DANCERS
KELSEY BLANCHETTE
New Hampshire
Kelsey Blanchette is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Southern New Hampshire. She received her early training from Dance Progressions of Derry, NH and later graduated Cum Laude from Salem State University with a B.A. in Dance & Public Relations. During her time at Salem State she had the opportunity to study under Caitlin Corbett, Meghan McLyman, Betsy Miller & James Morrow. She was an active choreographer, dancer, and officer for Salem Dance Ensemble and Repertory Dance Theatre. In 2017 she was awarded the Creativity Award for Dance, the highest honor in the arts at Salem State University, as well as inducted into the National Honor Society of Dance of the NDEO. She has performed in events such as Salem Arts Festival, Saving Grace Dance Ensemble, Across the Ages Dance Project, NACHMO Boston and more. Kelsey is currently the Community Outreach Director of BoSoma School of Dance, co-director of Vitality Dance Project, and an instructor at Enchanted Dance Academy.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I have been a longtime supporter and admirer of BoSoma Dance Company and Katherine's stunning and versatile choreography. I love how the company pushes dancers to their full potential guided by Katherine's passion and creativity. Each dance & dancer has inspired me to keep pushing myself and I am beyond excited to be a part of BoSoma's 20th anniversary! This season I am most excited to see some of my own favorite pieces come back to life and learn them as part of the company! I am grateful to have this art form as such a driving force in my life and cannot wait to take the stage with these talented dancers.
PHOEBE BURDEN
New York
Phoebe Burden began her training in West Boylston, Massachusetts, at Diane Kelley Dance Studio, where she is also teaching young dancers from 3 to 18 years old. Her home studio is where she learned various dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, and she will always be grateful for the open and supportive space Diane Kelley created for her as a young dancer. She continued her training at Purchase College, SUNY in New York, where she received a BFA in dance performance in 2022. Her time spent at SUNY Purchase prepared her to be skilled in many techniques of dance like classical ballet/partnering, Graham, Cunningham, and Lìmon. She also found a passion in different contemporary forms like contact improvisation taught by Bradley Teal Ellis, modern partnering, and floor work under Jason Reese Cianciulli (Vim Vigor). Phoebe has studied under talented choreographers and dance artists like Andrea Miller, Peter Chu, Martin Løfsnes, Stephanie Tooman, Doug Varone, and Annie Rigney. Phoebe has attended several summer programs like SITE 1 and 2 with GALLIM and Boston Dance Theatre's Summer Immersion Project. She is currently enrolled in a 500-hour Pilates teacher training program to receive her certificate as a Pilates teacher. She is excited to continue her artistic development and grow her versatility as a dancer in the future. Phoebe is thrilled to continue dancing with BoSoma this season.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I am most excited to learn new pieces this season both with returning choreographers and new. I am looking forward to dancing with the members of the company that most recently joined. The reason I chose BoSoma was because of the quality of movement I saw portrayed in the company, and the amount of athleticism displayed in both the dancers and choreography.
COURTNEY COSTA
Massachusetts
Courtney has been dancing since the age of 3, she received the bulk of her training from local New England studios and summer programs such as Boston Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the Boston Conservatory. During this time she received many awards and recognitions at both regional and national dance competitions and conventions. In May of 2017, she graduated from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. During her time with the Hartt School, she had the opportunity to study under renowned professors/ choreographers such as Stephen Pier, Debra Collins Ryder, Hilda Morales, Ralph Perkins, Miki Orihara, Katie Stevinson Nollet, Betsy McMillan and Nina Watt. She also had the opportunity to perform in classical pieces by Balanchine, Limon, Martha Graham, Laban technique and other Contemporary works. Courtney has been dancing with the BoSoma Dance Company since 2017. During her time, she has had the opportunity to perform in many dance festivals, within art exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum and perform at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Courtney is now the Assistant Director of BoSoma School of Dance where she shares her passion and love for dance with her students of all ages.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I chose BoSoma because of Katherine’s commitment and passion for keeping dance alive. Her unique choreography showcases power, strength and athleticism but also prioritizes diversity within the company as a whole. I am grateful to be dancing with such talented artists as I am constantly inspired by their creativity as well as their dedication to their craft. This season I am very excited to have company member Margaret Falcone setting a new work on us, as well as a new piece by Katherine Hooper! I am also looking forward to bringing back some amazing and beloved pieces from the past!
