mfa thesisMarch 15, 2021 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven's MFA Thesis and Senior Dance Concerts will showcase original choreography of several senior and graduate dance majors. There are two different performances at a Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre; Concert A is March 17 and 19, and Concert B is March 18 and 20.

Each concert begins at 7 p.m. and will feature several senior projects and one MFA thesis project.Senior projects are the capstone course for dance majors.“Students conceptualize, implement, and present an individual project which synthesizes creative and scholarly interests,” said Belhaven Dance Department Chair Krista Bower. “This concert features seniors who chose to choreograph a group work for their project or to perform a senior solo. Other projects included lecture-demonstrations and internships.”

The MFA thesis is the culminating project for the three-year graduate degree in dance.The thesis project incorporates the development of a choreographic project related to the research and creative interests of the student. Additionally, graduate students submit a thesis document detailing their research and creative process. Belhaven's 2021 MFA candidates are Layne Strode Dobbins and Marlita Hill.

Concert A on March 17, 19 will feature:

Kollie Gilliam - solo performance
Clara Nash - choreography
Natalya Watson - solo performance
Alyssa Rainey - solo performance
Sophie Paczak - solo performance
Marlita Hill - MFA thesis, choreography

Concert B on March 18 and 20 will feature:

Katrina Peterson - choreography
Natalie Robinson - solo performance
Sarah Hart - solo performance
Patricia Colon - solo performance
Layne Strode Dobbins - MFA thesis, choreography

Advanced ticket reservations are required, and seating will be limited and socially distanced. Masks will be required. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and non-Belhaven University students. Admission is free for all Belhaven faculty, students, and immediate family.