1. Please tell us what made Dana Alexa want to follow dance?
My mom enrolled me in dancing school when I was just 2.5 years old. I loved it from the very first time I stepped onto the dance floor. I always wanted to be learning and practicing. As I grew up, I always remained in dance classes, I can’t remember a time that it wasn’t part of my life. I joined the dance talent major at Mark Twain JHS, headed up any dance projects in my HS and eventually was the captain of my college dance team. Dance has always been a priority and a passion. I studied behavioral neuroscience in college, and while I really loved the major, I knew that I needed to at least try my hand at making dance a career. So as soon as I graduated, I went back to work with dance. I trained relentlessly and was determined to see how far I could take this dream.
2. What is something that you always wanted to do in your career but have not had the time to yet?
My main focus now is on teaching dance programs and curriculums that embody more than just the physical aspects of dance. My dance-based wellness company, Three6Zero, is a passion project of mine that was a long time in creation. It is a program that incorporates meditation, fitness, stretch, advice and Q& A's and of course dance in a wide range of styles and levels. I have found that the most effective way to make people great and authentic in their artistry is to teach them to begin within. In just a few short months we have almost a hundred active members on the platform from more than 20 countries. You can join us on patreon.com/DanaAlexa. In the near future, I would like to open a brick-and-mortar location for Three6Zero. A place where dancers can expand their craft by truly tapping into and enhancing their mind, body and soul.
3. Who are some dancers or choreographers that inspired you early on in your career?
I grew up in NYC and whenever possible my mom would take me over to BDC. As a young teenager I would hop into classes that were outside my ability level. Those experiences only made me hungry for more and inspired me to take dance even more seriously. So, most of the people that inspired me early on were east coast choreographers like Rhapsody, Luam and Jermaine Browne. I was also inspired by the teachers and peers at the local dance studio I trained in. I attended Ms. Pat’s Dimensions in Dance in Brooklyn and they always saw potential in me and pushed me to work hard. It was there that I was first put on as an assistant teacher and my passion for not only dance but for teaching expanded exponentially.
4. You have been all over the world teaching. Name a couple places you enjoy teaching and why.
I love to teach internationally, it’s so hard to name just a few places, but I have had really stand out experiences in India, Paris and in Peru. Sold out classes, so much passion and excitement from the dancers. When dancers don’t have access to consistent training or training in certain styles they may have come to love through social media, their commitment and excitement for a master class with an international instructor is off the charts. It’s hard to even explain the vibe, you just need to be there to experience it.
5. If you didn't pursue dance what would be your next career choice?
I went to school for Behavioral Neuroscience and I have always been fascinated by how the brain works and why people behave the way they do. I would probably have gone in to get my Master’s degree and be working in some type of psychology field.
6. What are some other styles of dance you wish you trained in but never did?
I wish that I had been able to do some more athletic styles like breakdancing and that I had continued my training with contemporary styles. I always loved contemporary and the way it allows you to express. Once I got deep into the commercial world, I stopped training in Contemporary and I would definitely have loved to go back and perfect that technique.
6. What are some other styles of dance you wish you trained in but never did?
I wish that I had been able to do some more athletic styles like breakdancing and that I had continued my training with contemporary styles. I always loved contemporary and the way it allows you to express. Once I got deep into the commercial world, I stopped training in Contemporary and I would definitely have loved to go back and perfect that technique.
7. Top 3 Favorite Music Videos (Dance Wise)
Rhythm nation, are you that somebody, like a boy
8. Who is your favorite Choreographer and why?
I don’t think I could ever choose a favorite because I appreciate the mind of every creator. I always find something that I love in everyone’s work.
9. Give us a couple songs you loved choreographing to.
I think the most memorable class I ever taught was to Guaya by Eva Simons. I don’t always teach the hottest or the number one track. I like to use whatever song inspires me, whether or not it’s trending. I was prepping to teach my first official class on staff at Millennium Dance Complex and I knew I needed a great song to get started on the right foot. A friend played that track for me and within the first couple of bars I was on my feet choreographing. I love songs that make it so I cannot keep still.
10. If you had to compare your dance style to a superhero who would it be?
If I had to compare my dance style to a superhero, I would probably say Wonder Woman. My style is a little tough, a little edgy and athletic, powerful and a dash of good old fashioned bad ass girl power.
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