When Doug and Debby Pileri’s eldest daughter got married, she had one simple request: a choreographed father-daughter dance.
Doug had never danced a day in his life. So, like any devoted dad, he signed up for lessons. Six months of them for a two-minute routine. And to rehearse, he needed a stand-in partner. That’s where Debby stepped in.
They laughed through the awkward steps. They stumbled. They twirled. And somehow…they had fun. Enough fun to keep going.
Neither of them had a dance background (well, Debby had a photo of herself in a tutu at age 6, but Doug argues that doesn’t count). “I’ve never worn a tutu,” he joked. “So clearly, she has more experience than me.”
What started as a sentimental gesture turned into something far greater.
Two years ago they entered their first competition in Indianapolis. Their goal was modest: just make it around the dance floor once. Nerves got the best of them. They didn’t win. But something even better happened. They were hooked.
They practiced. They trained. They traveled.
They danced through Ohio, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Just a few weeks ago they returned to the city where it all began. But this time they weren’t trying to make it around the floor. They were making history.
Doug and Debby Pileri are now ranked among the top senior amateur ballroom dance couples in the country.
They recently became national champions at the USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships.
They took home:
- First place at the Open Pre-Championship level
- Second place for American 9 Dance
- Second place in Rhythm (Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo)
- Sixth in Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz)
Behind every polished performance is a coach – or in this case, two. Doug and Debby credit much of their progress to their dedicated instructors, Scott and Yulia Shook.
After a long competition weekend, Scott and Yulia spent two hours on the phone with Doug and Debby during their drive home, reviewing performances, dissecting moments and encouraging growth. More than coaches, they’re mentors and cheerleaders, and an irreplaceable part of this journey. The Pileris are quick to credit them for the confidence, skill and joy they bring to every routine.
While Doug analyzes routines and footwork, Debby adds the artistry. She redesigns and reimagines each of her gowns by hand, breathing new life into pre-loved ballroom dresses and transforming them into one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Sparkle, feathers, beadwork – her creativity shines with every twirl.
After carefully designing her own intricate hair and makeup, and with the assistance of the stylist at each dance competition, she steps into sky-high heels and does everything Doug does – in reverse, with grace, precision and a picture-perfect smile that says she’s exactly where she wants to be.
But their journey isn’t just about the medals.
Doug and Debby also use dance to make a difference in their community. They’ve performed in local charity events like Dancing with Our Stars of Hamilton County, a fundraiser that benefits Meals on Wheels, an organization delivering nourishment and care to homebound seniors. Whether dazzling in sequins or spotlighting a cause, Doug and Debby bring not only grace and rhythm to the stage, but also heart. Their time on the dance floor helps to raise awareness and critical funds for neighbors in need.
Beyond the glamor and competition, there’s a deeper joy in their dancing. It’s found in the quiet teamwork, the mutual trust, the silent signals and the music. They call it “teamwork set to music.” It’s communication. It’s partnership. It’s love, on full display.
If you ask them why they do it, they’ll tell you it’s for the fun. The friends. The family. The joy.
After all, Doug didn’t just learn to dance for his daughter’s wedding. He discovered a whole new way to fall in love – with the music, with the movement…and with Debby.
