Local Business Q&A: Hill Studios in Watertown

The other day I was on a search for Zumba classes in Watertown. I am in a fitness rut and could use something fun to get me going again. Well, my search was fruitless...until I drove 2 minutes up Belmont Street. That is where I first passed it....Hill Studios.

I instantly needed more information (and to test out a class, which I will do this week!), so I contacted the owner for a quick Local Business Q & A:

What is your name and position with the company?
My name is Kevin P. Hill and I am the owner of Hill Studios.  
 
What did you do before starting this business?
Since the age of 20 I performed professionally in musical theatre (across the world) I have worked on Broadway, worked performed with some amazing talent (Carol Channing, Leslie Uggams, Kathleen Turner, Josh Groban and many others.  I have taught at many universities across the country too.  (Penn State University, Kansas State University, Plymouth State University, Boston College and Boston Conservatory) The last 12 plus years I have spent traveling around the US directing and choreographing musicals on the professional level.  I was last scene judging for the hit reality tv show Dance Moms.  I am also working on two future broadway productions.  One with Jack Murphy a tony nominated composer / lyricist. 

Tell us about how your business came about:
Well, the traveling has been getting to me lately and I really wanted to be closer to home.  I grew up in Waltham and now with my parents getting older,  my priorities have shifted.  I have always wanted to own a dance studio and now seemed to be the perfect time. 

Why did you decide to "set up shop" in Watertown?
I still have a lot of connections in Waltham and Watertown, so I was looking for a space close to both.  This seemed perfect. 

What have been the advantages of being in Watertown?
It's close to my hometown, my family, and not to mention the Boston area.  There seem to be a lot of people in the area interested in some good dance training.  Hopefully they will take advantage of me and my studio.  

What have been the disadvantages of being in Watertown?
I think the only disadvantage right now would be opening up as of May 1. And that really has nothing to do with watertown.   I should have waited for the fall.  But I do offer adult dance classes as well zumba fitness classes.  This summer I will be offering 3 camps for children.  Two princess camps and a musical theatre camp.  I'm sure you're wondering what's a princess camp?  Well, any little girl from age 4-10 can come for the week, have arts and crafts, make their own princess wand, learn a princess dance, make their own tutu, and have a final performance their last day.  It will be a week full of fun.  All the dates and info are on the website. 

What is your favorite Watertown business besides your own?
That's a tough one, there are so many wonderful businesses in Watertown.  But, I am a big Chipotle fan so of course I tend to make my way out to the Arsenal Mall for lunch on occasion :) 

What else would you like people to know about your business?
I have tried my best to create a fun loving, stress free/drama free environment for people of all ages.  I want you to feel comfortable coming thru doors of the studio.  After all, I truly believe that you have to break down all barriers in order to put yourself out there when you dance.  And what a better way to learn than in an atmosphere of nurturing positivity? The last 5 weeks I have been teaching eight 3 year old girls, and 5 young women ages 13-18) and truthfully those 5 weeks have been the best and most rewarding of my career.  I am amazed at each and everyone of them.  I only hope that I have the chance to still be teaching them in years to come.  My studio motto is, "To watch us dance is to hear out hearts speak"  My heart is pretty full when I watch them dance.  
 
Hill Studios
1080 Belmont Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-209-8191
HillStudiosLLC@gmail.com
Hill Studios on Facebook
Hill Studios Zumba on Facebook
Hill Studios on Twitter (a work in progress)

Hill Studios offers dance classes for children, young adults and adults, as well as Zumba classes.