:pushing progress is a performance and workshop company based upon contemporary movement, dedicated to hard work and the improvement of oneself as well as the education of others.  Focused on breaking boundaries and finding new perspective on the movement made by the human body, while facing the challenges that bind us to our own bodies.  Determined to find artistic style and beauty through technique, the strength of intention, and trust.  Courageous and real, accessible to the body, mind and soul.

Born out of a desire

to bring together a strengthened awareness of  mind. movement, and body, :pushing progress Artistic Director Calen Kurka brings forward a new generation of technical strength and contemporary movement.  Together with the talents of the eleven existing company members, New York based contemporary company, :pushing progress, approaches season three at an undeniable speed.  While reinventing themselves artistically once again through the trust of experience and an open mindset for continual growth, this years company agenda proves to be busy.

Founded in late 2006, :pushing progress had an unforgettable initiation into the dance community with  a workshop and showcase performance in Dublin, Ireland.  This marked the beginning of their first season.  With only six short months in training, :pushing progress ended their season with their first full length company performance housed at the Alvin Ailey Studios Joan Weil Center for Dance.  B A R E set the pace for the young company, a two part emotional work of raw movement and setting, also including guest pieces by New York choreographers Chris Hale, Jeff Gatti, Lauren Adams, Luam  and Rhapsody, with live musical performances by Mario Spinetti and Matt Duke.

After a Summer of re-evaluation, auditions, and new blood, :pushing progress took the initial months of their second season to solidify their mission and set the working standard for the company.  The year’s new projects included several company workshops, the birth of “The Showcase Series”, and the exploration of new movement and works by Artistic Director Calen Kurka.  With the decision not to set another full length company performance until a later date, :pushing progress ended their second season with several small performances, a showing at the SoNo Arts Festival in CT, and what may have been the company’s most memorable endeavor to date:  The :pushing progress Summer Intensive ’08. 

With every year feeling like a new beginning, the pace of the company continues to pick up speed with no signs of slowing down.  Season three prospects prove to be high with the :pushing progress workshop company ready to promote this years Winter Intensive ’08 and Summer Intensive ‘09, and the performance company prepping for their annual “Showcase Series.”  ∎

Summer Showdown Scholarship Contest!!!

:pushing progress 2010 Summer Intensive, NY

1. •Pre-Professional Track
   

2. •Mentor Program
   

3. •Download Registration Form/Brochure
   

The Contemporary Training Program, NY - Extended Deadline

1. •:pushing progress ii
   

2. • Application form - Extended - July 2
   

Scholarship Winner of Facebook Contest:

1. •Rachel M. Hettinger - New York, NY
   

2. •Click here and sign on to facebook to check out her video