Mya D. Ajanku

Specialist

Transformative Experiences Rooted in Tradition and Intention.

Hi, I’m Mya, a passionate educator and mentor that empowers dance educators and black women through embodied learning, therapeutic journaling and cultural storytelling to foster personal & professional growth.

Meet Mya D.

Mya Dixon Ajanku is an educator and cultural worker grounded in more than 20 years of expertise in dance education, journaling, and her lived experience as a Black woman. She is committed to reshaping how knowledge is shared, how teachers teach, and how Black girls and women see themselves, creating a ripple effect of healing, empowerment, and cultural legacy. Her pedagogical approach is rooted in the indigenous Akan principle of Sankofa, which guides learning as a living practice that honors memory, identity, and community. Her dance journey began at age 2, and at age 11 she joined Sankofa Dance Theater’s pre-professional children’s company. That path has spanned more than 15 years and led to leadership roles as dance captain for the adult company and Co-Director of the Sankofa Dance Theater Youth Ensemble. Throughout her career, she has performed nationally and internationally with artists including Roberta Flack, Fertile Ground, M.I.A., and Spank Rock.

Mya holds a B.A. in Dance with K-12 teaching certification from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and an M.F.A. in Dance from Hollins University in collaboration with the American Dance Festival and the Forsythe Company. An award-winning educator, she has taught from Pre-K through higher education, including special education. Her work in autism research and development at the Kennedy Krieger Institute deepened her understanding of alternative teaching practices and inspired her curriculum development work. She is currently exploring movement and writing as therapeutic modalities while also developing resources for African diasporic movement practitioners navigating academia and the tenure process. Her Inspire Journal Collection reflects her ongoing commitment to Black girls and women, and her work continues to link art, education, and liberation in service of lasting cultural impact.

My Pillars

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Movement

I guide my students through authentic West African dance techniques, creating spaces where cultural traditions thrive in modern practice and personal expression flourishes naturally.

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Instruction

I empower dance educators with comprehensive tools and knowledge they need to create impactful, culturally-rich learning environments that inspire the next generation.

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Mindfulness

I foster personal growth through mindful reflection and guided journaling, helping others discover their inner strength while honoring their unique journey through creative expression.

The Approach

With 20+ years of experience, I masterfully integrate embodied learning, therapeutic journaling, and cultural storytelling, offering immersive experiences through dance workshops, professional coaching, and healing-centered writing practices.

I believe in creating an environment where learning extends beyond the physical aspects of dance. Through my integrated approach to movement education, I combine traditional West African dance techniques with modern pedagogical methods, ensuring that each student and mentee receives guidance that honors both cultural heritage and personal growth goals.

My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that movement is a powerful tool for transformation. Whether working with dance students, educating teachers, or guiding individuals through personal reflection, I focus on creating experiences that build confidence, deepen cultural understanding, and foster authentic self-expression.

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