Dwana A. Smallwood, a Brooklyn native, has been celebrated as one of the greatest modern dancers by Vogue. Her early training paved the way for her role as a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She’s been featured on shows like *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, *Sesame Street*, *Good Morning America*, and *The Today Show*, and even appeared on *Oprah's Where Are They Now*. Her acclaim extends to *Great Performances* on PBS and documentaries like *Beyond the Steps* and *A Hymn for Alvin Ailey*.

Dwana made history as the second Black woman to grace the cover of *Dance Magazine* and has appeared in *Vogue*, *National Geographic*, *Essence*, and more. She was named one of the “50 Most Beautiful New Yorkers” by *New York Magazine* and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Ile-Ase, Brooklyn, for her mentorship work.

In 2009, Dwana took her talents to South Africa, where she pioneered the Dance Program at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, serving as Director of Student Affairs and Co-Curricular Coordinator.

Returning to Brooklyn in 2013, she founded the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center (DSPAC), providing top-tier dance training for youth in her community. As Executive Director, she continues to teach, choreograph, and design costumes, driving positive change in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Dwana’s dedication to dance education has earned her numerous honors, including the Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award and recognition from the Brooklyn Borough President and City Council for her leadership in the arts.