Miss Persis Studio of Dance

For over six decades, Miss Persis Studio of Dance has been a cornerstone of the arts community in Arlington, Texas. Since its founding in 1954 by the legendary Persis Forster, this studio has not merely taught dance; it has shaped lives, instilled a love for the fine arts, and created countless cherished memories for generations of local families. If you're in the Arlington area and seeking a dance school that combines a rich history with a commitment to excellence and a nurturing environment, your search truly begins and ends here.

Miss Persis Studio of Dance is more than just a dance school; it's an institution that embodies the American Dream through artistic expression and community engagement. Persis Forster, a professional actress, director, and choreographer, dedicated her life to sharing her passion, not just on stage, but within the hearts of her students. Even after her passing in 2021, her legacy of professionalism, grace, and joy continues to thrive under the guidance of her dedicated staff, many of whom grew up dancing at the studio themselves. This deep-rooted connection to its past and its enduring commitment to the future sets Miss Persis Studio apart as a truly special place in the Mid-Cities.

The studio prides itself on offering a wide array of dance styles, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every aspiring dancer, from the youngest beginners to adults. Beyond the leaps and pirouettes, Miss Persis Studio emphasizes invaluable life skills such as poise, discipline, respect, and proper etiquette, particularly through their unique Cotillion classes. This holistic approach to education, combining artistic training with character development, is why so many parents are thrilled to see their children develop a lifelong passion for the arts and emerge as confident, well-rounded individuals.

Miss Persis Studio of Dance boasts a central and accessible location in the vibrant heart of Downtown Arlington, Texas. You'll find this historic studio at 222 W Main St, Arlington, TX 76010, USA. This prominent position on West Main Street makes it incredibly convenient for families residing throughout Arlington and the surrounding Mid-Cities area to access their renowned dance programs. Its presence in historic downtown places it amidst a revitalized and engaging part of the city, offering easy navigation for both long-time residents and newcomers.

The studio's long-standing presence in Downtown Arlington, including a return to Main Street in 2004 after decades at the Town North Shopping Center, underscores its deep roots and commitment to the community. This central location ensures straightforward access from various neighborhoods, minimizing travel time for busy parents and maximizing the time students can dedicate to their passion for dance. With typically adequate parking options in the downtown area, the accessibility of Miss Persis Studio of Dance contributes significantly to its appeal as a convenient and cherished local resource for quality dance education.

Miss Persis Studio of Dance offers a diverse and comprehensive range of services and classes, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Their curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in various dance styles while fostering creativity and a love for the performing arts. Many of their teachers are certified members of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing, Inc., ensuring high standards of instruction.

Services Offered:

• Traditional Dance Lessons: Core offerings include Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, which form the foundation of dance education.
• Specialized Dance Styles: Extending beyond the traditional, the studio also offers Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre classes, providing a broad spectrum of artistic expression.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs are available for children starting as young as 3 years old, progressing through elementary and high school levels, and even catering to adults with dedicated classes.
• Cotillion Classes: A unique and long-standing tradition for sixth-grade students, focusing on teaching social skills, traditional couples dances, appropriate etiquette, and proper dining manners through a series of sessions and a spring party.
• Dance Theatre of Arlington (DTA) Home: The studio serves as the home base for Dance Theatre of Arlington, a performing company that allows students to gain performance experience around the Metroplex year-round.
• Community Outreach Programs: Active involvement in the Downtown Arlington community and wider Metroplex, including "elf shows" at nursing homes and performances at fairs and carnivals, showcasing their dedication to service.
• Adult Dance Classes: Opportunities for adults to learn or continue dancing, with options for drop-in classes and punch cards, allowing for flexibility (e.g., Adult Jazz, Adult Tap).
• Progressive Curriculum: Classes are structured to allow students to grow year after year, building on foundational skills and exploring more advanced techniques.
• Emphasis on Poise and Discipline: Beyond dance steps, students learn valuable life skills such as posture, grace, discipline, and respect in a fun and safe learning environment.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in annual recitals and other performances, providing a chance to showcase their hard work and build confidence.

Miss Persis Studio of Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its esteemed reputation and make it a cherished institution in the Arlington community. These aspects contribute significantly to the positive experiences of its students and their families.

Features / Highlights:

• Decades of Experience: With over 60 years as a leading dance school in the Mid-Cities (founded in 1954), the studio boasts a rich history and deep-rooted expertise in dance education.
• Legacy of Miss Persis Forster: Founded by an iconic professional actress, director, and choreographer, Persis Forster, whose vision and dedication continue to shape the studio's ethos.
• Highly Professional and Certified Staff: Teachers and staff are highly professional, with many being certified members of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing, Inc., ensuring quality instruction.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio emphasizes teaching life skills such as poise, discipline, proper etiquette, and the importance of fine arts appreciation.
• Unique Cotillion Program: A celebrated tradition that teaches sixth-graders social skills and traditional dances, a valuable addition to their education.
• Age-Appropriate and Classy Approach: Praised by parents for maintaining a classy, age-appropriate manner in dance instruction, a "breath of fresh air" in modern dance education.
• Family-Oriented Environment: Fosters a fun, safe, and supportive learning environment where children are "loved as their own," leading to many "wonderful memories" and a lasting passion for dance.
• Community Involvement: Heavily involved in Downtown Arlington and the wider Metroplex through performances and outreach programs (e.g., "elf shows" at nursing homes, performing at fairs).
• Home of Dance Theatre of Arlington: Provides a performance outlet and pre-professional experience for serious students through its association with DTA.
• Versatile Curriculum: Offers a wide variety of dance styles, from traditional ballet, tap, and jazz to contemporary hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre, catering to diverse interests.
• Generational Impact: Attracts former students who return to enroll their own children, a testament to its enduring positive influence and quality.

For families in Arlington, Texas, and the surrounding Mid-Cities area, Miss Persis Studio of Dance is an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education. Its unparalleled history, spanning over 60 years, demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to quality and community that few other studios can match. The studio's enduring legacy, built on the vision of its founder, Persis Forster, continues to provide a nurturing and professional environment where children not only learn to dance beautifully but also develop invaluable life skills such such as poise, discipline, and a genuine love for the fine arts.

The diverse range of classes, from classical ballet and tap to vibrant hip hop and engaging musical theatre, ensures that every child can find their passion. What truly sets Miss Persis Studio apart for locals is its unique Cotillion program, offering a rare opportunity for sixth graders to learn social graces and traditional dances in a fun setting. Furthermore, the strong sense of community, where students and families feel like part of a larger, extended family, creates an inviting and supportive atmosphere that fosters long-lasting friendships and memories. For parents seeking a dance home that blends tradition with contemporary relevance, and truly invests in the holistic development of their children, Miss Persis Studio of Dance stands as an iconic and highly recommended local institution in Arlington.

Miss Persis Studio of Dance

222 W Main St, Arlington, TX 76010, USA