SWAMPSCOTT — Achieving titles like 10-time regional winner, second place in the nation, or fifth place at the World Irish Dance Championships might seem like the peak for any competitive dancer — but not for Billy Petrocelli.
Petrocelli, a competitive Irish step dancer-turned-coach from Swampscott, opened the newest location of his school, Petrocelli Academy, in his hometown at the First Church on 40 Monument Ave. this week.
According to Petrocelli, his six-week-program, which began on Tuesday and is open to kids from 3 to 11 years old, has “had a huge interest shown from the local community.” So far, 18 children have signed up.
Petrocelli chose the town as his new school’s location because he wanted to give back to his own community and he always knew “in the back of [his] mind” that he wanted to start a school in his hometown. The academy already operates in Pembroke, Milton, and Dorchester.
Petrocelli recalled being at his great-grandmother’s house watching “Riverdance” on TV and immediately taking an interest when he was 4 years old. Before long, his mother had set him up for lessons at the local YMCA in Marblehead, and he quickly became a competitive Irish step dancer.
He later studied at the Bremer School of Irish Dance before transitioning to Kenny Academy, where he began coaching his fellow students. Many of those students began dancing at Petrocelli Academy after Kenny Academy closed last summer.
Despite the impressive achievements in his career, Petrocelli said he enjoys coaching his peers and “giving back to the little kids” more than his accomplishments. While providing free shows for senior-living homes along the South Shore “just to put a smile on their faces,” Petrocelli achieved a certification to become a licensed teacher for Irish step dance in July 2022.
“It’s funny, the main things that I typically enjoy are teaching my tiny tots, who are 3-year-olds, just because they’re absolutely adorable,” Petrocelli said.
Kelly Meehan, whose daughter attends Petrocelli Academy every Monday and Thursday, first knew Petrocelli as a caring fellow student who coached younger children. Proud of their Irish heritage, Meehan had always wanted her daughter to try Irish step dancing.
“When we heard that Billy was opening his own academy, I said yes immediately,” Meehan said. “He is just such a fantastic, innovative, fun teacher for the kids and he is phenomenal at keeping it fun while teaching traditional Irish step.”
“You know, the friendships that they’re making, the experiences, and the memories — that, for me, is by far the most gratifying experience in my eyes, especially as a coach,” Petrocelli said.
14-year-old student Siun Salmon first met Petrocelli at the Kenny Academy, where she began dancing when she was 5 years old. She immediately joined Petrocelli Academy when Petrocelli opened it last year.
Salmon appreciates Petrocelli’s “perspective” as a younger teacher, which can be seen in his incorporation of different techniques like plyometrics for fitness and strength.
“He really, really listens to every single dancer’s opinion,” Salmon said. “He gives me self-confidence and helps me believe in myself more than any other mentor-teacher I’ve ever had.”
Even as the only teacher currently at his school, Petrocelli believes he can use this opportunity to become a more “personable coach.”
“I want to be able to know every single one of my students and develop a bond and a relationship with them,” Petrocelli said. “I view my school as a family… because we want you to feel valued, we want you to obviously enjoy your time.”
Anyone interested in the Petrocelli Academy can email [email protected].
