Traditions play an important role in life at Dana Hall School, serving not only as symbols of the past, but also staples in the present. The traditions provide the girls with opportunities to become active participants in the school community.

There are five prominent traditions at Dana Hall. In the fall, Senior/Sophomore is celebrated. With the first snowflakes of winter comes the festivity of Revels. Ninth Grade Cabaret, in February, gives freshmen the chance to show off their talents to the community. Lasting memories begin with Spread, and Step Sing brings together the whole school throughout the year. The feelings of camaraderie generated by these traditions are a central part of the Dana experience and unite alumnae of all ages.

Senior-Sophomore 

Senior-Sophomore began in the late 1930s when the Upper School started with 10th grade. During the fall term, every senior chooses a sophomore. Often after the first Step-Sing, a banquet is held by the seniors in honor of the sophomores. Senior-Sophomore served as a way to form a "big sister" relationship between the incoming sophomore and an older classman. "Each sophomore would find herself in the protective custody of an ancient and wise senior for the banquet, as the sophomore class officially became part of the school." (Focus, 1962). And while now the Upper School now begins with ninth grade, the tradition has remained.

Presently, on Senior-Sophomore day seniors choose costumes for their sophomore, which they are required to wear for the whole day. Comedic skits performed by the younger class as directed by their seniors. Sophomores receive decorated beanies from their seniors who call themselves "snitzels" (origin unknown) and celebrate much in the same manner as they did in the 1930s. The tradition has come to provide sophomores with an added support system, making adjusting to the world of high school a little easier.

Revels 

Revels first hit the stage in 1921, making it one of Dana ‘s oldest traditions. The festival features a medieval play, written by Constance Grosvenor Alexander, a former English teacher at the school. The traditional play as written by Miss Alexander was performed in its original version for 50 consecutive years, and continues today.

Completely student-run, the junior class makes Revels their own by adding a twist to the skits, and bringing in pop culture and current music. The school gathers in period costumes to enjoy the juniors' presentation and interpretation of the merriment of medieval life. Bagpipers lead the revelers from Bardwell to the Dining Center for the traditional medieval banquet.

Cabaret 

Cabaret, put on by the freshmen class, is held at the beginning of Trimester 2, usually the last weekend in January or first weekend in February. It serves as one of the first traditions that freshmen are wholly involved in as Upper School students. The show features singing, dancing, even standup comedy. All ninth graders are in some way involved in the production of the show, whether it be performing or baking food for refreshments. Cabaret is a way to bring the freshmen class together for the first time, and is considered a bonding experience for the new students.

Spread 

The history of Spread can be traced back as far as 1885. Originally there were two: one given by the seniors to the juniors and one given by the juniors to thank the seniors a few weeks later. Since 1929 there has only been one. The specifics of the event remain a secret. 

Step-Sing 

The origins of Step-Sing are not clear. However, it has been documented as far back as 1903. In those days the steps used for step-singing were in the original Dana "Main" building on Grove Street (the building was attached to Bardwell Auditorium). At the time, only seniors, juniors and sophomores attended the Upper School so there was quite a bit more room available on the steps than there is today. It was on those steps that each class proudly sang its class song for all the school to hear. Traditionally Step-Sings are held before the Revels festival, class night, and during Senior-Sophomore, but there also can be close to seven a year. Common Ground steps in the Dining Center are the now the site of this long-standing tradition.