Chris Hale

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Teacher Bio

Chris Hale is the Associate Director of Pushing Progress and Director of the :pushing progress Contemporary Training Program. Through his work with :pushing progress, Chris and his partner Calen J. Kurka are at the helm of a revolution in the way we train in dance. Through a kinetic approach and the incorporation of varied methodologies for sustainability and injury prevention they hope to bring a sophisticated level of information into the ...read more

Chris Hale is the Associate Director of Pushing Progress and Director of the :pushing progress Contemporary Training Program. Through his work with :pushing progress, Chris and his partner Calen J. Kurka are at the helm of a revolution in the way we train in dance. Through a kinetic approach and the incorporation of varied methodologies for sustainability and injury prevention they hope to bring a sophisticated level of information into the lives of every dancer who has the drive and passion to grow as an artist. Chris is known for his open and encouraging energy which helps dancers push their personal boundaries and take big risks.

Professional credits include KTU's Miracle on 34th Street performing with such recording artists as Mary J. Blige, Deborah Cox, Tamia, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Jackson. In 2002 Chris had the pleasure of performing with international singing sensation Anastasia at the FIFA World Cup Final Draw in Busan, Korea. Television credits include HBO's Sex and the City playing opposite Kim Catrall. Chris and Calen released an instructional video for the Live At BDC series titled, Floorwork, with Calen Kurka and Chris Hale.

In the summer of 2004 he debuted a collection of never-before-seen works entitled CollidE (with me) at Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Art Nexus WAX in three evenings of sold out performances. Since then his work has appeared throughout New York in choreographer’s showcases such as The Turning Point at NYC’s Puffin Room, and Envision This by Enfocus Dance. Most recently his work has appeared in the :pushing progress Showcase Series started by Calen J. Kurka as a means to bring a wide range of choreographer’s together in the shared vision of creating a memorable dance experience.

His more than four years experience with the GYROTONIC® methodology has had an immense influence on his teaching and has instilled a heightened awareness to his dancing. Chris is certified in GYROKINESIS® and GYROTONIC® methodologies. Chris is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

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Class Descriptions

Class Description

My class emphasizes the importance of creating a strong kinesthetic awareness. I use many tools from classical technique and other movement modalities to help each dancer maximize the potential of their facility, to create and maintain a balanced body and build the necessary coordination needed for movement.

Warm up starts with light conditioning exercises to help to direct proper alignment and get the necessary muscle groups fired up for the work of the day. I then move into either a choreographed warm up or a contemporary barre that promote proper alignment, defined spinal articulations, proper placement and the movement mechanics to develop strong technique. Center work may be included to further facilitate strength building, spacial awareness and efficiency of movement. Class ends with phrase work where dancers are encouraged to really own the tools they possess and whatever weve layered on throughout the class.