Meet Persis Ann Forster | Studio Director, Miss Persis Studio I Executive Artistic Director, Dance Theatre of Arlington

We had the good fortune of connecting with Persis Ann Forster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Persis Ann, how does your business help the community?
Dance has been shown to impact everyone who participates in a positive way – Miss Persis Studio has several different ways of contributing in our corner of the world. We have had a Cotillion program since the 1960’s teaching communication skills and manners through basic ballroom dance. Many former students have returned as lawyers, doctors, teachers, business people, etc to thank us for teaching them skills they have continued to use throughout their lives. In some cases, we now have 2nd & 3rd generations participating.
Through regular tap, ballet and musical theatre classes, we have been taking Elf Shows to local nursing homes since the late 1960’s. Children who perform in these shows learn community service, compassion for others and performance skills they cannot get in other situations such as recitals or competitions. The show always ends with the performers going into the audience and shaking hands and speaking to the audience – some of whom don’t get any kind of personal interaction beyond medical staff.
Our non-profit, Dance Theatre of Arlington, has offered an outreach program in the public schools teaching movement with live music and culminating in a performance with company dancers, professional actors, musicians and technical personnel. The “I Am!” program encouraged self-esteem with practical learning of sequencing, memorization, language skills and counting.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began dancing at 3 because my mom had a dance studio – I learned how to teach by watching and assisting her – I had many opportunities to perform because of her and began auditioning at age 13…not always cast but that’s how you learn.
I got to perform at Seven Seas (a sea life park in Arlington) and Six Flags Over Texas -great training ground. Felt successful when hired at Casa Manana, a regional theatre in Fort Worth. Lots of show choir choreography jobs, teaching at summer dance camps taught me how to show up, work with people I didn’t know (or always like) and to be grateful for connections I made all over the country.
I learned that the job doesn’t always go to the “best one” but often goes to the “best one to work with who has a good work ethic”.
Our brand -of which I am very proud – is consistency and caring through a solid dance foundation. We have been a family owned business for 72 years and have received recognition for our contributions to our community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Arlington, Texas is a city known as an entertainment destination – the Dream City! We have museums (Arlington Museum of Art, the National Medal of Honor Museum, National Bowling Museum), sports (Texas Rangers Baseball, Dallas Cowboys Football), theme parks (Six Flags Over Texas) and more!

Theatre Arlington offers live theatre productions and Arlington Music Hall offers live concerts as well as productions by Symphony Arlington and Opera Arlington.

Fun eating options include J. Gilligan’s (featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives), Grease Monkey for live music, Tipsy Oak, Breakfast Brothers and The Tin Cup – all in the Downtown Cultural District. Lots of options in and around the stadiums in the Entertainment District.
Also home of the University of Texas at Arlington with sports, arts, museums, music events.

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?
My mother, Persis Forster, Sr., who established Miss Persis Studio in 1954 and made it unnecessary for me to start from scratch! Everyone who has been on staff here over the last 72 years has played a part in the legacy created by MPS and everyone involved in Dance Theatre of Arlington – dancers and non-dancers alike! Thank you!

Website: https://misspersisstudio.com

Instagram: @misspersisstudio

Facebook: Miss Persis Studio of Dance/Performing Arts