Deja Gaskins

Deja Gaskins is a professional dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and business woman with a love of inspiring and training others. She was born in Philadelphia, PA and found a love for dance at the age of 3 beginning her training at Canaan Institute of the Arts and Dance Institute of Philadelphia studying Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Pointe, African and Hip Hop. During this time she was a member of a performing company and competing team, while also being a member and 2 year captain of her high school’s dance team. Deja found a passion for not only dance but teaching and choreography, becoming a dance teacher at her studio at the age of 16.

After graduating high school, she attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with Dual Minors in Mathematics & International Business. On top of her studies, dance remained a focus as she joined WCU’s University Dance Company for 4 seasons and WCU’s Dance Team for 4 years, becoming captain in her senior year. While on the team she focused her training on Jazz technique, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Pom and had the opportunity to choreograph many camp, homecoming, gameday, and nationals routines.

Post college, Deja began her professional dance and teaching career. She became an AFL Dancer with the Philadelphia Soul in 2018 for two seasons and served as a captain for both of her seasons with the team. During this time she also earned her Masters of Business Administration and began teaching and choreographing for many high schools and colleges.

In 2021 she began her rookie year as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader. As an NFL Cheerleader, Deja has had numerous dance opportunities such as being featured in a music video with Tierra Whack as well as live performances with artists such as Bret Michaels, Old Dominion, Jimmie Allen, Darius Rucker, Tag Team, Breland, Rob Bass and Meek Mill to name a few. She has also lead many dance/cheer clinics, worked extensively with the Eagles Autism Foundation, a variety of TV interviews and engagements, been a team representative at Pro-Action Dance Convention and even traveled to Phoenix, Arizona with the team to perform at Superbowl LVII. At the end of each of her seasons with the organization, Deja has been voted by her peers as Rookie of the Year (2021) , Outstanding Performer of the Year (2022), and Brand Ambassador of the Year (2023). Deja is currently in her fourth season with the team, serving as a captain this season and continues to enjoy being a brand ambassador, working closely with the community and performing for 70,000 of the best fans in the NFL.

Deja continues to teach and choreograph for students at dance studios, high schools, and colleges in the tri-state area. She encourages those taking her classes to use the space and time to “let go”, “be free”, and let dance be the thing that can turn any day around.

A note from Deja:

Check out a snippet of Deja’s class:

You can follow Deja on her Instagram page: @deja.ellena