An institution in the Okotoks community for four decades has hit a milestone first.
The Alberta Dance Academy was among the big winners in the 2023 Western Wheel Readers’ Choice Awards with four gold medals received in the annual vote.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Alberta Dance Academy owner Erica Hendry. “We’ve been able to have the business seen on Best of the Foothills in the past, but we’ve never had the opportunity to receive four gold.
“It’s a big step for us.”
Alberta Dance Academy earned the first-place vote in the Established Business, Customer Service, Dance Class and Favourite Business Owner (Hendry) categories.
The business is in its 32nd year in operation in Okotoks with Hendry in her 17th season as owner after originally starting out as an instructor.
“I was still finishing my dance degree at the time when I was offered the opportunity,” she said. “I was hoping to get a few more years of experience under my belt, but I’m glad I took the leap and I’m not sure where 17 years has gone.
“But I’m happy to say that we’ve got some teachers that have been with me the entire time, I’ve got students that were junior high, high school that are now on staff with me and have been for many years as well as other students that started here dancing as a preschooler 17 years ago that are now adults and teaching for us and carrying that torch forward.
“It’s quite a big family and there’s a lot of good history here.”
Recently, the longstanding academy has grown with the addition of its drama and musical theatre programs.
“Those have been really well received and filing up and doing quite well,” Hendry said.
Primarily, the season runs from September to June at the academy with camps held through all four seasons. Coming up in December, the academy is offering a Winter Showcase for folks to take on a shorter 10-week session.
“We’re always open to offering a free trial,” Hendry said. “We want anyone to come down and try a free class so they can try it before they buy and can find the right fit for their child.”
For more information, visit albertadanceacademy.com.
