Gifted Performers & Creators

In the gallery, the ​​dance studios, the concert hall, the recital hall, and the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits you at Belhaven University.

lighted fairy in front of the singing Christmas tree

​​​​​Singing Christmas Tree

This annual event​ held during the first weekend in December.​ ​S​tarted in 1933, the Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree is considered to be the world's oldest outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition. Members of the Belhaven Concert Choir, along with alumni, faculty, and staff, typically perform the outdoor Singing Christmas Tree concert on the first weekend in December. A large new 35 foot tall wooden and metal tree structure accommodates up to 100 singers. 

Attend This Beloved Belhaven Tradition

1/3 Student Artists & Performers

One-third of Belhaven’s traditional undergraduate students participate in arts classes and events

Over 50 Arts Events Annually

Dance and music recitals, plays and musicals, film screenings, holiday concerts, and more

4 Art Galleries/Exhibitions

Belhaven’s student artists display their craft in modern, high-tech arts facilities in the heart of campus

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"I chose to attend Belhaven because of it's Christian worldview and has separate dance and theatre departments and would allow me to double major. My fellow students are not only my close friends, but also my biggest supporters and collaborators. I feel confident in pursuing my goals as a professional performer and choreographer. I am being equipped and encouraged every semester!"

Liz Morales

"I will have gained the experience in writing that is needed to create good pieces of literature and have the opportunity to be recognized in the literary world."

Anna Lopes

Audrey Hammitt

"Because of my degree from Belhaven University I will have a greater, more well-rounded knowledge of dance and how to use the creative gifts God has given me to glorify Him. My BFA degree in Dance will also show the time and effort I have poured into fine-tuning my technique, artistry, and choreographic skills. In addition, this degree will enable me to view the world through a Christian perspective and inspire me to seek ways to make God known among our neighbors and the nations."

Audrey Hammitt

Zacchaeus Cloy

"I'm excited to graduate with a B.F.A in Graphic Design and a B.A. in Music. I plan to pursue music education and freelance art and design work after graduating. My drawings and sculpture are built from layers of intuitive marks and forms."

Zacchaeus Cloy. 2023

"In the Belhaven Visual Arts department I have learned how to ‘see’ art—not just looking at it, but noticing all the technical details, engaging with a piece mentally and emotionally, understanding why a piece makes me feel a certain way, and having some idea of the artist’s intentions. Now I understand how to see and feel art."

Deja Harris

"Because of my time at Belhaven, I am gaining knowledge and understanding necessary to make a good, dynamic film.  I am also equipped to take something that I love doing and using it to explore the complexity of the world, shed light on the human condition, and show people the Gospel of Jesus."

William Bristow

"I will be able to do what I love, create stories and adventures that influence the world through literature."

Anna Howard

Natalie Goggans

"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."

Natalie Goggans

Crimsom Guidry

"I've always loved arts and crafts and decided to study Graphic Design at a community college. After graduating from there, I decided to continue my studies at Belhaven University. I can't wait to graduate with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. I hope to travel and network with other artists after I graduate before returning home to bring resources and opportunities to my community."

Crimsom Guidry. 2023

Ellie Brooker

"Through Belhaven, God has helped me to grow my gift in creative writing. He has also given me a heart for ministry and pushed me to places of leadership while emphatically sharing his truth."

Ellie Brooker

Seth Scruggs

"I chose to study Film Production at Belhaven because I loved the dedication to developing the whole person, in addition to the skills that are needed to succeed as a filmmaker. My degree from Belhaven will give me the practical knowledge to pursue a career doing something I love to do."

Seth Scruggs

Kathleen Norberg

"I chose to come to Belhaven because I wanted to receive excellent dance training. I was impressed with how devoted to the Lord they were while being committed to train up the next generation to serve the Lord and make a statement with art and excellence." 

Kathleen Norberg

"I chose to come to Belhaven because of the Creative Writing program and its context as a Christian University. All my relationships here have meant a lot to me, but one particular group is the cheerleaders and how they welcomed me into their ranks and worked with my minimal abilities patiently and with much encouragement."

Lex Avellino

Katherine Claxton

"My time at Belhaven has been full of adventure and has allowed me the opportunity to put my faith into practice. Each semester has brought new challenges, and I am thankful for the safe place Belhaven has given me to grow and establish my identity in Christ."

Katherine Claxton

"I'm glad I chose to attend Belhaven because the faculty has helped and encouraged me to develop my skills while branching into other areas of theatre besides performance. Upon graduating, I will have a well-rounded education rooted in the principles of how to be a faithful steward of the artistic abilities God has given me."

Julia Polson

Suzie Stolz

"I have grown so much as a dancer and a person here. Not only have I learned a lot about myself, but I have also made many friendships that I know will last long after a graduation. The rigorous training challenged my technique and taught me the value of discipline and perseverance."

Suzie Stolz

Samuel Pillsbury

"My favorite thing about Belhaven would be the wide community of people that you get to interact with and lots of different ideas and opinions that you get to experience. There's this hivemind of feedback from which to learn and grow."  

Samuel Pillsbury

Megan Prosper

"I chose Belhaven because I wanted to attend a school that had both Visual Arts and Biblical Studies. After meeting the faculty and seeing how much they cared about every student, I was sold!"

Megan Prosper

Annie Slocum

"I wanted to attend a Christian school where I could pursue my passion for Creative Writing. Belhaven welcomed me with open arms as a transfer students and is giving me the opportunity to explore who God has created me to be as a writer."

Annie Slocum

"Because of my degree from Belhaven University I will be prepared to be a professional musician. I’ll have the tools and relationships I need to be a successful musician."

Zakary Joyner

Bitsy Irby Visual Arts & Dance Center

The 42,756-square-foot Bitsy Irby Visual Arts & Dance Center is a best-in-class facility featuring five professional dance studios, a fully equipped dance performance theatre, computer design labs, photography studios and darkroom, painting, drawing and sculpture studios, faculty offices, and a beautiful art gallery. 

Arts

The Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts — home to Belhaven’s music and theatre departments — features piano and computer labs, ​soundproof​ practice rooms, a flexible black box theatre, costuming and technical design areas, and numerous teaching studios, classrooms, faculty offices, and performance spaces.

The 800-seat concert hall holds weekly chapel services as well as numerous performances throughout the year. 

Academic Degrees: The Scholarly Approach to the Arts

1 of 39 colleges accredited in all of the arts

National Distinction

Belhaven University is one of only 39 colleges or universities in the U.S. nationally accredited in all four major areas of the arts: Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre, and Music. 

Verse of the Year

For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:5