CERTIFICATION

Kaeja Elevations® Certification Course

Become a certified Kaeja Elevations® teacher!

“[A] groundbreaking approach to flying.”

The Stratford Festival

Kaeja Elevations® Certification Courses

Karen and Allen Kaeja perform a mermaid lift.

Karen and Allen Kaeja, Photo by Zhenya Cerneacov

01 Level One: The Art of Flying 

​Taught by internationally recognized, award-winning choreographer and dance film director Allen Kaeja, The Art of Flying is the first of 3 levels of certification for Kaeja Elevations® (KE), an approach to partnering where participants from all experience levels are on an equal playing field. Once qualified, you will be an independently certified KE: Level One practitioner able to teach movers of all ages to work collectively to safely soar through the air and surpass their own expectations.

02 Level Two: Flight 

The second level of Kaeja Elevations® Certification builds on the foundational skills developed in Level One, moving into high level elevation work and flight. Level Two is structured to elevate the flyer above their supporting partner’s shoulders, and the flyer usually only has one point of contact with their supporting partner. Momentum, anchoring, and the architectural structure of the body allow participants of all genders to soar through the air, defying expectation and move beyond the limitations of typical partner work.

*Please note that only those who have completed the Level One Certification are permitted to participate in Level Two.

  • Allen Kaeja lifts Karen Kaeja in a mermaid lift. He is standing with his right leg bent and his right arm at his side. His left arm extends upwards behind Karen's back. Karen's arm is intertwined with Allen's and her hand braces against the side of Allen's torso for support. Her other arm is extended in the air, and both of Karen's legs are extended on a diagonal above Allen's head. Karen wears a sleeveless black dress and black pumps and Allen wears dark blue pants and a dark blue sleeveless shirt. In the background, there is a cream coloured wall with stone pillars and a large archway.

Upcoming Certification Courses

Join Allen Kaeja as he teaches Kaeja Elevations®(KE)! KE is an approach to partnering where all genders, experience and physique are on a level playing field. Rooted in contact improvisation, KE relies on the architectural structure of two bodies interacting while complimented by gravity, momentum, propulsion, breath and flow.⁠

  • The Art of Flying: KAEJA ELEVATIONS® CERTIFICATION Level ONE CERTIFICATION COURSE

    Taught by Allen Kaeja & Mio Sakamoto

    MAY 14 - 18, 2026 | 9 - 6 PM | PULSE Studios, Calgary

    Take your professional practice to new heights—literally. Join internationally recognized choreographers Allen Kaeja and Mio Sakamoto for an intensive 5-day certification in Kaeja Elevations® (KE).

    This isn't just a workshop; it’s a career-defining credential. KE is a world-renowned approach to partnering that defies gravity through the physics of momentum, propulsion and architectural flow.

    WHY GET CERTIFIED?
    PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL: Become an independently certified KE Level One practitioner.
    SAFE ACROBATICS: Learn the mechanics to help dancers of all ages soar safely.
    EQUAL PLAYING FIELD: Master a technique where skill and physics matter more than size or gender.
    EXPAND YOUR TOOLKIT: Gain innovative partnering vocabulary for your own choreography or teaching. 

    Cost:
    High Flying Early Bird: $800 + GST (Save $500! Register before March 1)
    Early Bird: $900 + GST (Save $400! Register before April 15)
    Regular Rate: $1,300 + GST

    PULSE is committed to accessibility. For compassionate pricing, please contact tara@pulsestudios.ca

Level 1 Kaeja Elevations Certified Teachers

The following is a list of those who have taken the Level One Kaeja Elevations Certification Course and are in good standing:

  • Lillian Boyack

  • Corey Crawford

  • Tim Cowart

  • Slava Doval

  • Sophie Dow

  • Marcia Dysart

  • Ryan Everett

  • Eli Everett

  • Chloe Hart

  • Kyla Joyce

  • Andrea Knowlton

  • Nyakurthe (Cucie) Mayain

  • Bodhi McBurney

  • Philip McDermott

  • Jen Murray

  • Kin Nguien

  • Sierra Peacock

  • Kayla Pylis

  • Riley Ringeis

  • Marianne Rodrigues Pereira

  • Timothy Jonah Rozales

  • Mio Sakamoto

  • Emma Searles

  • Hilary Shanklin

  • Cass Simmons

  • Nina Strazzulla

  • Moises Trejo

  • Chris Van Green

  • AJ Velasco

  • Tara Wilson

Level 2 Kaeja Elevations Certified Teachers

The following is a list of those who have taken the Level Two Kaeja Elevations Certification Course and are in good standing:

  • Tim Cowart

  • Sláva Doval

  • Sophie Dow

  • Eli Everett 

  • Ryan Everett

  • Hazel Lewis

  • Nyakurthe (Cucie) Mayain

  • Philip McDermott

  • Kin Nguien

  • TJ Rozales

  • Mio Sakamoto

  • Hilary Shanklin

  • AJ Velasco

  • Tara Wilson

Level 3 Kaeja Elevations Certified Teachers

The following is a list of those who have taken the Level Three Kaeja Elevations Certification Course and are in good standing:

  • Tim Cowart

  • Slava Doval

  • Mio Sakamoto

  • Tara Wilson

  • "Besides multiple teaching opportunities, I’ve had great professional experiences thanks to the KE work, including most recently a commercial of international reach. I feel very thankful and lucky to have learned and to work with the Kaeja Elevations."

    Mateo Galindo Torres, 2018 Level 1 Graduate

  • "I have taught Kaeja Elevations workshops in Toronto, Vancouver, and Boston. I love being able to offer a technique that is so unique, accessible, and exciting, that also has such a rich history behind it."

    Jenn Edwards, 2018 Level 1 Graduate

  • "I love how seamless and approachable the work is, relying on mechanics rather than pure strength. It has been a joy to share this work with the Calgary community!"

    Sylvie Moquin, 2018 Level 1 Graduate

  • "Teaching Kaeja Elevations has brought me more opportunity than I could imagine - working with figure skaters, yoga movers, etc. I strongly recommend this course to others wanting to teach, and to travel and spread the joy of KAEJA."

    Philip McDermott, 2018 Level 1 Graduate

  • "I have gained the tools and skills to teach the KE technique with confidence. The smile students put on their faces when we teach is priceless. Touring and teaching in Japan was inspiring."

    Mio Sakamoto, 2018 Level 1 Graduate