Dana's Dance Center
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
Our Teachers
Dana Morell-Verrico
Sondra Morell
Kristie Ware
Laura Taylor
Dana has been studying dance for more than 24 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.”
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.
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. She is a dialysis technician currently working at Liberty Dialysis for the past 3 years. She continues to persue her passion for dance and teaching at DDC.
Laura began taking ballet at age five and has danced in many shows with the Allegro Ballet Academy including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Gaite Parisienne. She performed at Carnegie Hall with Ballet Baroque and with the Russian Ballet at Heinz Hall. She also danced in the International Day of Peace Festival and numerous ballroom galas.
Laura began teaching in 2014 and has taught children and adults of all ages. She has choreographed and assisted with ballet pieces for the ABA. She has a wide range of experience working with children including serving as a senior counselor in the Shepherd's Door Summer Stars program and directing a mystery dinner theater. Laura enjoys teaching ballet at many different places and continues to teach and learn at ABA.