Jennifer (Jen) Kosmenko-Eastland

Jen was born in Whitehorse, Yukon where she began her dance training, continuing her professional studies at Simon Fraser University at the School for the Contemporary Arts. She has received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance as well as a Certificate in Liberal Arts. Jen continued working and collaborating with various independent choreographers and companies in Vancouver for many years after graduation. Some of which include performances at 12 Minutes Max, Press Play, Press Play 2, and a variety of works by choreographers including Monica Strelke, Susan Miller, and Trevor Klushin.

Jen received her RAD certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and has spent the last 20 years teaching and choreographing ballet and contemporary works in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. She has worked as an Artistic Director for the Reach Student Performance Company, and Senior Instructor at Steps Ahead Dance. In addition to preparing hundreds of successful candidates for both graded and vocational ballet examinations, Jen has mentored many emerging instructors and had many students go on to pursue professional training - as well as won numerous awards for her choreography.

Jen has recently moved to back to Whitehorse and is excited to be teaching at Northern Lights School of Dance!