Persis Forster established Miss Persis Studio of Dance in 1954. A graduate of UT Austin with a BFA in Radio/TV, she had a varied background in dance and theatre which included performing, directing, choreography and teaching in all levels of dance and musical theatre. She lived in Arlington with her husband, Jerry, for over 57 years. As a professional actress, Ms. Forster appeared in leading principal roles at Casa Mañana, Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, Carousel Dinner Theater in Ohio, Lyric Theatre in Irving, Theatre Arlington, Gown Town Theatre and Garland Summer Musicals. Miss Persis passed away in 2021, but we continue to pursue her legacy of excellence.

Past honors include the Chamber of Commerce Citation for Service Award, the Friend of Youth Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from UTA. She was honored with the Women’s Legacy Award for Arts in Tarrant County in 1999 and with the Dallas Dance Council’s “Texas Tap Legend” award in May 2006.

Ms. Forster taught in the UTA Drama Department for eighteen and a half years. She was a Past President of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and the UTA Alumni Association.

Ms. Forster founded Dance Theatre of Arlington in 1981 and worked with the DTA Community Outreach program, “I Am,” at Berry Elementary School.

As Miss Persis Studio's Legacy Director, Ms. Forster brings over 50 years of teaching experience and a lifetime of dedication to the performing arts. A graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio/Television, she currently oversees studio operations while continuing to inspire students through her passion for dance, performance, and education.

A seasoned professional actress, singer, choreographer, and director, Ms. Forster has performed leading roles at Theatre Arlington, Gown Town Theatre, Casa Mañana, North Shore Music Theatre near Boston, and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma City. Her performance credits also include industrial productions with Incredible Productions and Six Flags Show Productions, where she served as Director and Choreographer of the renowned Crazy Horse Saloon.

Throughout her career, she has taught at national dance camps and show choir workshops and has been recognized as a leader in dance education. She is a Past President of the Texas Association of Teachers of Dancing and currently serves as Executive Artistic Director of DTA, overseeing a performing company of dancers who entertain audiences throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex year-round.

Ms. Forster resides in Arlington with her husband, Steve Burdick, who assists with the studio's Cotillion program. Together, they continue to foster the values of excellence, confidence, and professionalism that have defined Miss Persis Studio for generations.

Lori Woods has dedicated her life to dance education, performance, and arts leadership. She served as the head of the dance and drill team program at Lamar High School in Arlington for 24 years and holds the distinction of being the first dance educator hired by Arlington ISD. Lori earned an Associate Degree in Musical Theatre from Mountain View College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University.

Lori began her teaching career at the age of 15 at Miss Persis Studio of Dance, where she first developed her passion for inspiring young dancers. Around the same time, she began performing professionally at Six Flags Over Texas in the Southern Palace Theatre, launching a successful career on stages throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Her professional credits include performances at Bass Hall, Casa Mañana, Theatre Arlington, Theatre Three, and Stage West.

Some of Lori’s favorite stage roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Velma in Chicago, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Bebe in A Chorus Line, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Paulette in Legally Blonde, and Lorraine in 42nd Street.

Throughout her career, Lori has shared her expertise with students of all ages, teaching dance and musical theatre at Dallas Summer Musicals School of Musical Theatre, TCC College for Kids, JTM School of Performing Arts, Granbury Opera House, and Casa Mañana.

In addition to her educational and performing accomplishments, Lori spent more than 20 years with Eclipse Entertainment as a choreographer and casting director, producing award-winning custom theme entertainment for corporate and private events.

Lori’s mission is to develop well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals through the art of dance. She believes dance is a powerful vehicle for teaching artistry, empathy, dedication, discipline, integrity, and performance excellence. Her greatest joy is helping students discover their potential both on and off the stage.

Rachel Thornberry brings 28 years of experience in education, where she has inspired students through her passion for teaching math and science. For the past seven years, she has served as an Assistant Principal, and will now be a campus Principal in HEB ISD where she is leading with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to student success.

Her connection to the arts began at age three when she started dancing at Miss Persis Studio. Since then, she has remained an active part of the dance community in various roles. Today, Rachel continues that legacy by teaching cotillion and working as the Financial Director.

Blending her backgrounds in education, leadership, and dance, Rachel is devoted to fostering growth, confidence, and creativity in every environment she’s part of.

Becca Brown is a lifelong member of the Miss Persis Studio family. With the exception of her professional studies in Louisiana and New York City, Miss Becca has dedicated her life to the studio, training as a student from ages 3 to 17 and returning to assist and teach whenever she is in town.

