Dana, originally from Norwich, VT , began her dance training with Joseph and Victoria DeChiazza, professors of Dance at Dartmouth College. After eleven years of studying Ballet (French Technique), Modern (Limon Based) and Jazz (Jack Cole Based), Dana went on to Adelphi University to receive her B.F. A. in Dance. She trained with Norman Walker, Carmen de Lavallade, Loren Hightower, Rochelle Zide-Booth and Regina Larkin. After graduation, she attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to earn an M.F.A. in Dance. She performed works by Gus Solomons Jr., Mark Morris, and Ann Carlson and trained with Jenny Way (Twyla Tharp), Gwen Welliver (Doug Varone), Jim Martin, Phyllis Lamhut (Nikolais), Mark Haim, Jackie Villamil, Deborah Jowitt and Kaye Cummings. During her second year at NYU, Dana joined the Joyce Trisler Danscompany, performing Trisler works in NYC and multiple venues in the Northeast. After graduating, she performed with Cherylyn Lavagnino, Imago Dance Theatre, and formed her own collaborative company called Ground Floor Dance.

Since moving to Atlanta, Dana has taught ballet and modern technique to dancers of all ages. She has taught at the Georgia Academy of Dance, The Studio Atlanta Dance, Academy of Ballet in Norcross and Bravo Dance Centre and was a part time professor of dance at Kennesaw State University from 2011 to 2019. She has been on faculty at Agnes Scott College teaching ballet and modern technique since 2021. Dana serves as Professional Programs Coordinator for Dance Canvas, an Atlanta based company that promotes and produces choreographers. During Dance Canvas’ Summer Intensive, Dana teaches ballet and modern technique and choreography. She has produced her own choreography in the Atlanta area since 2003.