Ernest Belcher was a ballet dancer and choreographer. He studied ballet in London and was the principal danseur at the Alhambra Theatre around 1902. However Ballet was not his only dance. Belcher taught dancing in Southern California and founded the "Celeste School of Dance" in 1916, which turned out many dancers for films such as Fred Astaire, Maria Tallcheif, Shirley Temple, Cyd Charisse etc. as well as producing ballets for Hollywood Bowl concerts (1923-36.)

Belcher also worked for Walt Disney studio's and had his daughter Marge as the model for "Snow White" and the "Blue Fairy" in Pinocchio. Would be titled the "Father of Ballet in Southern California."

   His daughter Marge Belcher-Champion , step daughter and Gower Champion.