Dana James

Bio

Mr. James was born and raised in Wisconsin. He got his start in the arts in high school where he performed in musicals (that didn't require singing). He then went on to study dance and received an undergraduate degree in theater.

His career with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios began in Minneapolis, MN. He saw an ad in the newspaper looking for “dancers”, and since it didn't say topless, he applied for the position. Later he moved to Wisconsin where he flourished as an instructor and competitor at the Mequon studio. Mr. James has won numerous top teacher awards in the Wisconsin region and was selected as the top teacher in the nation for the Fred Astaire Dance Studios. As a dancer he developed champion students and competed professionally across the country with Elke Mischke. Mr. James holds many professional titles in the American Rhythm division, including the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Open Rhythm champion.

When teaching Mr. James is a kinesthetic teacher. He focuses on feeling the dancing and tells his students that if they can feel it, they will always be able to do it.

Performing is what has always drawn Mr. James to dance. Whether he is performing with students or other professionals, he enjoys being in front of the crowd.