SHANNON COURTNEY
Massachusetts
Shannon Courtney is originally from Auburn, Massachusetts. She started dancing at the age of 6 and later continued her training at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Worcester. She attended many summer intensives at Festival Ballet Providence, Urbanity Dance, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. She recently graduated from the University of Hartford (The Hartt School) magna cum laude with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance Performance.Throughout her time at Hartt, Shannon has had the privilege of working with guest choreographers such as Hope Boykin, Pascal Rioult, and Norbert De La Cruz III. She's enjoyed her time over the past four years learning and performing Limon, Graham, classical ballet, and contemporary works.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I am most excited to be dancing with a great group of artists!! I choose BoSoma because the community there seems supportive and a place where I could grow.
JALAYNA DEMARS
Massachusetts
Jalayna began training in dance at the age of 5 years old at Center Performing Arts in Methuen”. She trained in the styles Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hiphop. In 2022, She began teaching at her home studio teaching hip hop and tap. She has since started teaching ages 2 and up and teaches a plethora of styles. In 2022, her Senior year of high school, she started choreographing competition dances for the Elite Team at her home studio. From 2017-2018, she was in a Hip Hop company called “Street Hype” founded by Tony Tucker and competed in the “World of Dance” Competition. From the ages of 7-17, she completed all 12 levels of the “American Academy of Ballet” program as well as all 6 levels of the “Dance Masters of America”, Medal testing program. From the ages 12-15, she went to New York to further her ballet training at American Academy of Ballet. She currently tours with the Ballet company “Dance Prism” that she’s been touring with since the age of 9. She dances in their spring and fall shows as well as their annual performance of “The nutcracker”.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
“I heard about bosoma through social media and knew immediately that it was something i wanted to be a part of. I’m very excited to be joining bosoma dance company for one reason being that i get to dance with professionals who have a passion and love for dance.”
JANELLE HOLMES
Connecticut
Janelle Holmes earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts from University of Hartford in May of 2020, with a focus in ballet pedagogy. While attending The Hartt School, she performed in many main stage shows, and danced as a guest artist with Ballet Hartford. Janelle has also held various internships focused on teaching dance in the Hartford area. Additionally, Janelle is involved with artistic outreach programs such as Spectrum in Motion and The Prism Project, practicing movement and music therapy with students with exceptionalities. Currently, Janelle is pursuing her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Hartford while working as a freelance dancer in Southern New England. She is excited to apply her knowledge and to build on her professional skills at BDC.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I wanted to join BDC because I was very taken by the duality of artistry and athleticism from BDC's works and am very grateful for the opportunity to contribute this season! I'm really looking forward to performing onstage with their seasoned members and am hopeful to learn from their experience and to grow as a dancer and performer this year.
KATIE KENNEDY
New York
Katie Kennedy is a dance artist born and raised on Long Island. She grew up dancing at her local competition studio under the direction of Lisa and Stephanie Rodetis. Katie received her B.F.A. in Dance Studies from LIU Post. There she had the honor to work with renowned choreographers such as Martin Løfsnes, Yannick Lebrun, Lloyd Knight, Croix Dilenno, Natalie Lamonte, and more. In 2022, Katie had her piece, “Saudade”, chosen for the Gold Coast Dance Festival. After graduation, Katie moved to Boston to join the trainee program with Boston Dance Theater. Here she had the privilege to learn works by Yue Yin, Levi Marsman, Marco Goecke, and Alessandro Sousa Pereira. Katie has been dancing for Synergy Dance Collective NY for the past year, and most recently joined Bosoma Dance Company for the 2024/2025 season.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I’m really excited to get to know all of the company members and get back to performing! I chose Bosoma because of the positive audition environment and I felt connected the repertory.
