Our story began in 1994, when founder Cinda Herndl opened what was then the North Otter Society of Performing Arts as an after-school, non-profit dance program at North Otter Elementary School. Some of our longtime dancers may remember those early days well—dancing on carpeted floors with a portable boombox and a whole lot of heart.

From those humble beginnings, our community grew year after year, both in numbers and in passion. We moved between different spaces throughout our small town before finding a long-term home on 248th Street and Fraser Highway, transforming an old heritage church into a little dance studio we proudly called “Thrive.” At the time, we could never have imagined that we would one day outgrow that space.

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Today, Thrive Dance Studio has grown into a thriving, five-studio facility, home to over 350 dancers and a dedicated team of educators. For nearly three decades, we have remained committed to providing exceptional dance education in a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to build confidence, pursue personal excellence, and develop a lifelong love of dance.

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Offering programs for dancers of all ages and stages—from early childhood and recreational classes to Academy, competitive, and adult programs—Thrive provides training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, acro, silks, tap, musical theatre, and a variety of supplementary technique classes.

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Today, Thrive Dance Studio Inc. is directed by sisters Natalie and Krystal Kohan alongside an incredible team of teachers and administrators who continue to carry forward the values that have shaped our community from the very beginning.

As we celebrate our 30th season, we are filled with gratitude for the dancers, families, teachers, and supporters who have been part of our journey. We look forward to embracing both the new and the familiar in the years ahead.