Lacey Peters, owner of Lace Dance and Fitness Studio in downtown Niles, is closing the studio at the end of the month in order to take a job at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

Peters said finances were not the main reason behind closing the studio, which has been offering fitness classes since opening in 2011. She said her new role at the YMCA — community outreach coordinator — was too good to pass up.

Lacey Peters, owner of Lace Dance and Fitness Studio, will be the new community outreach coordinator at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. Submitted photo

“I think I can reach a larger amount of people with the resources the Y is going to offer me,” she said. “That is what I am passionate about — helping people get in shape and get healthy, and doing fitness and exercise. That is important to me.”

Lace Dance and Fitness Studio will close its doors March 31, although the kids dance class will run there until April 10.

Peters said the decision to close the studio was a difficult one. She said she hopes her Lace customers will understand.

“I really want to thank them for their loyalty, their business, their friendship and the bonds we’ve created at the studio,” said Peters, who will also instruct fitness classes at the YMCA. “I hope that they will continue to follow me at the YMCA as I plan to create a similar atmosphere at my classes.”

Peters said she plans to have a closing fitness party at the studio, tentatively, March 30. She said her lease on the building expires at the end of April.

As community outreach coordinator, Peters said she would be responsible for getting people outside of the YMCA engaged in a healthy lifestyle. This would include implementing programs, events and activities within the surrounding area schools, groups, businesses, senior centers and other facilities looking to embrace health and fitness on location.

Peters is a former YMCA employee, working there as a fitness instructor from 2007 to 2012.

The YMCA is offering a special promotion for current Lace Dance and Fitness Studio members. During the special promotion, Lace punch cards can be used for classes up to two weeks after Lace closes as well as waiving the joiner fee for up to two weeks after Lace closes.

It is also offering free access to classes at the YMCA for studio members in the two weeks after the studio closes.

For more information, contact Lace Dance and Fitness at (269) 845-0283 or the YMCA at (269) 683-1552.