

Dance Jam '07. He is currently instructing for Dance Masters of America as one of their

Master Faculty, and is also on faculty with Dance Educators of America. His

choreography has been recognized as outstanding at many competitions throughout the

U.S. and Canada, and has been the recipient of many awards. In addition to teaching in

and around New York he's also assisted choreographer, director, instructor, Michele

Assaf.

Calen's performing credits include being an original member of the first national tour of

Jeff Amsden's widely acclaimed "A Few Good Men Dancin'", and performing with

recording artist Carmella in a tribute concert to Cher. He's also worked closely with

choreographer/instructor Chris Hale. As a featured performer, Calen's stage credits

include having spent a year on contract with Tokyo Disney as a Main Stage performer,

and taking on such leading roles as Capt. Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" and

Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors" in regional stage productions. In addition he can be

seen in "The Live! at Broadway Dance Center" video series "Turns and Turn Combos",

dancing with choreographer Danny Herman, and heading his own instructional video

"Floor Work with Calen Kurka and Chris Hale": A new addition to the "Live at BDC"

collection.

As founder and Artistic Director of :pushing progress a company, Calen hopes to

continue his journey as an artist, instructor and choreographer. He wishes to inspire,

and be continually inspired by those who so honestly give of their talent and

themselves. He continues, with his company, to create work pushing new movement,

strong technique, honesty, emotional commitment, and growth. It is an evolutionary

journey with no boundaries, no limits, no ends.

:pushing progress is a New York based contemporary dance and workshop company

under the direction of Chris Hale and Calen Kurka. Born out of a desire to strengthen

awareness of mind, movement, and body, :pushing progress is considered a new

dynamic force in the dance community bringing forward a new generation of technical

strength and contemporary movement. It is pioneering new programs for training and

making knowledge of the the human anatomy as a foundation for technique in dance.

accessible not only to an elite, but to anybody who wishes to truly understand their

ability and artistry as a dancer.