Meet Devinne Cook | Dance Instructor, Dance Choreographer, & Dance Adjudicator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devinne Cook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devinne, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In the past, I wasn’t naturally inclined towards risk-taking. I preferred meticulously planning every step, ensuring I had a backup plan before deviating from the initial course. However, recently my perspective has shifted and I remembered a valuable lesson during my time in business school: “High Risk = High Reward.”

This newfound understanding prompted me to reassess my approach to opportunities. Recently, I took a significant leap of faith by resigning from my position as a senior consultant in financial services to pursue a career in dance teaching and related fields full-time. The decision was daunting, and I grappled with uncertainty every day leading up to my departure. After all, I was leaving behind a secure and stable job.

Yet, despite the initial apprehension, I found that embracing this risk brought about profound rewards. Today, I am happier than ever, and my transition back into the world of dance has been remarkably smooth. The fulfillment I derive from pursuing my passion far exceeds the comfort of stability.

This experience has underscored the importance of calculated risk-taking in both my personal and professional life. It’s taught me to trust my instincts, even when the path forward seems uncertain. By embracing risk, I’ve opened doors to new opportunities and discovered the true extent of my capabilities. In the end, the gamble was well worth it, affirming that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys begin with a leap of faith.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey in dance has been a culmination of years of dedicated training and a continuous pursuit of growth and improvement. It all began at the age of 3 when I first started taking dance. In high school I got the opportunity to start teaching dance. Admittedly, I wasn’t exceptional at first as a teacher, my dedication wavered. However, witnessing the progress of my students ignited a newfound passion within me, propelling me to strive for excellence.

As I progressed through college and later pursued graduate studies, I found myself drawn back to teaching, this time with the knowledge and experience gained as a dance major. Yet, the journey was far from easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the need to constantly innovate and evolve, to remain fresh and relevant in an ever-changing landscape. I realized that complacency was the enemy of progress, and I embraced a mindset of lifelong learning.

To stay ahead of the curve, I immersed myself in continuous education, seeking out opportunities to learn from fellow professionals, attending workshops, and honing my skills through regular practice and training. This commitment to personal and professional growth has been instrumental in shaping my journey.

Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons that have guided me forward. One of the most significant is the importance of investing time and effort into one’s craft. I’ve come to understand that true mastery is a journey, not a destination, and that every moment dedicated to improvement is an investment in oneself.

Today, my brand is a reflection of my personal journey and the values that guide me. I am not just a dance teacher; I am the mentor I wished for in my own formative years. I am committed to investing in the next generation of dancers, just as my mentors once invested in me. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the belief that with dedication, anything is possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week-long trip with my best friend visiting, I’d plan a well-rounded itinerary to showcase the highlights of the area while also indulging in our shared interests and preferences. Starting with a weekend, I’d have her join me at work, teaching dance classes, which she’s accustomed to and doesn’t mind. After wrapping up, we’d head to the wharf for an early dinner, followed by drinks at a cocktail or wine bar to unwind. As early risers, the next day would kick off with a workout session, perhaps joining me for a Pure Barre class I teach. We’d then enjoy a leisurely walk at the national mall with my dog, soaking in the sights, and conclude the day with a sweet treat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to every teacher who has played a pivotal role in shaping my dance journey. From the instructors at Dance Makers Inc, who ignited my passion for movement, to the mentors at Towson University Community Dance and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, who nurtured and refined my skills, each one has left an indelible mark on my path.

Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to my colleagues, teammates and friends who have been unwavering in their support and encouragement. Their belief in me, their willingness to stand by me as I pursued my dreams, and their constant reminders to bet on myself have been invaluable.

Together, these individuals and entities form the foundation upon which my journey stands. Their collective support, mentorship, love, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping who I am today and where I find myself in life. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

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Image Credits
Rodney Rice @RandolfImages