Dana made her highly anticipated return to TDSF in 2022 after a distinguished professional dance career and an extensive pursuit of academic excellence. Her training includes intensive study in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, and Lyrical at prestigious institutions such as TDSF, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre, as well as mentorship under renowned choreographer Chebar Williams in Los Angeles.
Dana’s professional career was marked by four dynamic years as a soloist and principal dancer with the acclaimed State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara, where she delivered captivating performances in celebrated ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Texas 4TH, and Shed Your Skin. In addition to her stage career, she made significant contributions to the company’s growth by choreographing for the State Street Ballet’s Evening Program and Young Dancers, while also teaching master classes.
Dana holds a Master’s Degree in Education, with a specialization in Curriculum and Educational Technology, reflecting her passion for advancing both the arts and education. She now serves as the Associate Director of LCAP and Compliance for the Fresno County Office of Education, where her expertise continues to shape the future of educational standards and policy.
At TDSF, Dana currently heads the ballet department and serves as the Elite Team Director and Choreographer, continuing to inspire and develop the next generation of exceptional dancers. Her leadership and creative vision are instrumental in the growth and success of the program.