Deja Gaskins

Deja Gaskins is a current NFL Cheerleader, 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. She began her training at Canaan Institute of the Arts, transferring to 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. On top of her studies, dance remained a focus as she joined WCU’s University Dance Company for 4 seasons and WCU’s nationally ranked 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, game, 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 where she served as a member and captain for both seasons. During this time she earned her Masters of Business Administration and began teaching and choreographing for many high schools and colleges on the east coast.

In 2021 she began her rookie year as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and was voted Rookie of the Year for the 2021 class. 2022 was the start of her second season with the team, where she traveled to Phoenix, Arizona with the team to perform at Superbowl LVII. Following her second season with the squad, she was voted as the Outstanding Performer of the Year. During her time as an NFL Cheerleader, Deja has had numerous performance opportunities such as being featured in a music video with Tierra Whack and performing with artists such as Jimmie Allen, Darius Rucker, Tag Team, Breland, Rob Bass and Meek Mill to name a few. Deja is currently in her third season with the team 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 Pennsylvania and New Jersey studios, high schools, and colleges. 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. She is thrilled to be back at Powerhouse to teach again!

A note from Deja:

Check out a snippet of Deja’s class:

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