Dance is your passion, and we want to help prepare you for your career and God's unique calling on your life. Our Dance Department — which is nationally recognized for excellence — is proud to be a haven for dancers and choreographers.
Our experienced faculty members can help you further develop your craft. We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in dance in a Christ-centered environment. You’ll benefit from expert instruction, state-of-the-art dance facilities, and opportunities to take your art to the next level.
Dance at Belhaven: Embody Your Calling
World-Class Facilities
The Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, home to five professional dance studios, a dance clinic, and a performance theatre, is a state-of-the-art space for you to develop your craft.
Generous Scholarships
Dance and academic scholarships can help pay for your degree as you pursue your goals. We work with you and your family personally to create a custom aid package.
Caring & Expert Faculty
Our faculty members teach from experience and lead with compassion. They’ll challenge you to do your best, and they’ll help you achieve great things in and out of the studio.
Inspiring Guest Artists
Each semester, Belhaven welcomes renowned guest artists who teach master classes and set choreographic works. These artists serve as mentors, offering invaluable experiences that expand your professional network.
A Celebrated Haven for Arts Education
Only 39 universities in the U.S. are accredited in all major arts. Belhaven is one. That means master classes, great performances, and national competitions. When you study art, dance, music, or theatre here, you’re earning a degree from a nationally recognized school for the arts.
Dance Degree Options
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance includes a minimum of 128 credit hours:
- A minimum of 85 credits in dance (with a minimum of 34 credits of dance technical studies)
- 21 credits of performance and choreography studies
- 30 credits of dance studies (history, theory, body sciences, and career preparation)
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance includes a minimum of 124 credit hours:
- A minimum of 58 credits in dance (with a minimum of 22 credits of dance technical studies)
- 7 credits of performance or choreography studies
- 29 credits of dance studies (history, theory, body sciences, and career preparation)
Minor in Dance Curriculum
The Minor in Dance requires the completion of 24 credit hours:
- DAN 147: Orientation to Dance (1 hour)
- DAN 170: Improvisation I (1 hour)
- A minimum of 18 credits of dance technique classes
- 4 credits of dance theory
Master of Fine Arts in Dance
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a terminal degree in Dance and includes 60 credit hours:
- 39 credits in studio or related areas
- 15 credits in other dance studies
- 6 credits in electives
Dance Degree Options
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance includes a minimum of 128 credit hours:
- A minimum of 85 credits in dance (with a minimum of 34 credits of dance technical studies)
- 21 credits of performance and choreography studies
- 30 credits of dance studies (history, theory, body sciences, and career preparation)
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance includes a minimum of 124 credit hours:
- A minimum of 58 credits in dance (with a minimum of 22 credits of dance technical studies)
- 7 credits of performance or choreography studies
- 29 credits of dance studies (history, theory, body sciences, and career preparation)
Minor in Dance Curriculum
The Minor in Dance requires the completion of 24 credit hours:
- DAN 147: Orientation to Dance (1 hour)
- DAN 170: Improvisation I (1 hour)
- A minimum of 18 credits of dance technique classes
- 4 credits of dance theory
Master of Fine Arts in Dance
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a terminal degree in Dance and includes 60 credit hours:
- 39 credits in studio or related areas
- 15 credits in other dance studies
- 6 credits in electives
Opportunities for Dance Students
Doxa (in Greek: “Glory”) is Belhaven’s student-led dance organization. Its mission is to encourage dance students to further develop and use their art form for the glory of God. Each year, the group completes activities such as outreach, creative worship sessions, prayer ministries, improvisation sessions, and master classes and workshops. Students also attend regional and national dance festivals and produce the Doxa Emerging Choreographer Concert.
The Belhaven Dance Department offers a variety of performances that are open to the public and showcase dance students. These events include original choreographic works created by dance faculty members, seasoned guest artists, and students studying dance composition.
Dance students can join the National Honor Society for Dance Art (NHSDA). This group fosters unique networking opportunities and offers recognitions that will follow the student throughout their career.
Our dance program is one of the only programs in the nation with a full-time athletic trainer. This trainer provides injury care and prevention services as part of our commitment to support the health of each dancer’s body, mind, and spirit.
Belhaven dance students can pursue a certification in Pilates, a form of exercise and body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates. This certification, offered through Balanced Body, allows students to teach Pilates in class or one-on-one settings.
Each semester, the Belhaven University Dance Department hosts notable guest artists who teach master classes, choreograph for dance concerts, and/or restage repertoire.
"I have grown significantly during my time at Belhaven not only as a dancer, but also in my personal life. A large part of my growth is due to the community within the dance department, which is highly supportive and has given me valuable friendships."
"There is always a friendly face and someone to be friends with. The opportunities to get connected on campus are plentiful, and I appreciate how genuine people are and how I am seen by my professors, classmates and friends."
"One of my favorite things about the Dance Department at Belhaven is that it is a place where you can work hard and see considerable and long-lasting growth. I think this is especially important for establishing yourself as an artist in the dance world, and Belhaven is a great place to build these skills. This department taught me strength and determination, and that all it takes is drive and passion to reach your goals."
"Because of my degree from Belhaven University I feel that I am prepared to take on many different avenues of the dance career. No matter where I go, I will have knowledge in areas of dance production, dance-making, teaching, dance scholarship, and performing."
Dance at Belhaven
To be considered for admission, you must first apply and be accepted into the university. You must then complete the audition process.
You can also audition by video. For more information on this option, contact the Dance Department at 601-965-1400 or by email at dance@belhaven.edu.
High school students ages 15 and up may apply for Belhaven’s dance apprentice program. Students in this program take university-level dance classes for college credit. The program is limited to six positions — selected through an interview and audition process — per academic year.
Journey from Student to Professional
Step into the world of Belhaven Dance, where we cultivate excellence, community, and faith in every step. For the past 30 years, our program has empowered dedicated students with rigorous training and compassionate leadership, making a difference both on and off the stage. Join us as we celebrate three decades of inspiring dance journeys and look forward to the exciting futures ahead. Your journey to a fulfilling dance career starts here.
Meet Our Faculty
Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Professor and Chair of Dance
Krista Bower
Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Professor and Chair of Dance
Speciality Instructor of Dance
Carleigh Dunbar
Speciality Instructor of Dance
Adjunct Instructor of Dance
Marlita Hill
Adjunct Instructor of Dance
Speciality Instructor of Dance
Arianna Marcell
Speciality Instructor of Dance
Adjunct Professor of Dance
Cynthia Newland
Adjunct Professor of Dance
Assistant Professor of Dance
Kellis Oldebnburg
Assistant Professor of Dance
Assistant Professor of Dance; Director of the International Center for Musicianship in Dance
Owen Rockwell
Assistant Professor of Dance; Director of the International Center for Musicianship in Dance
MFA Program Director and Professor of Dance
Erin Rockwell Scheiwe
MFA Program Director and Professor of Dance
Adjunct Instructor of Dance
Emma Salinas
Adjunct Instructor of Dance
Senior Instructor of Dance
Elizabeth Sweatt
Senior Instructor of Dance
Professor of Dance
Ravenna Wagnon
Professor of Dance
Associate Professor of Dance
Clara Watts
Associate Professor of Dance
Meet the Dance Staff
Contact Us
Dance Department
Phone: 601-965-1400 Belhaven University
1500 Peachtree St., Box 314
Jackson, MS 39202
Bitsy Irby, 2nd Floor
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5