Panther City Dance LLC

How Panther City Dance Got It’s Name

People often ask how Panther City Dance got its name. The story goes back to one evening when the three founders, Andrew Maue, Emily Yancey, and Joseph Watson, finished dancing at a local Fort Worth venue that was unusually empty.

The quiet room reminded Andrew of how Fort Worth first earned the nickname Panther City when Dallas once remarked that the town was so empty a panther could comfortably sleep on the courthouse steps. Looking across that empty dance floor, Andrew commented that a panther or even a cougar would feel right at home there. That moment sparked the idea that eventually became the name Panther City Dance.

At the time, all three founders were already deeply involved in the dance community and shared a strong passion for both dancing and building community. Together they wanted to create more opportunities for growth, connection, and skill development in the Fort Worth area while still honoring and supporting the broader DFW dance family.

The Panther City Dance logo reflects that same commitment to the city. It is inspired by the Fort Worth Police badge, the only badge in the country that features a panther. For the founders, it represents heritage, honor, and a desire to bring fairness and integrity into every event. Panther City Dance aims to bring a sense of justice to competition so that dancers feel they have been given the best possible opportunity when they step onto the floor.

Panther City Dance was founded on a shared love for dancing, excellence, and community. Andrew and Emily both bring extensive event planning backgrounds, and Joseph contributes a deep passion for supporting dancers and helping community spaces thrive. Together, the three founders are committed to strengthening and growing the dance community they care so deeply about.

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