Stephanie
Van Dooren-Eshkenazi
 

About Stephanie

Stephanie is a multi-faceted professional whose journey in psychology, dance, and yoga reflects her deep commitment to understanding, supporting, and enriching the lives of others. Her work in developmental psychology is deeply informed by her background in the arts and wellness. With every endeavor, Stephanie is dedicated to fostering both physical and psychological growth in people of all ages.
 

Psychology

Stephanie’s academic foundation in psychology began with a BSc from the University of Amsterdam (2023), a journey she continues with her MSc in Clinical Developmental Psychology. As an intern Zorgcoördinator at Orion College Zuidoost, she provides support to students, families, and staff regarding behavioral and developmental concerns, and assists teachers with pedagogical matters. Additionally, she works at Raeger Autismecentrum, where she offers individualized care to children with autism, helping them become more self-reliant and socially adept.

 

Dance Teaching

Stephanie’s professional dance journey has been as much about sharing her art as it has been about personal expression. In NYC, Stephanie was a faculty member at the Ailey School where she taught and choreographed for the Professional Performing Arts High School & Professional Division (including BFA Fordham students), Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, Dance Theatre of Harlem School, STEPS On Broadway and Peridance Capezio Center. She has also served as a Guest Teacher for the NYC Department of Education Dance Blueprint & Professional Development Day. 

Now based in The Netherlands, Stephanie continues her craft as a freelance dance teacher. She particularly valued her work with Stichting Dance Connects, where she taught slowflow dance classes to individuals aged 60+ to promote physical and psychosocial well-being. For Stephanie, dance is not just an art form but a vehicle for connection, healing, and growth—an ethos that shapes her teaching philosophy.

 

Yoga

Stephanie’s journey into yoga began as a personal practice and took a professional turn. As a 200-RYT yoga instructor she led the Yoga Department at Living Well Balanced, a holistic wellness center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Her experiences with yoga also inspired her to continue her academic studies in psychology, deepening her understanding of the mind-body connection.

Yoga has been a vital thread in Stephanie’s journey, shaping the way she approaches coaching and teaching with a sense of balance and connection, while also supporting her own personal growth

 

Professional Dance Training
Stephanie received her pre-professional dance training at The Dutch National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam. She continued to study at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in NYC on scholarships from the Van Den Ende Foundation, Han Lammers Fond, and became the first recipient of the Pearl Lang Award Scholarship. As a student she was a member of Graham II, performing leadroles. such as The Bride in Appalachian Spring, and Ms. Graham herself in American Document performed at the Joyce Theater.

Teaching became a natural extension of her love for dance, and she earned her Dance Teacher Certification from the school in 2010, becoming a faculty member until 2016.

 

Professional Dance Career
In 2010, she joined NYC-based Buglisi Dance Theatre, immediately dancing soloist roles (i.e., in Moss, Requiem and Sand), and serving as a dance teacher and rehearsal director. Most prominently, Stephanie was Assistant Rehearsal Director in staging The Table of Silence, a 150+ dancer performance at Lincoln Center Plaza commemorating 9/11. She also assisted in re-staging Suspended Women at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and taught repertory workshops at renowned institutions, including STEPS on Broadway, Baryshnikov Arts Center, and Peridance Capezio Center.

Stephanie’s rich performance career includes collaborations with companies and artists such as Michael Mao Dance, 360 Dance, Richard Move, Blakeley White-McGuire, Mary Anthony, ACB Dance, Nimbus Danceworks and Jesse Factor, among others. She also performed in the musical The King & I at Opera North in principal roles as Eliza and Topsy and served as Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain.

Stephanie’s experience as a performer has deeply influenced her understanding of human behavior and the inner workings of the mind, fostering a profound appreciation for the emotional and physical power of movement.

 

Beyond Work

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and friends—preferably in nature or over good food.