Ep. 120- Calen Kurka
Questions asked or topics discussed:
As choreographers and coaches, how can we help guide our students and own work so we’re more clear on the differences of lyrical and contemporary dance? - 3:56
Because of the maturity surrounding contemporary dance, would you encourage teachers to stick within the lyrical realm with the younger students or challenge them with the more advanced, contemporary concepts? - 7:19
How would you approach choreographing a contemporary piece so that there is room for process and growth? Do you approach choreographing lyrical and contemporary differently? - 12:59
Calen’s perspective on his process of “play” and his dancers willingness to use these ideas when setting a piece - 18:22
Willingness, ableness, supportiveness : Calen’s view on approaching basics and growth - 22:00
How do you manage the teeter totter of foundational work, getting work done, and offering huge amounts of space to play and learn who dancers are as an artist? - 24:42
What have you struggled with when it comes to getting caught up in the realization that the process might be more provided for the dancer, rather than yourself? - 30:08
Calen’s outlook on the concept of leadership and being a leader - 34:17
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. 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 assistant to 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 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.