CASSIE LASKOWSKI
New Hampshire
Cassie’s dance training began at various studios in southern New Hampshire, including New Hampshire School of Ballet where she remained until graduating high school in 2015. While there, Cassie trained in ballet, jazz, modern, tap and lyrical dance. She also had the opportunity to train at The Nutmeg Conservatory in Connecticut during this time. In 2019, Cassie graduated cum laude from The Hartt School at University of Hartford with a BFA in Dance Performance. Cassie’s time at Hartt allowed her to study ballet, contemporary, composition, and classical modern techniques as well as perform works by Martha Graham, José Limón, Paul Taylor, George Balanchine, Michelle Thompson-Ulerich, Claudia Schrier, Katie Stevinson-Nollet, and Stephen Pier. In addition to her studies at Hartt, Cassie had opportunities to travel to San Francisco Conservatory of Dance and Henny Jurriëns Studio in Amsterdam for summer programs, where she focused on Gaga and improvisation. After graduating, Cassie remained in Hartford, CT and performed with The Hartford Dance Collective under the direction of Jillian Foley. In addition to joining BoSoma, Cassie is currently working towards a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy at Lesley University.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I chose BoSoma because I felt inspired by the versatility of the company as a whole. The company members all pursue their passions inside and outside the studio, and I felt that I would have the space to do the same by joining the company. I love that we all share the same energy to express ourselves through dance and make a difference in the community!
JILLIAN MURRAY
Massachusetts
Jillian Murray is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Burlington, MA where she began her
dance training at Suzanne’s Dance Connection. She recently graduated from the University of
Massachusetts - Amherst, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of
Arts in Psychology. During her time there, she was a member of the UMass Dance Company and
performed in multiple senior thesis dance concerts, faculty concerts, as well as the dance film
with the National Endowment for the Arts, Convergence, directed by Dr. Aston McCullough.
Upon graduation, Jillian began her professional career dancing for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun
as a member of their dance team. With the Sun, she had the opportunity to dance back-up for
artists such as the Ying Yang Twins, Rayvon Owen, and more. She is currently on her second
season with the team. Additionally, she performed in the 2023 performances of Anthony
Williams’ Urban Nutcracker. Currently, Jillian is working at local studios teaching a variety of
dance styles to students, ranging from preschoolers to adults. Jillian is thrilled to perform with
BoSoma Dance Company and work with such a talented group of artists.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I chose BoSoma because of the vibrant community of dancers and opportunity to learn and grow from the company as a whole. I am beyond excited to begin on this journey and share my
passion for the art form with a strong, talented group of dancers, performing in a style I have
loved for so long.
MARLEE SROKA OSBORNE
New York
Marlee is in her fourth season with BoSoma, where she has had the privilege of performing in some of Katherine Hooper's signature works including Parachute, Regret, The Pursuit, and On The Rails, as well as pieces by several guest artists including Eddy Ocampo, Adrienne Hawkins, and Lindsey Leduc. Originally from Syracuse, NY, she received her early dance training at Tawn Marie's Dance Center in Liverpool before going on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo, graduating summa cum laude in 2013. At UB, Marlee studied under the direction of Thomas Ralabate and performed with Zodiaque Dance Company, showcased in works by choreographers Gina Pero, Teal Darkenwald, Nailah Bellinger, Leanne Rinelli, Melanie Aceto, and Anne Burnidge. During her senior year, her choreography was selected to represent the UB Dance program at the American College Dance Festival at UMass Amherst.
