Anya Engel-Adams was born in upstate New York to a Jewish Caucasian mother and an African American father. She grew up as a competitive gymnast for the first 12 years of her life becoming an elite level gymnast by the age of 12 and competing nationally after winning the state and regional championship. As a child and teenager she trained in all forms of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, and modern with a full scholarship to the Miami City Ballet. Anya majored in dance and theater at the middle school and high school of the performing arts, respectively, and after graduation decided to move to Los Angeles. After landing her first gig as an actress with acclaimed film director Spike Lee, Anya is living in California where she continues to grow as an artist and follow her passion.