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You Won’t Believe What Sydney Smedley Is Building In Medford (Bring Tissues!)

Oct 13
3 min read

If you’ve ever strolled through The Village Medford Center on a crisp Rogue Valley evening, you know there’s a special kind of magic in the air. Between grabbing dinner, catching up with friends, and taking in the vibrant local energy, it’s easy to see why this spot is the beating heart of our community.

But tucked right inside the plaza lies a powerhouse of passion, kindness, and unstoppable energy that is transforming lives one dance step at a time.


Meet Sydney Smedley, the heartwarming soul behind Panache Dance Co.—a studio owner who isn’t just teaching dance; she’s building a sanctuary where every child, teenager, and adult is celebrated for exactly who they are.


For Sydney, dance isn’t just a career; it’s a lifelong love story. Having danced for 32 years, movement has been her constant anchor through every stage of life.







"It doesn't matter how tough life can be or what challenges you may be tackling; when I pull up to Panache I am always amazed by the happy and electric energy that our dancers carry. It's contagious and unlike anywhere I've experienced." — Sydney Smedley

Raised right here in Southern Oregon, bringing her dream home to the Rogue Valley was a full-circle moment. Today, Sydney even gets to teach the children of her childhood friends! Talk about deep community roots.


When she stepped up to launch Panache at The Village Medford Center back in 2018, the studio started with just 2 instructors and 50 dancers. Today, having reached their 10-year studio milestone, they’ve grown into a thriving family supported by top-tier instructors—all while staying true to a central location that's just 5–10 minutes from almost every school in the Medford School District.



Redefining Dance Culture: Lifting Dancers Up, Size & Shape Included

If you grew up in the dance world, you know it can sometimes carry intense pressure and unrealistic expectations. Sydney set out with a clear mission: to tear down those negative stereotypes forever.


She envisioned a studio where body positivity is non-negotiable—where every size, shape, and background is celebrated with open arms. Instead of competitive tearing down, Panache is built on lifting each other up. The result? A palpable culture of happiness, high energy, and genuine excellence.


And when Sydney steps out of the studio and leaves behind the sparkles, glam, and trophies? She goes home to a bustling house full of 4 boys! Balancing a home full of rough-and-tough dudes with a studio filled with grace and rhythm makes her leadership all the more real, relatable, and inspiring.


What Makes Panache Dance Co. the Ultimate Rogue Valley Gem?

Whether you're looking for things to do in Medford or trying to find the perfect creative outlet for your kids, Sydney and her team have built something for everyone:

  • Trophy-Winning Hip-Hop: Known hands-down as the studio’s strongest style, bringing home championship state trophies year after year!

  • The "Secret Weapon" Pom Program: Pushes dancers beyond standard recreational classes with opportunities to perform live at three local high school basketball games each year.

  • Unbeatable Variety: From Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and Tap to Acro, Latin Fusion, Musical Theater, and Ballroom, they offer the most expansive style range in the valley.

  • Exciting New Horizons: Look out for upcoming production-level shows like The Nutcracker Remix, along with expanded ballroom options for youth and couples prepping for wedding dances!


Loving Local: How Sydney Spends Her Days in the Valley

Giving back is at the core of everything Sydney does. Through initiatives like Dancing With The Rogue Valley Stars, Panache helps support local families facing medical needs through the gift of dance.



When taking a well-deserved break, you’ll likely catch Sydney and her husband enjoying a classic "dinner-and-a-movie" night right at The Village Medford Center—grabbing a bite at Tap & Vine before seeing the latest theater release. She's also a huge advocate for local flavor, frequenting favorites like Northwest Pineapple and Spin!


Plan Your Visit to The Village Medford Center Today!

The Rogue Valley is packed with unforgettable experiences—from scenic winery tours and hikes explored via Travel Medford to lively community gatherings listed on The Village Medford Center Events Calendar.


Ready to experience the electric energy that Sydney Smedley has built at Panache Dance Co. for yourself?


Stop by, say hello, and discover why this vibrant community hub continues to be the heart of Medford!

 
 
 

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