Calen J. Kurka
CEo/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 CEO of Pushing Progress Contemporary Dance, 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.
“Life’s situations aside, we must decide what it is that we want, and how it is that we want to be. From there it is simple: Choose to move forward with perseverance and determination, or allow life and its situations to be an excuse for what we cannot attain. Therein lies our true ability, and our true capability.”
What you need to know about me...
I love to cook and create recipes and meals from scratch. I eat Paleo....mostly. French Fries are my weakness. I dream of having an office made completely of glass out in the country overlooking the forest. I need space. Lots of space. I believe there's magic in everything. Being alive is one of the greatest magics of all. My perfect birthday starts with an outdoor run, and is followed by bowling, karaoke, and Mexican food. I'm in awe of people who exercise whats necessary to fulfill their dreams. It's what motivates and inspires me. I love my friends. My students are my greatest teachers..there are no words to describe the gratitude I feel for their gifts. I hate the gym, but love the feeling after working out. I have a dark side. I started reading Anne Rice in the third grade. Interview with the Vampire was my gateway. I wanted to be a vampire when I was younger. Sometimes I think I'm a witch. Homeopathy is my saving grace....I have not been more transformed by anything. I'm curious about the mechanics of the body and mind, and it motivates my work as an artist. There's nothing more incredible than being lost in the worlds created in exploration of rehearsal and class. And I believe that when I sit down and speak with my dog he fully understands me...body, mind and soul.
FACULTY