A versatile performer, choreographer, and educator, Becca has worked professionally throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Her performance credits include Six Flags Over Texas, Casa Mañana, Theatre Arlington, and numerous other regional theatres. She is also a proud alumna of Dance Theatre of Arlington, Miss Persis Studio’s nonprofit dance company, where she now serves in a leadership role helping to manage and support the organization.

Becca earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre from Northwestern State University before continuing her professional training at the prestigious Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City.

Most recently, Becca expanded her expertise by earning certification in Pilates, bringing additional knowledge of strength, flexibility, and body awareness to her teaching.

Through her dedication, experience, and enthusiasm, Miss Becca continues to inspire generations of dancers while carrying on the traditions and values that have made Miss Persis Studio a cherished part of the Arlington community for decades.

Bio to come!

Joelle is a multidisciplinary creative, performer, and dance educator based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She has served as a General Manager and Creative Arts Administrator for nearly a decade, bringing extensive experience in program development, studio operations, artist mentorship, and content creation.

Joelle began teaching dance at the age of 12, cultivating an early passion for movement, discipline, and creative expression that continues to shape her work today. A Musical Theatre graduate, her background spans performance, vocal artistry, and creative direction, allowing her to approach the arts from both an administrative and expressive lens.

As both an artist and educator, Joelle is deeply committed to fostering confidence, individuality, and technical growth in young performers. Her perspective as a leader and creative makes her a thoughtful and engaging adjudicator, dedicated to celebrating artistry while encouraging continued growth in every dancer she encounters.

Chloe Ryer has been a part of the Miss Persis Studio family for 18 years! After growing up dancing at Miss Persis Studio, she continued her education at Dallas Baptist University, where she was a member of the National Champion Patriettes Dance Team.

Outside of teaching at Miss Persis Studio, Chloe works at Pantego Christian Academy, where she teaches Social Studies and English, directs the Pantherettes Dance Teams, and serves as the Fine Arts Director. She loves investing in students both in the classroom and through the arts.

Chloe is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation and is honored to remain a part of the Miss Persis Studio family.

Bettie Roeber’s dance journey began at Miss Persis Studio of Dance, where she grew up training and later served as a student teacher for several years. Her lifelong passion for dance and education has taken her from the studio to professional stages around the world.

After graduating from Arlington High School, Bettie earned a degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Ballet from the University of Oklahoma. Following her university studies, she performed professionally as a member of both the Fort Worth Civic Ballet and the Dallas Civic Ballet.

In addition to her concert dance career, Bettie performed professionally at Six Flags Over Texas and toured throughout the United States and Korea with Sky Chefs’ “Tent Troubador” Show. Her love of teaching led her to establish and operate her own dance studios on Army bases in both the United States and Germany, where she shared her knowledge and passion for dance with students of all ages.

Bettie has remained active in the performing arts throughout her life and has been a featured performer in the Spectacular Follies in Dallas for several years.

With decades of experience as a performer, teacher, and studio owner, Bettie brings a wealth of knowledge, artistry, and enthusiasm to Miss Persis Studio. She is dedicated to preserving the traditions of quality dance education while inspiring students to develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Anne Bowling brings a wealth of experience as an educator, choreographer, artistic director, and performer. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, Anne began her dance training at Harlingen Ballet Center, where she studied a variety of dance styles with a primary emphasis on ballet.

She continued her education at the University of North Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree in Dance. During her time in Denton, Anne performed as a principal dancer and soloist with the Denton Civic Ballet Company, further developing her artistry and performance experience.

Following graduation, Anne moved to California, where she taught dance and founded the Huntington Beach Ballet Company in Huntington Beach, California. Under her leadership, the company grew into a thriving organization that recently celebrated its 25th season of The Nutcracker.

Anne later returned to Texas and served as Studio Director of Melba’s School of Dance in McAllen. She also spent twelve years as Artistic Director and Choreographer for McAllen Dance Theatre, creating and directing numerous productions while mentoring generations of young dancers.

In 2007, Anne joined the faculty at Hebron High School as Assistant Director of the dance program and instructor of dance classes. She currently serves as Director of the nationally recognized Silver Wings Drill Team, leading and inspiring students through excellence in dance, performance, and leadership.

A respected leader within the dance education community, Anne has served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and has been an active member of the organization for nearly two decades.

Anne has been married to her husband, Bill, for many years, and together they have two children, Blake and Holly. Throughout her career, Anne has remained committed to fostering artistry, discipline, confidence, and a love of dance in every student she teaches.

Steve's involvement at Miss Persis Studio began 36 years ago when he met and married Persis Ann Forster. Before that, he received a BA in Mathematics from University of Texas at Arlington and worked in accounting before becoming a home builder and construction manager.

After 30 plus years of tap classes, Steve began assisting cotillion and continues that role today. He also has maintained many physical aspects of the studio including stage and set work for our shows and recitals.