We have incredible teachers.

Here’s the proof…

“The teachers are kind and know how to talk to the kiddos to get their attention.”

“It’s clear that the instructors love teaching dance. They are patient and kind, and make it so much fun. “

“Thank you for being so kind and teaching me how to be more comfortable within my own body. You taught me so many dance/life skills that will continue on later in life. I appreciate you so much and can’t wait for more in the future!“

Christine Comtois

Owner + Teacher

One of the founders of Thrive Dance, Christine is passionate about teaching dance and giving kids a place to find their creative voices.

When she was 14, she was lucky enough to have the opportunity to choreograph a musical medley of “Bye, Bye, Birdie” and fell in love with choreographing and teaching!

Besides teaching, Christine has danced with multiple professional companies in the mid-west and choreographs with Mid Columbia Musical Theater

Fun Fact: Christine can do a one handed cartwheel, which she didn’t know she could do until she was 32!

Lib Berg

Studio Concierge + Ignite Teacher

Holly Petty

Launch Technique Teacher

By age nine, Holly realized her passion for dance while performing in the Ballet West Nutcracker. She later branched out from ballet to other styles of dance and earned a Bachelors in Dance Education from Brigham Young University.

One of her favorite teaching and choreography experiences include her time as a faculty member of the BYU Children and Teens' creative dance program where she worked with ages three to eighteen. Another passion of Holly's is producing concerts for Artist Interrupted: A Womens' Art Collective which gives artists a chance for expression during all seasons of life.

Fun Fact: Holly plays the violin and maybe we can convince her to play and dance at the same time one day!

Emily Franks

Acting Teacher

Fun Fact: Ms. Emily is not only a teacher, but acts and directs in local plays and musicals!

Candace Johnson

Hip Hop Teacher

Candace Johnston is a Texas native who is very excited to join the Thrive team this year!

She excells at reaching students on their level and helping them feel comfortable in class

She loves thrifting and baking, but most of all Star Wars!

Ms. Candace became a teacher to inspire the next generation to think outside the box and to have fun learning something new.

Fun Fact: her birthday is the same day as Mickey Mouse.

Shantal Moody

Launch Technique Teacher

Shantal Moody is one of the co-founders at Thrive Dance and has been teaching with us since day one. Her vision to bring creative dance and contemporary to the Tri-Cities shaped Thrive to be what it is today.

She has a Bachelors in Dance Education from BYU and has performed around the world with the prestigious Contemporary Dance Theater. She has a passion for teaching that has spanned over a decade and is highly skilled in working with kids of all age ranges.

Fun Fact: She lived in England and brought home some fun English vernacular!

Julie Howald

Ignite Vocal Teacher

Julie Howald is our Ignite Vocal teacher and has been doing theatre so long that some of her first memories are of being in the theater with her mom!

She trained at BYU in ballroom, voice and stage makeup and has brought her amazing talents to us at Thrive Dance!

Her passion lies in really educating her students so they have a deep knowledge and understanding of dance and voice and it shows! Her students always amaze us and we are so lucky to have her.

She lives in Benton City with her three girls and husband Carl and their turtle.

Serena Caryl

Sprouts Ballet and Creative Dance

Fun Fact about Serena: She is a kindergarten teacher by day!