A panoramic view of Madison greeted those who attended the Open House at Belle’s Fitness and Event Center, located on the top floor of 331 State Street.

From this vantage point, Madison took on a different perspective for many in attendance – and possibly a new view of themselves, as those in attendance were introduced to many of the physical activities and events offered to tone and tighten.

“We had a great turnout during the Open House. I was really pleased,” owner Karlie Belle Price shared.

“Now, let’s see if there’s a good turnout to the classes,” Price said Monday afternoon, lamenting that attendance at her morning classes had been lean in numbers.

“I’m hoping that more people will show up this evening,” Price said, pausing to answer a call.

Price is standing behind her new desk, surrounded by wicker furnishings and bright, happy paintings that are new to the fifth floor of this otherwise drab building on State Street.

Looks can be deceiving, as the only indication of the lush, high-end décor of this fitness studio from the outside, is a small sign displayed with the names of other businesses — some new, some not-so-new to the State Street building.

Spicy red paint enlivens the

reception area to the fitness center, while large windows and alternating tapestries provide visual appeal to the area functioning as both a fitness studio and event center — though not at the same time.

“Well, that was someone who said she’s coming to the beginners country line dancing class tonight and she’s bringing her cousin and a friend,” Price says with a huge smile lighting her face.

Price’s optimism and energy is contagious, as participants in Monday night’s Zumba class were all too well aware.

Mondays appear to be a busy day for the young entrepreneur and public relations guru. In addition to the country line dancing and Zumba fitness class, Price also teaches a Butts, Guts, Hips and Thighs class, a Cardio Blast, Pilates and Yoga class and Turbo Kick.

“There are a variety of different classes to choose from. There are some classes designed for the beginner in mind, and some are tailored for children and families,” Price said.

Price says that the community has responded favorably to the fitness center and was surprised with the amount of people who have already approached her to coordinate and organize events at the facility.

“We also rent out the facility for events. A person can rent the facility for an hour, or choose to include all the frills. I do offer a free consultation where I sit down and find out what the client wants and explain what we can offer,” Price said.

If the wall-to-wall students filling up the 6:30 Zumba class was any indication, the Belle’s Fitness and Event Center is pumping up during these lean times.