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. Before the onset of winter break, comes the festivity of Revels, performed by the junior class. Ninth Grade Cabaret, in February, gives the freshmen class the chance to show off their talents to the community. Lasting memories for the juniors and seniors occur during Spread, and Step Sing brings together the whole school throughout the year. The feelings of camaraderie and connection 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. Each fall term, this tradition formed a "big sister" relationship between an incoming sophomore and a senior. Seniors were called "snitzels" (origin unknown). "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). While the Upper School now begins with ninth grade, the tradition has remained.

Presently, on Senior-Sophomore day, sophomores find their lockers decorated and dress in a costume provided by the seniors, which they wear for the whole day. At the end of the day, sophomores receive decorated beanies from their senior and celebrate at a banquet, much in the same manner as they did in the 1930s. The tradition provides a supportive and friendly bond between the senior and sophomore class.

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, and is performed by the junior class. The traditional play, as written by Miss Alexander, was performed in its original version for 50 consecutive years, and continues today.

Each year, the junior class makes Revels their own by adding a twist to the script 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. At the end of the play, 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 February and serves as one of the first traditions that freshmen call their own. All 9th graders are in some way involved in the production of this variety show, whether performing an act in the show, providing technical help, or decorating. The entire class performs class songs: two traditional songs performed annually and two songs unique to each class. Cabaret is a way to bring the freshman class together 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 tradition is presently held over a weekend in February and the specifics of the event remain a secret. All that is revealed is that the juniors will receive their class rings on this special occasion. 

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 at the beginning and end of the year, before or after a tradition, and at the announcement of the new All-School Co-Presidents. Common Ground steps in the Dining Center are now the site of this long-standing tradition.