Jim Cooper is a nationally known competition judge, dancer, actor and choreographer. He has worked on a multitude of projects in a variety of venues. His credits include film work on JFK and recently on County Music Television’s Making the Team in which Jim’s instruction, choreography and training of hopeful Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader candidates was highlighted. His commercial work includes spots for Iron Kids, Texas Lottery and WBAP. Jim’s stage achievements include Wizard of Oz with “Theater Under the Stars”, Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. Jim’s love of dance has allowed him opportunities to choreograph for many classic shows for local and regional productions. Jim has worked as a judge for the PrimeTime and ShowBiz dance competitions in which he critiques dancers from across the USA. He has served as a Master Teacher for several organizations including Burklyn Ballet Theater, Rochester School of Ballet, North Central Ballet, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Dallas Stars Ice Girls, Dallas Desperado Cheerleaders and Dallas Maverick’s Mav Girls. With all of his accomplishments however, Jim’s first love is Dancer’s Studio Etc. where he can bring the love of dance to people of all ages within his very own community.

Kathy Boraski is a classically trained dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet company. She also trained privately with Rose DiFrancisco. Kathy has been part of many community theater performances including productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma, Carousel and Jesus Christ Superstar. Her theater experience enhances her teaching style as she blends her avant-garde national award-winning choreography with emotion and poise.

Kathy uses her unique style to teach the dynamic side of ballet, lyrical and jazz. Kathy is also an AFAA-certified aerobics instructor.

Lauren Tippins is a college junior majoring in early education at the University of North Texas. Lauren was recently a member of the 2008-2009 University of North Texas Dancers. Even though Lauren loves to tumble and cheer, her real passion is dance. During the 17 years she’s danced, she’s won numerous regional and national dance titles and runner up titles including Miss Nexstar, Miss Danceforce, Miss Superstar, Miss Odyssey, Miss Starpower, Miss Showbiz, Miss Superstar, Miss Hall of Fame and more. Added to her list of accomplishments would be the hundreds of top ten high point awards, platinum medals, scholarships and distinctive performer awards given at each competition. She has had the good fortune to have danced nationally with MC Hammer, Debbie Allen, Wade Robson, Mia Michaels, LeAnn Rhimes, Creed, Beyonce, and Toby Keith. In the last few years, Lauren has shifted her focus towards teaching and choreography. With this she led many Dancers to win platinum and High Point overall awards. Additionally, she has had dances she choreographed place in the top 5 high point category in each competition they have attended! Some of her students have received runner-up as well as title awards! The accomplishments Lauren’s most proud of are her multiple Choreography and Performance Awards. These coveted awards are given out at dance competitions in very small quantities to outstanding teacher/choreographers. She most recently won the 2009 FDC Judges Choice Award for the choreography of a small group acapella tap number. This award is chosen by the judges and given to the top dance out of the entire competition. To receive the award at such a young age is an honor and she considers it her greatest achievement thus far. She also creates choreography for the local High School Drill Teams. Lauren also received the title of World Champion while competing with her Cheer Athletics team in Orlando Florida at the 2008 Cheerleading Worlds. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys tumbling, swimming, shopping, reading, traveling, and hanging with friends. Lauren has been quoted as saying she loves dance even more now that she is teaching and choreographing for others!

Laura Lane has been with Dancer’s Studio Etc. for eight years. She works closely with the DSE instructors to select costumes for the dancers for all performances. Measuring students and ordering costumes for Gala is done during the fall months. Creating costumes for the unique pieces that the DSE instructors envision for the stage is always fun. She works along side the parent volunteers of Company Members to coordinate completion of all costumes and accessories. Laura strives to ensure that all of the performers at DSE not only look terrific on stage but feel great as well. If you have a costuming question, please feel free to talk to Laura.