"The Kaejas are masters of the art of Contact Improvisation. They have forged ahead in leaps and bounds in using the technique expressively." — Paula Citron, CJN

Allen and Karen Kaeja have developed an explicit and safe progression of learning Contact Dance, both for professional dancers and dancers-in-training. Their classes have proved beneficial for partnering skills and Improvisation techniques. As this form matures, it is evident that the skills of Contact Dance are adaptable to all realms of dance. Their highly developed approach to Contact Dance has gained them a reputation as accomplished and respected innovators and teachers across Canada & worldwide. They are on faculty at the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre, the National Ballet School and Ryerson University. They also teach in every country to which they tour.

In their Contact workshops, the Kaejas tap into the power of their physical architecture. They focus on a foundation of Contact principles, that articulate the elements of weight transfer, balance/counter balance and elevation techniques through to ‘supporting momentum through space’ and ‘responding to the impulse with your partner’. They explore the body’s ability to support momentum, to propel energy through space and how to be comfortable in and out of Contact. As a male/female team, the Kaejas exemplify the ability to equalize their physical roles, dissolving the standard male/female partnering relationships. By eliminating gender barriers, they engage their physicality in all facets of their movement. Their seamless team-teaching electrifies the fluid skills of Contact Dance.

Teaching Contact Dance has become a consistent laboratory for Karen & Allen’s development and approach to their artistry. Their teaching directly relates to the material they explore & research in the rehearsal studio. For example, teaching the senior-level class at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre allows them valuable time to examine physical issues, both on themselves & with the students.

These explorations deepen the process they continue inside the studio with their Company dancers. The Kaejas are known for their physical demonstrations of ideas and intent during their classes. These demonstrations heighten the students’ physical perception & understanding by witnessing a point (of Contact!) in motion & illuminate the continual process of Improvisation as performance art. During their classes, the Kaejas also share & direct the dancers toward the goals that they themselves are examining, helping to define a richer understanding in their own partnering.

Education
Karen and Allen's Approach to Dance
Improvisation
The EXPRESS DANCE Project
The EXPRESS DANCE Resource Book
Order the EXPRESS DANCE Resource Book [Downloadable order form]
Testimonials on EXPRESS DANCE with Students
Testimonials on EXPRESS DANCE Workshops for Teachers