From Our Editors
As he trained to become a dance instructor, Devon Panko's journey took a series of unexpected happy detours, starting with his achievements in the finals and semi-finals of national dance competitions. As he competed while simultaneously training for his teaching certification, doors kept opening for him, including opportunities to choreograph TV and movie stars such as Lily Tomlin and Fred Willard. Now teamed with Orianna Panko, also an accomplished choreographer and winner of several national dance titles, Devon lends his expertise as the head instructor at Panko Dance Ballroom and DanceSport Studio.
Instructors at the studio lead four levels of classes tailored for dancers from the inexperienced to the seasoned. Within the bright and airy studio, dance experts demonstrate the steps of international styles that range from viennese waltz to samba, as well as North American styles such as west-coast swing and country. For more customized instruction, lesson packages help prepare students to dance at weddings, competitions, or to impress at a driver's-licence renewal. The Panko team also buttresses the class schedule with supplementary events that include swing workshops and regular Friday night dance parties.
