Elana Skeers
Elana Skeers received her Baccalaureate in Arts with College Honors from the University of Washington, majoring in Dance and minoring in Applied Mathematics and Data Science. She has trained, performed, and taught in Southern California, San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, primarily in Western theatrical dance forms including ballet, contemporary, and modern. She completed additional arts education training through the Seattle Dance Institute for Teachers and the Teaching Artist Training Lab, incorporating Brain-Compatible Dance Education and Universal Design for Learning into her teaching.
Elana’s pedagogy emphasizes student agency, creativity, and community building. Her research investigates gender disparities and social stereotypes within Western theatrical dance, with a focus on expanding access and challenging traditional norms. Through her integrated work as an educator, artist, and scholar, Elana strives to create inclusive, community-centered dance experiences and is committed to using dance as a platform for empowerment and social change.
Building on her commitment to inclusive, community-centered dance education, Elana is motivated to expand her worldview and learn from other cultures, perspectives, and practices. The Fulbright mission to promote mutual exchange of ideas closely aligns with her goals to deepen her understanding of culturally relevant community dance education. By engaging with artists from diverse backgrounds at the University of Roehampton, she aims to further develop approaches that amplify underrepresented voices within and beyond the dance field.
Goals
Elana intends to pursue an MFA in Dance at the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom, where she will focus on developing inclusive, community-centered teaching practices. Her work will be informed by research on expanding access and challenging traditional norms within Western theatrical dance forms, including ballet, contemporary, and modern.
Tips
Be true to yourself and your interests. Be confident in the work you do and just try to share that passion with others.