Prior to joining BoSoma in 2021, Marlee danced professionally in New York City with Rich Dance Project under the direction of Ashley Rich, At the Brink Dance Projects, and Roza Dance Company, and in Boston with BCDP Global. In addition to performing, she is an active choreographer and educator, and has taught dance throughout Central New York.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I am drawn to BoSoma’s versatile and athletic movement quality and Katherine’s ability to stay both relevant and true to BoSoma’s signature style. At the same time, there is never hesitation when it comes to trying something new, and the collaboration between dancers and director makes for truly one-of-a-kind work.
KRISTIN TIMS
Massachusetts
Kristin grew up dancing in Burlington, MA, at Suzanne’s Dance Connection. She holds a BFA in Dance and has studied at California Institute of the Arts, Boston Conservatory, and Zurich University of the Arts. From 2017 to 2023, Kristin managed a mobile dance company and studio in Los Angeles, serving over 450 students across 12+ locations. She currently teaches dance throughout the Boston area, most notably Hip Hop at MIT, and choreographs content for Tippi Toes Dance Company, which spans 35 franchises worldwide. Outside of dance, Kristin works in faculty support at MIT’s Department of Mathematics. She values her faith, family, her husband Jacob, and their pup, Hazel. Kristin is deeply grateful for the teachers and choreographers who have inspired her, including Spenser Theberge, Nadav Zelner, Arianna Hyatt, Charlie Hodges, Julie Bour, Leanne Reardon, and Kaleigh Natale, among others. She is honored and humbled to perform with BoSoma Dance Company.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
BoSoma has been a space where I've learned to fall in love with dance again. I'm thankful for the opportunity to train under Katherine's artistic direction. She meets us where we're at, but also pushes us to where we can be. I'm eager and excited to perform with everyone this season.
JESSICA-ROSE WHITE
Massachusetts
Jessica-Rose was born and raised in Massachusetts and received her early dance training at the North Reading School of Ballet under the direction of Lisa Pulver. In high school, she was accepted into the Junior Apprentice program with Urbanity Dance Company. While with Urbanity, Jessica-Rose trained with mentors and choreographers such as Betsi Graves, Ellenore Scott, Jackie Nowicki, and Tucker Knox, and participated in performances at Outside the Box Multi-Arts Festival, the Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, the Institute of Contemporary Art - Boston, and Urbanity’s annual spring and fall showcases. After departing from NRSB and Urbanity in 2016, she jumped straight into a professional career by joining Bosoma Dance Company under the direction of Katherine Hooper. With Bosoma, she performed at the Peabody Essex Museum as living art in the exhibit Rodin: Transforming Sculpture, various festivals, and in their annual fall and spring shows. In 2017, Jessica-Rose joined Boston Community Dance Project, now known as BCDP Global, under the direction of Sarah Kay “SKooJ CorE-O” and started training in Fusion movement. With BCDP, she performed in shows such as New York City’s Choreographers’ Carnival at the Highline Ballroom, the NYC Dance Parade, Openhouse NYC in Times Square presented by Brickhouse NYC, New York City's Dixon Place, various festivals, and BCDP's annual summer benefit show. In late 2019, Jessica-Rose set sail with Celebrity Cruises and was a character performer and specialty dancer in Eden on the Celebrity Edge until April of 2020. In 2021, she returned to dancing with BCDP Global until 2023.
Currently, Jessica-Rose shares her love of teaching and passion for the creative process with many dancers of all ages in the New England area, teaching and choreographing in the styles of Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, and Jazz. She has taught and choreographed for various studios, competition teams, pre-professional companies including Aurora Borealis Dance Company and the Bosoma Youth Company, and professional companies including Urbanity Dance Company, BCDP Global, and the Bosoma Dance Company.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season and why did you choose BoSoma?
I am so excited to get back in the studio with Katherine, company members I used to dance with, and new additions! I have always loved Bosoma's athletic take on the artform we all know as Dance and the visions that are brought to life on their stage. I am so beyond thrilled to be part of the experience again.