By Meg English
Belle Fourche, traditionally known as a “hub” for shoppers, cattle, and festivals, has become a hub for dancers too. For the past 11 years, LaBelle Ballet in Belle Fourche has drawn students from neighboring towns, Sundance, Newcastle, Newell, Nisland, and others.
Dance, an expressive visual art form offers enriching experiences for both performers and audiences. Dance training involves intensive athletic training and skilled instruction, and not surprising, the art of dance has become serious business in Belle Fourche.
When Mary Nieman first started LaBelle Ballet Dance Studio in 2013, she knew what she was doing. She has always known exactly what she wanted to do. Mary started a dance studio in her home town when she was only 18 knowing that her intention was to share her passion for dance with the youth in our communities.
Until recently, Mary’s dance studio, LaBelle Ballet was at home in the historic Scotney Building. Although a fitting facility for Mary’s students to learn and practice, LaBelle Ballet’s new home is even better.
LaBelle Dance has moved downtown, above Tristans vintage store at 607 State St, a larger facility and more centrally located. LaBelle Ballet will have a separate entrance on State Street.
There’s some work to be done. The building is old, historic and iconic, ideally suited for a dance studio. Mary is “super excited” to put the 2,000 square feet to use. There are splendid wooden floors, room for ballet bars to be placed against the walls and space for mirrors. Dancers need plenty of mirrors. There is space for the dance boutique, changing rooms, costumes and props that was not previously available. “I feel the space deserves dancers and our energy.” Mary noted.
She appreciates the building’s history and good vibes. The new dance studio space was once the meeting place of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), a philanthropic service organization. The IOOF sought to improve the lives of others in any way possible.
LaBelle Dance Studio will retain its name but will rebrand with a new image and vibrant colors. There will also be new exterior colors inspired by a similar refurbished elegant building in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Renovation is not inexpensive. Mary is resourceful. She has help. Revitalize Belle Fourche has donated $600 for paint, and she has a dedicated team of “dance moms” who are willing to apply the paint.
There are some other amenities to being downtown. “Downtown businesses have a reputation for coming together and they have been very welcoming to the dance parents”. Dance classes are after school, early evenings, and on Fridays. Dance parents are delighted to have places to go while they are in town. There’s the Hitchin Post, The Rebel Rose that is open until 6 PM. The Wild Magnolia, and of course “Crazy Cow” ice cream at Prairie Hills Pharmacy, all in close proximity.
As a dance instructor, Mary’s holds certification in Progressive Ballet Technique (PTB) Progressive Ballet Technique is an innovative body-strengthening program that helps prevent injury and enhances balance, muscle memory.
Mary’s training has taken her to classes in Chicago and Denver. She also is certified in K-Taping, a prevailing treatment for athletic injuries.
She teaches her dance students balance and alignment as these skills relate to science. Mary is quick to point out that strength and flexibility transfer and that dance training lasts a lifetime.
She tries to keep the costs as reasonable as possible. Thanks to the generosity of some local philanthropic entities, La Belle Ballet has funding for scholarships.
The LaBelle Ballet website is
https://www.lbbstudiob.com
Despite the move and the renovation, there are classes and camps scheduled for the summer. And they are filling up quickly.
Entrance Stairway
Work in Progress. A splendid floor for dancing
What dance studio doesn’t want a vintage pink stove in the kitchen?
The Odd Fellows were a secret philanthropic organization. Note the buzzer on the meeting room door, and a covered peephole so members inside could see who wanted entrance to the meeting.
Although there is an old kitchen, it will not be in use. Other rooms will serve as storage for costumes, and props. There will also be a dedicated room for dancers to change costumes. 
Added space and more comfort for the new LaBelle Ballet Studio.
