Deja Rowley

Deja Rowley is a professional dancer in Philadelphia and a regular Guest Teacher here at Powerhouse Dance. She is a current NFL Cheerleader (in her 5th season), former Arena Football League Dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and business woman with a love of inspiring and training others. She was also a member of the West Chester University Dance Team. She was also an Instructor at our very first Pro Prep Workshop in 2019!

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 led many dance/cheer clinics, worked extensively with the Eagles Autism Foundation, a variety of TV interviews and engagements and has been a team representative at Pro-Action Dance Convention in Las Vegas, NV followed by the responsibility to teach her teammates numerous routines to use for the season from the convention. In 2024, Deja was one of a few cheerleaders who traveled to São Paulo, Brazil to perform at the first ever NFL Game in South America. Deja has also attended and performed in 2 Super Bowls during her time, traveling to Phoenix, Arizona for Super Bowl LVII and New Orleans, LA for Super Bowl LIX, returning as a Super Bowl Champion. During her time as a Cheerleader, Deja has received many accolades such as Rookie of the Year (2021) , Outstanding Performer of the Year (2022), and Brand Ambassador of the Year (2023) and leading as a Captain (2024). She is currently in her fifth 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 dance studios, high schools, and colleges in the tri-state area. Currently she has a focus of helping to train and guide dancers looking to go professional but also truly enjoys teaching dancers who just want to dance for the sake of a love to dance. 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