Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Tribble.
Susan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After obtaining a B.A. from the University of Virginia and M.B.A. from Boston University, I spent the majority of my professional career in finance and higher administration. While it paid the bills, it didn’t provide me much personal satisfaction.
About eight years ago, I was introduced to Zumba and took the teacher training. I loved returning to the dance world, as I was a serious ballet student in my youth.
After taking the initial Zumba training, I became licensed in their other specialties including Gold, Aqua, Kids, Step, Sentao and Toning, I very much enjoyed teaching these programs and then obtained additional teaching certifications in Yoga (200-hour RYT), Barre, Pilates, Personal Training, Silver Sneakers, Tai Chi, TRX, Brains & Balance, Parkinson’s and Arthritis Populations, and Sports Nutrition. These additional programs are an important complement to Zumba because they focus on strength, flexibility, balance, core conditioning and healthy eating. I also teach ballet, tap and line dancing.
To support and strengthen my teaching qualifications and increase my fitness knowledge, I became a certified Aerobic Group Exercise Instructor (AFAA) as well as an Aquatic Fitness Professional (AEA). I also retain current certifications in CPR and AED.
Currently I teach full-time, independently and in sports clubs, corporations, and community centers. My independent classes are open to all without any membership required. I also offer customized programs for special events such as bridal showers and birthday parties. My teaching area is northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.
Teaching dance and fitness is my DREAM career after many years behind a desk. I have never worked so hard, but I also have never been so happy. I continue to be motivated and humbled by my students. There is nothing better than hearing from students who, after taking their first class, say how pleasantly surprised they were to have exercised so hard without being aware of doing so, because they were having so much fun!
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?
When I started my dance/fitness career, I was still working full-time in finance, a good-paying job. However, I was becoming very unhappy and began contemplating retirement. So after a couple of years of teaching part-time I retired from the finance job, and launched into a full-time teaching career. I was now completely independent, so it was a challenge to identify potential places I could work. Being a relatively shy person, I found this overwhelming at first, but gradually, I obtained some teaching positions, and through the generosity of my local communities, was able to find space to also teach independently. Some of these independent classes didn’t survive, due to low enrollment, so it was totally up to me to market my classes, and attract sufficient interest for them to continue. Also, even with a dream job, there are situations and people who can be difficult to work with, so I had my share of stress and discomfort. However, the luxury of being independent is that if I could not make the situation workable, I could end those associations and seek a more positive work environment elsewhere.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My overall goal is to increase participation in fitness for anyone, regardless of age or ability. In all of my classes I try to make newcomers feel welcome and appreciated. I especially focus on those who have been away from exercising for a while (or who were never active), as well as the over-50 and special-needs populations, as I truly want everyone to feel like they can participate and benefit from my classes. I am proud to say that I still have many of the same students I had when I started this second career 8 years ago! I believe that my targeting populations who might otherwise not work out or visit a gym is what sets me apart from other companies. I am also fortunate to have low-cost space available so I can keep my independent class fees much lower than those offered at gyms or studios.
What were you like growing up?
I was fortunate to have a loving family and live in an upper-middle class suburban town. I was a shy, skinny kid, a bookworm, what you would now call a nerd I guess!
Outside of schoolwork, I loved to dance, especially ballet, which remains my first dance love. I also took piano lessons. Up through high school graduation, I participated in every musical or dance event I could, including producing my own shows with my sister and friends! Performing was the only time I didn’t feel shy!
Academic competition in high school was very competitive, and I felt very stressed. I decided that for college, I would apply to those far from home, especially Virginia, as I had really enjoyed our vacations there and somehow thought I’d feel more at home there. So I ended up as part of the first class of undergraduate women at the University of Virginia!
Pricing:
- Costs for my independent classes range from $3-$7. I offer punch cards which reduce class costs.
Contact Info:
- Address: Colorful Fitness
- Website: colorfulness.net
- Phone: 978-314-1993
- Email: susantribble517@gmail.com
- Facebook: ColorfulFitness
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