About Us...
Dana’s Dance Center was opened in 2006 in Monaca, PA. Dana has trained and studied under some of the most highly qualified instructors both nationally and in the Pittsburgh Area. Her passion for dance, and desire for others to experience what she had, led her to open her own studio to pass this desire onto other young dancers. Through dedication and hard-work, this became a reality when she opened Dana’s Dance Center and in turn, began opening the minds, hearts, and souls of her students as they begin their journey through dance.
At Dana’s Dance Center, we are dedicated to the art of dance. Our main goal is to make sure that young dancers are simply enjoying dance. We encourage our dancers to have fun by using their own personality and attitude while showing discipline and classroom etiquette.
— Dana Morell Verrico
Dana Morell-Verrico
Owner/Teacher/Choreographer
Dana has been studying dance for 35+ years. While studying and competing, she won several titles including:
* Junior Miss Dance of Pennsylvania
* Teen Miss Headliners
* Teen Miss Dance Educators of America
* Beaver County’s Outstanding Young Woman Talent
She took master classes with Mia Michaels, Gus Giordano, Keith D’Orio, Frank Hatchett, ballet master Mansur Kalamendinov and also Travis Wall, Mandy Moore, and Denise Wall.
Dana furthered her dance education at Point Park University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts. While there, she was taught by renowned teachers Douglas Bentz, Ron Tassone, Jodi Welch, Susan Stowe, and Keith Johnson.
Dana has also appeared as a contestant on Season 1 of the hit FOX Television show “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Natalie Naples
Hip Hop Teacher
Natalie has been dancing for 22 years, as well as teaching and dancing professionally for the past 8-10 years. She is an instructor and choreographer based in the OH/PA areas—working with various companies and studios in that region and nationwide—and was a faculty member of Millennium Dance Complex in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Natalie has traveled all over the country, training with and learning from the industry’s top choreographers and artists. During each summer, she lived in Los Angeles to work and focus on bettering her craft while increasing her knowledge—taking classes from studios such as Movement Lifestyle, Millennium Dance Complex LA, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, West Coast Dance Theatre, and more. Natalie also graduated summa cum laude with honors in 2018 from Kent State University, where she majored in Psychology and
Communication Studies.
Natalie conducts classes and workshops across the country, and she also sets choreography for showcases, performances, and competitions. Her creative work has won numerous awards and accolades on both regional and national levels.
Our Staff
Kristie Bedekovich
Teacher/Choreographer
Kristie has been dancing since she was four years old. She danced under Dana's instruction and has been teaching at Dana's since the eighth grade. Kristie has taken master classes under the famous Travis Wall, Mandy Moore, and Stephen "Twitch" Boss. During the day she is a medical assistant for a nephrologist. She continues to pursue her passion for dance and teaching at DDC.
Sondra Morell
Acro/Stretch Teacher
Sondra is a professionally trained gymnast and the teacher for acrobatics and the strength and flexibility class. She has taken her own love for gymnastics and instills that in every student to help the DDC dancers develop strong and flexible bodies with proven techniques of stretching.
She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the DDC Studio as she has previously held the position of a High School PIAA Gymnastics Judge.
While competing, Sondra won the Pennsylvania State Championship in Gymnastics, as well as the Regional Junior Olympics Championship.
Sondra helps with the 3-4 year old classes to help teach them proper form. To stay current and improve her own awareness, she has taken many seminars for teaching youngsters in ballet, tap and acro.
Catherine Krebs
Ballet Teacher
Catherine Krebs was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and began her formal dance training at The Academy of Dance Arts. She primarily trained with former River North Dance Company member Ricky Ruiz in jazz and contemporary. Through The Academy, Catherine learned Balanchine technique under Sherry Moray, a protege of Maria Tallchief, and learned Vaganova technique from Irina Starovoitova. In 2019 Catherine received a scholarship from NYCDA to attend Point Park University, where she performed in pieces created by Candace Brown, Bob Fosse, Jesse Factor, Rocker Verastique, Pearlann Porter and Yamoussa Camara. Since September 2021, Catherine has been the social media manager and content creator of the PPU Dance Department Instagram. Catherine has also started her own media business, CEK Creative, where she is able to share her passion for photography and filmmaking.
Now residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Catherine graduated with her Bachelors of Fine Art in Dance from Point Park University in April of 2023. Her journey has extended beyond Pittsburgh as she has choreographed and danced backup at the Pre-Grammy Tribute Gala in Los Angeles this past February. Other credits include performing in Destiny Rising at The Joyce Theater in New York City, as well as appearances in Pittsburgh Opera Fashion Show, and Pittsburgh Fashion Week.