Spacious and Inspiring

Excellent instruction is supported by our state-of-the-art facility. Our modern equipment and infrastructure provide an incredible space for dancers to hone their craft. Modern sprung and Harlequin Cascade Marley floors provide comfortable, safe studios for dancers to practice.

Technique, labs, and rehearsals are held in one of the five studios within the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center.

Inspiring Spaces Become your Haven for Learning and Creating

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Studio Features

Perfect for Ballet

Studio I boasts:

  • 1,500 square feet with Harlequin sprung flooring and marley
  • 79 feet of permanent ballet barre
  • Mirrors running the length of the studio
  • Incredible sound system
  • Aerial Silk rigging and harness system

An Intimate Studio

Studio II provides:

  • 1,500 square feet with Harlequin marley that lifts to expose sprung flooring with optimal surface for tap and jazz classes
  • State-of-the-art sound system
  • Beautiful arched windows

Freedom for Choreographers

Studios III and IV have:

  • 2,500 square feet with Harlequin Cascade sprung flooring and permanent marley
  • Natural light through large windows
  • Easy conversion into a performance venue with 200 available seats
  • Production booth with state-of-the art lighting, sound, and projection equipment

Our Newest Facility

Located on the first floor of Bitsy Irby, Studio V hosts the Pilates Instructor Training Program and is also a perfect space for technique classes and rehearsals. It has:

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to pour in
  • Harlequin sprung flooring and marley
  • World-class sound system
  • Mirrors that run the full length of the studio
  • Pilates Reformers for student use
  • Ample conditioning equipment for fitness and training

Studio Features

Perfect for Ballet

Studio I boasts:

  • 1,500 square feet with Harlequin sprung flooring and marley
  • 79 feet of permanent ballet barre
  • Mirrors running the length of the studio
  • Incredible sound system
  • Aerial Silk rigging and harness system

An Intimate Studio

Studio II provides:

  • 1,500 square feet with Harlequin marley that lifts to expose sprung flooring with optimal surface for tap and jazz classes
  • State-of-the-art sound system
  • Beautiful arched windows

Freedom for Choreographers

Studios III and IV have:

  • 2,500 square feet with Harlequin Cascade sprung flooring and permanent marley
  • Natural light through large windows
  • Easy conversion into a performance venue with 200 available seats
  • Production booth with state-of-the art lighting, sound, and projection equipment

Our Newest Facility

Located on the first floor of Bitsy Irby, Studio V hosts the Pilates Instructor Training Program and is also a perfect space for technique classes and rehearsals. It has:

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to pour in
  • Harlequin sprung flooring and marley
  • World-class sound system
  • Mirrors that run the full length of the studio
  • Pilates Reformers for student use
  • Ample conditioning equipment for fitness and training

An Exceptional Environment for Learning, Creating, and Performing

Our inspiring spaces and tech-forward classrooms will help you learn and thrive. Dance theory courses are held in classrooms located on the first floor of the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center. Each classroom has a projector or smart TV.

You'll perform and present your choreography in theaters that provide professional-level experiences.

Bitsy Irby Studio Theatre

Innovative choreography, collaborations, and concerts are presented in this flexible performance space.

  • 200 seats
  • 1,500 square feet of performance space with Harlequin sprung flooring and marley
  • Multimedia presentation capabilities
  • Full theatrical lighting and sound systems including programmable LED lighting fixtures and industry-standard Jands Vista lighting control system
  • Lofty ceilings

Center for the Arts Concert Hall

A Concert Hall where local artists, Belhaven dance ensembles, and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra perform. The Center for the Arts is an acoustically splendid and visually inspiring space with:

  • 800 seats
  • Cinematic and multimedia presentation abilities
  • Lofty ceilings
  • Stained-glass windows

Complete your creative projects in our state-of-the-art Mac computer labs.

Each lab is filled with new computers updated with current application programs to assist you in creating and editing:

  • Audio recordings
  • Websites
  • Photographs
  • Videos and screendances
  • Concert programs and posters
  • Other media

Focus on staying healthy with expert medical care given by a full-time certified Dance Athletic Trainer. The Dance Clinic is on the first floor of the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center. Dance majors, minors, and apprentices receive:

  • Injury prevention services
  • Assessment and evaluation of injuries
  • Exercises for rehabilitation
  • Strength training and conditioning programs
  • Referral to orthopedic clinics for further evaluation (if necessary)
  • On-site medical coverage during classes, rehearsals, and performances

Contact Us

Dance Department

Phone: 601-965-1400

Belhaven University
1500 Peachtree St., Box 314
Jackson, MS 39202
Bitsy Irby, 2nd Floor

dance@belhaven.edu

bitsy irby in the evening with the lights on

Verse of the Year

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13