About Us
About NMDA
Northern Michigan Dance Academy traces its roots back to 1983, when First Movements Studio was founded by Kathy Dishnow. Though not a dancer herself, Dishnow had a strong passion for the arts and hired Beth Provencher as the studio’s Artistic Director. The original studio was located on the upper level of the Downtown Plaza before relocating first to a remodeled racquetball court at the Crystal Lake Community Center and later to the upstairs of the historic MichCon Building (now Stephenson Court), all under Dishnow’s ownership. From the start, the studio offered a wide range of dance styles—including jazz, modern, Middle Eastern dance, and tap—but ballet remained its foundation.
In 1991, Dishnow passed the torch, selling the studio to Beth Provencher, Kelly Lutey, and her daughter, Jodi. It was around a café table, joined by Provencher’s parents, that the trio envisioned a new chapter and a new name: Northern Michigan Dance Academy. Under Provencher’s artistic leadership, the tradition of staging The Nutcracker each year began—fulfilling her lifelong dream and establishing a cherished community tradition.
In 1997, the Academy opened a custom-built studio on John McNeil Drive, designed specifically for dancers. Shortly after, the Dickinson Ballet Company was formed to support students pursuing ballet at an advanced level. Nearly a decade later, the studio relocated to its current home: a beautiful, loft-style space in downtown Iron Mountain on Hughitt Street. Lutey continued co-directing until her retirement in 2018.
In 2020, Katie Roell became the proud owner of Northern Michigan Dance Academy, continuing the legacy laid by Dishnow, Provencher, and Lutey.
Today, NMDA is a ballet-only school committed to instilling a lifelong love and appreciation for the art of dance. With a deep respect for tradition and a vision for the future, NMDA remains a place where dancers of all ages are challenged, inspired, and celebrated.In 1983 First Movements studio was founded by Kathy Dishnow. Though not a dancer herself, Dishnow had a vested interest in dance and hired Beth Provencher to be the studio's Artistic Director. Early on, First Movements was in the upper level of the Downtown Plaza. The studio relocated twice — first to a remodeled racquetball court at the Crystal Lake Community Center and then to the upstairs of the old MichCon Building (Stephenson Court), under Dishnow's ownership. At that time, the studio offered many styles of dance lessons — jazz, middle eastern dance, tap, and modern, but ballet was always the backbone of the school.
In 1991, Dishnow sold the studio to Beth Provencher, Kelly Lutey, and her daughter Jodi. The three sat at a café with Provencher's parents, considering a new name for this next phase of the school's life. Northern Michigan Dance Academy was born. Under Provencher's direction, the tradition of performing The Nutcracker each year began, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
In 1997, Northern Michigan Dance Academy built a new studio - to dancer specifications - on John McNeil Drive. Shortly after, the Dickinson Ballet Company was formed. The studio lived on John McNeil Drive for nearly a decade before relocating to its present, beautiful loft on Hughitt Street in downtown Iron Mountain. After a long tenure co-directing alongside Provencher, Lutey retired in 2018.
In 2020, Katie Roell purchased Northern Michigan Dance Academy, carrying on the legacy started by Kathy Dishnow, Beth Provencher, and Kelly Lutey in Dickinson County.
Today, Northern Michigan Dance Academy is proud to be a ballet-only school dedicated to inspiring a long-lasting love and appreciation for the art of dance.
“At Northern Michigan Dance Academy, we strive to create a space where every dancer feels seen, supported, and inspired. Our goal is to nurture strong technique, confidence, and character; instilling not just a love for dance, but a sense of belonging and pride in every student who walks through our doors.”
— Katie Roell, Owner