Females Week – A tribute to the ‘Queen’ of the harder styles, Lady Dana.
Forget Hardstyle ‘princess’ or Hardcore ‘beauty,’ Lady Dana is unquestionably a QUEEN and the embodiment of a true legend in Hard Dance. The most original of the originals, Dana van Dreven, aka Lady Dana, or just Dana, is responsible for piloting and shaping the scene that we know and love today. Both a warrior and true legend, Dana has seen, experienced and lived a challenging, yet interestingly fulfilling life to say the least.
Spinning ‘gabber’ since the early 90’s, this talented woman earned her place at the top of the Hardcore scene as she regularly spun at the cherished Thunderdome concept, as well as Masters of Hardcore, Qlimax, Mysteryland, Qlubtempo, Pandemonium and many more. Starting her career before she turned 20, things seemed to take off quickly for Dana, who soon found herself performing on a weekly basis!
Deemed one of the most significant figureheads of the expanding Hardcore movement, Dana also served as a huge influence for female DJ’s. Respectful to her core, Dana was appreciated not only for her impeccable skills behind the decks, but her work ethic and being a humble role model for aspiring female DJ’s and producers. Something we truly love about Dana is that she never used her ‘sexuality’ or feminine energies to generate success; she worked hard and remained modest in her climb to greatness.
Already experiencing a successful career, by 2003, Dana shifted her focus to the slower BPM’s, subsequently making her a queen in both Hardstyle and Hardcore genres. With her versatile sets showcasing the booming harder styles spectrum, her exciting performances left fans in awe of her capabilities and engaging presence.
From 1993 up until 2010, week in and week out, Dana rocked nightclubs, outdoor festival terrains and indoor venues with a capacity of thousands as she spread her legacy. Unfortunately after many years of hectic touring schedules and music making, 2010 uncovered numerous struggles for Dana, who reportedly went on hiatus due to a burnout. After battling this devastating condition, Dana was then faced with several other health problems, which subsequently forced her to hit pause on her career.
The Hard Dance scene has a never-ending respect for Dana, who bravely fought her way through all of the obstacles presented in her path. This strong woman holds a truly inspiring story, and despite all of the struggles Dana’s encountered she still managed to remain optimistic about her career and her health.
Two and a half years after taking a well-needed rest, Dana made a triumphant and exclusive return to Thunderdome, where she accepted the challenge of performing most of her set with one arm. Spawning a earnest welcome from her devoted fans, Dana stepped on stage once again in 2014 as part of the X-Qlusive Legends concept. The response from this performance was immense and was a truly heart-warming moment for the Hard Dance scene.
Nowadays, Dana’s performance schedule entails (on average) a monthly performance and in the past two years she’s made countless memories with fans at Defqon.1, De Tijdmachine, Hardshock Festival, Pussy Lounge, Dominator, Decibel Outdoor Festival, Ground Zero Festival and Beat The Bridge amongst others.
We’d like to take this moment to thank the beautiful Lady Dana for everything she’s done for the harder styles. A true queen, she’s successfully led and shaped the movement as we know it today and we are ever-grateful for her legacy. A truly inspiring story, we wish Dana all the best with her health and we hope to catch her performing in the future!
1 Comment
When i think back to my roots.
The place it all began for me and also abruptly ended for a small amount of time.
Lady Dana and Tatanka were at the end of my new beginning.
At the end of 2002 Hard dance trance found its expiry date, slowing down the Melbourne rave seen.
Things changed dramatically and our dance family all went their separate ways.
Lady Dana and Tatanka introduced a new sound, then also disappeared.
The kick was a bit of an acquired taste which, slowly grew on me when Headhunterz helped to guide me through it, listening to music arranged by him.
The reverse Bass will always be my roots, and where my soul lies.
I soon realized the value of the kick, when the bass is capable of having different tones and pitches. Not just the same doof doof bass. Mix the two bass, and its a killer.
Hardstyle for life, and dance till you drop.