It’s been a while, but we’re finally back with our monthly teacher feature, this week introducing a very familiar face, Jess (Me!)

Jessica Cooper

Classes Jess teaches:
  • DSL Street Dance / Tuesdays 6:15-7:15pm

  • Improvers – Intermediate Commercial / Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm

What is your dance background?

I started dancing when I was age 4, taking classes in the traditional styles of Ballet and Tap at my local dance school. As I got older I kept dancing, taking on more classes in high school and college, where I found my love for Street Dance and Commercial, as well as Contemporary. I then decided to keep studying further at university, and graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a BA Hons Degree in Dance. Whilst at university I took on a placement at The Dance Studio Leeds and now you can catch me here most days either in the office or teaching a class! Since graduating I have found my love for teaching, which isn’t surprising, as a child I always loved teaching my friends dance routines and making them perform for our parents and teachers! Over the past few years I have taught a range of different styles within schools, colleges and dance schools, and I’m super looking forward to having a couple of regular slots here at the studio starting this month, so be sure to come and join me for a class!

What is your favourite style and why?

 

My favourite dance style to perform would probably be Commercial, as I love getting to be sassy and show off a side of myself that I wouldn’t usually on a day to day basis, plus I love pop music and artists such as Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa. However my favourite style to choreograph would definitely be Musical Theatre! Coming from a theatre school background, I’ve always loved anything cheesy, especially a good musical, and I love seeing my choreography come together especially in the big group courses I’ve been lucky enough to teach at the studio. A career highlight was definitely choreographing and performing a Greatest Showman mash up in the DSL 10th Anniversary show in 2019! I love a range of different styles and will definitely be getting to as many classes as possible now that dance studios have reopened!

If you weren’t a dancer what would you be?

From a young age my main interest has always been dance so I’m not too sure what I would like to do if I didn’t dance. I love travel and Disney so a job at Disneyworld would be incredible! I’m also a keen baker and cook, especially during lockdown so maybe something to do with food!

You can follow Jess on social media below: