Meet Karen Almonacid of Studio 92 in Quincy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Almonacid.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Karen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Lima, Peru and came to the United States when I was 4 years old. Dancing has always been a part of my life, coming from a Latin family it’s in my blood. I attended Jeannette Neil’s Dance Studio in Boston for about 10 years. There I was trained in jazz, ballet, tap, modern, and musical theater. Growing up in Quincy, I was in every musical theater/chorus/talent show at Quincy High School.

After graduating from high school I auditioned for and was accepted to the Boston Conservatory. Although at the time my parents were unable to afford the tuition. Being the oldest out of four I wanted to work, so I immediately auditioned for the Spirit of Boston. I was hired at 17 years old and worked there performing shows every night with 6 other people and a live band. I worked there for almost 5 years and saved some money to go to college. While I was in college and working a ton my schedule was fully booked, so I began to miss the thrill of dancing. I decided to go back to the gym, and that is when I discovered Zumba. Zumba is a Latin-based dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto (Beto) Perez during the 1990s. I fell in love with the program and my instructor Joanne. The fact that exercising could be fun blew my mind and I attended every class I could find around Quincy and Braintree. I decided to become a licensed instructor. The concept of dancing while getting fit and motivating others was ideal to me. I worked in a few local gyms and then branched out on my own at Women’s Fitness of Boston where my career took off. Working in Boston I met all walks of life and became more confident and comfortable as a dancer and instructor.

I started with 3 people in my class and ended up with over 60 by the end. I met lots of women who would come up to me and tell me how my class changed their lives. It got them through all their stresses in their lives and made them feel like rock stars for that hour of their day. This experience really humbled me and made me want to pursue this as my full-time job. I do not see my students as just clients, they are all my friends and I connect with them through dance fitness. In 2012, Z Factor dance crew was created. We are a group of high energy Zumba instructors who motivate our classes to believe in themselves and be confident while dancing and getting fit. A year later I partnered with Megan Sidorowicz and Studio 92 opened its doors. We offer Zumba, Ballet Barre, and TTSU Boot Camp. Our Zumba program is the busiest class we offer.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being in dance my whole life it has always been a bit competitive. Sadly it has not been a smooth road, but I have always stayed positive and walked away from any negativity.

The more successful I got the more competitive it became, and that is when you begin to realize who has your best interest at heart. Through all of this, I have always put my students first and have done what is best for them and my Z Factor dance team.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Studio 92 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Studio 92 is a place where men and women can come dance, work out, get fit, have fun, and be motivated. We are a high energy, positive, fun fitness studio. We do not judge others, and accept everyone. We encourage people and make them believe in themselves. Studio 92 offers Blacklight Zumba, which is our busiest program, Ballet Barre, and TTSU Boot Camp. I along with my Z Factor dance crew teach and run the Zumba and the Barre program and my partner Megan teaches and runs the TTSU Boot Camp.

One of the things I am proud of with our programs is the connection we have with our students. We are the true definition of a “fit family”. Not only do we work out together, we hangout outside of the studio and have many events for the students in which we get to know each other on a personal level. The Zumba program hosts many charity events and the TTSU program does many races together for charities as well. We try to give back to the community as much as we can because we are very thankful for everyone who has and continues to walk through our door. The other thing I am proud of is my Z Factor team. I have seen them each grow, most have been prior students and have become fabulous instructors. We are now one of the last remaining Zumba studios on the South Shore and I could not have done it without them.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As of now, my plan is to continue dancing, motivating, and encouraging others that they can all reach their fitness goals in one way or another. I will always do what is best for my Studio 92 team and my students. In the future, we would love to expand in order to add more programs, have more space, and reach more clientele.

Pricing:

• Membership $85/month and student rate $60/month includes all classes
• Zumba-Only Membership $75/month
• Zumba Punch Pass $70 for 10 and $140 for 20
• TTSU Boot Camp Punch Pass $100 for 10

Contact Info:

• Address: Studio 92
  92 Franklin Street
  Quincy, MA 02169
• Website: www.studio92quincyma.com
• Phone: 617-359-4285
• Email: studio92quincy@gmail.com
• Facebook: Studio 92; Zumba with Z Factor Dance Crew
• Yelp: Studio 92