OUR TEACHING TEAM
Qualified, passionate, dedicated
Katie Cooper
Founder & Principal
BA (Hons), A.IDTA, A.UKA, A.NATD
Katie loved performing from an early age, first appearing on stage and television at just 3 years old.
She regularly attended Freestyle Dance competitions and UKA Disco and Freestyle medal lessons, gaining top marks in all her exams. In addition to private singing, piano and dance lessons, Katie also sang in her local choir.
Katie studied acting, singing and dancing at Leeds University’s Performing Arts Academy - Bretton Hall, where she achieved her BA Honours Degree in Theatre Arts and Acting for Broadcast Media. Her training involved acting for different mediums; stage, TV and radio in addition to a diverse range of dance styles and vocal coaching.
Coming top her in her year for her solo acting module Katie then went onto achieve her professional IDTA Associate Freestyle Dance teaching qualification, later gaining her UKA and NATD Associates in Contemporary Dance. In addition to these qualifications, Katie has a specialist Directing qualification from Central School, Birmingham, Musical Theatre qualifications and has worked professionally in Television and Radio. She has lectured for the IDTA and judged dance competitions.
Katie is very proud to have trained and choreographed many solo performers and teams for the West End and strives to encourage and inspire all her students every step of the way.
Megan-Lily (Mil)
Teacher
A.IDTA
John Dilworth Scholarship Award Winner
Mil has been dancing since the age of 4 taking classes in many different styles. A highly successful competitive Freestyle dancer, Mil has competed across the UK at Premiere Champion level. She trained at Star-Struck and BOA adding Commercial, Jazz and Musical Theatre to her repertoire.
Mil then went on to complete her IDTA Freestyle Associate exam under the training of Star-Struck earning 98% Distinction. This incredible result led Mil to being nominated for and winning the prestigious IDTA John Dilworth Scholarship Award , beating over 50 nominees worldwide!
Mil coaches many classes on our timetable including our competitive dance teams and solo dancers. Her favourite dance styles are Freestyle and Contemporary and Mil's passion for dance shines through all her students!
Sophie
Teacher
A.IDTA, BTEC Level 3, HNC
Sophie started dancing with Principal Katie at the age of 7, attending an after school dance club she taught. Dance became a huge part of her life, reaching Adult Champion status in Freestyle after years of competing.
During this time Sophie also attended Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) training on their 2 year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Dance course.
She then gained a full scholarship to attend Expressions Performing Arts (EPA) where Sophie trained for 3 years in Musical Theatre, achieving a HNC qualification.
Since graduating, Sophie has added an IDTA Associate Freestyle teaching qualification to her credentials and passing with Distinction. She has also worked professionally performing in Greece."
A talented triple threat performer, Sophie is firmly focused on getting the best out of her students! Sophie's coaching is highly regarded by all who attend her classes.
Lauren
Teacher
A.IDTA, Acrotrix Level 2,
Alixa Flexibility Level 3
Lauren has been a Freestyle disco dancer since the age of 9, competing in competitions up and down the country reaching Championship level. From a young age Lauren knew that her dream job was to become a dance teacher. When her competing career finished aged 23, Lauren was straight into studying towards her IDTA Associate Freestyle Qualification.
Lauren passed her exam with Distinction, giving her the chance to do the job she had always wanted to do. During Lauren’s dancing career, she has attended Louie Spence dance masterclasses where she has trained along side the man himself and six other industry professionals specialising in Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Commercial.
Her choreography is exciting and challenging and her students love her teaching style!
Bridget
Vocal Coach
Dip ABRSM
A keen vocalist from a young age, Bridget thrived during her music lessons at school and was awarded a choral scholarship to study music at Durham University.
After successfully completing her professional training, Bridget's career has included various stage performances in Opera and Musical Theatre.
Since graduating she provides tuition within the education sector as well as teaching at Star*Struck.
Whether singing for fun or preparing for LCM exams, Bridget inspires our young singers to unlock their talent and believe in their abilities, whilst finding their own unique style. Bridget is passionate that singing makes everyone feel positive and gives all children the chance to feel good about themselves!
Maisie
Teacher
A.IDTA
Maisie has grown up taking classes at Star-Struck since the age of 9 and has been at the heart of our school ever since! Growing up Maisie trained in a variety of styles including Musical Theatre, Jazz, Freestyle, Cheer, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Commercial, Acting and Singing, taking numerous exams in several genres.
In 2017 Maisie was selected out of thousands of medalists nationwide to take part in the IDTA Freestyle Dance Scholarships. She has performed in a selection of shows locally including the Birmingham Hippodrome and The MAC and has been part of the New Alexandra Theatre Stage Experience in 5 productions; her first part being a principal orphan in 'Annie' at the age of just 10. She has performed in London many times at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, The Royal Albert Hall and Her Majesty's Theatre and danced at the Blackpool Opera House and Disneyland, Paris!
Now a professional teacher, Maisie holds an IDTA Associate qualification in Freestyle Dance
achieving 96% Distinction.