Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Walker.
Peter, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Avalon was a dance studio from 2010 and was owned by a friend of mine from England, Russell Jackson.
In October 2014 I took over and have created a very successful Zumba program with the help of Angela Eaton and Karen McManus and a thriving ballroom program for Amateurs and Professionals alike. Jess Nicol heads the Youth Dance Program which is producing some really talented dancers. The studio teaches Professional dancers, Amateur competitive couples, Pro-Am students, Wedding Couples and Social dancers also.
I started ballroom dancing when I was 5 in the UK and was accepted to the Royal Ballet at the age of 11 through a Scholarship. So I have pretty much danced my entire life. I did take a break for almost 7 years between the ages of 22 to 29 because I wanted to go and do something else. I was starting to get frustrated with the dancing and I felt like I needed to have different life experiences. I ended up moving back to London and working in the Finance Industry for JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and at the end Salomon Brothers on the Fixed Income Trading Floor.
In September 2003, I relocated to Boston and was ready to get back into dancing but this time as a teacher. I worked at an independent studio for almost 10 years before I went on my own and bought Avalon Dance and Fitness in 2014.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha I don’t think that any new business or when you take over an existing business has a smooth road! There are always problems and issues that arise but I think that keeping a positive outlook and thinking bigger picture has helped me put my vision into place with the help of some fantastic staff members.
Avalon Dance and Fitness – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Avalon Dance and Fitness is primarily a ballroom dance studio and also Zumba fitness studio.
We offer Private and Group Classes.
What I am most proud of is the diverse group of staff that teach at Avalon. Everybody is really talented and each person brings something different to the table. Put this all together and it creates a great energy and an exciting place to teach and learn.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Hmmmm…I would probably say owning my own studio.
Contact Info:
- Address: Avalon Dance and Fitness
345 Trapelo Road
Belmont
MA, 02478 - Website: www.avalondanceandfitness.com
- Phone: 617 484 3900
- Email: info@avalondanceandfitness.com
