Elena Catalano

Dr. Elena Catalano is a Senior Lecturer in Dance at Kingston University's Department of Performing Arts, Kingston School of Art. She specializes in the historical and anthropological study of movement and performance practices, with a focus on transnational dance circulation and its impact on identity and belief systems. Her ethnographic research spans South Asian, African, and European traditional dances, examining socio-political influences on embodiment.

Qualifications include:

• PhD Ethnochoreology/Ethnomusicology, Durham University (2010–2014)
• MA Dance Cultures, University of Surrey (2009–2010)
• MA Cultural Management, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (2008–2009)
• MA Anthropological Theories and Methods, Università La Sapienza (2005–2007)
• BA Anthropological Theories and Methods, Università La Sapienza (2001–2004)

Her current research explores spirituality and wellbeing in dance. She teaches dance anthropology, ethnography, post-colonial theory, research methods, Odissi technique, and yoga across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.