Elana Anderson

Teaches at Joy of Motion Dance Center

Elana Denise Anderson, Ph. D. is an instructor, life-long student, and lecturer.She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies with minors in both English Literature and French from Chicago State University (2007), and attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. to earn her Master of Arts (2009) and Doctorate of Philosophy (2013) in African Studies concentrating in Language, Literature, and the Arts, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies (2013). 

She is the Associate Director of the Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press in Washington, D.C (since 2012). Dr. Anderson is a member of the American Guild for Musical Artists (AGMA) and a lifetime member of the National Council for Negro Women. Dr. Anderson became a member of the artistic team of Chicago-based Deeply Rooted Productions in 1998, and currently serves as senior artist, consultant, narrator, rehearsal coach, project manager, and instructor at Deeply Rooted while also serving on the faculty of JOMDC (since 2008), Dance Dimensions of Forestville, MD (since 2014), and MODAS Dance of Albuquerque, NM (2011). Most recently she joined the Center for Visual and Performing Arts of Suitland High School in Prince George’s County, MD, as Ballet Mistress.
Photo: Daniel Nathan.