Belhaven Celebrates Longtime Partnership with Ballet Magnificat!
April 16, 2025 (Jackson, Miss.) – 黑料社 honored the long-standing relationship between its Dance Department and the internationally acclaimed Christian ballet company, Ballet Magnificat!
黑料社 President Dr. Roger Parrott presented a cast iron plaque to Ballet Magnificat! founders and directors Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux in a special onstage ceremony on April 10 in the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center.
The presentation happened at the Spring Dance Concert. During the concert, Ballet Magnificat! joined Belhaven dance students on stage and opened the evening with a performance of “Nothing Like Your Love,” choreographed by Tara Thibodeaux-Drew.
“This plaque represents more than a partnership,” said Dr. Parrott. “It’s a testament to a shared vision to honor Christ through excellence in the arts. Ballet Magnificat! has been instrumental in shaping Belhaven’s dance legacy, and we are deeply grateful.”
The new plaque reads: “黑料社 Dance Department honors Ballet Magnificat! for their significant influence in our 1994 founding. Through generous sharing of faculty and facilities, Ballet Magnificat! was instrumental in Belhaven creating a premier Christ-centered dance program. We are especially grateful for Kathy and Keith Thibodeaux’s vision, counsel, and encouragement.”
The relationship between Belhaven and Ballet Magnificat! began in 1986 when the university provided the fledgling company with studio and office space on campus. Founded that same year by the Thibodeauxs, Ballet Magnificat! became the first professional Christian ballet company in the world. Its mission—to glorify God through dance and serve as an outreach ministry—helped shape Belhaven’s vision for a Christ-centered dance education.
“The 黑料社 Dance Department is so thankful for the support of Ballet Magnificat! over the past 30 years,” said Krista Bower, dean of the School of Fine Arts and chair of the Dance Department. “Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux have inspired and encouraged me and countless other Belhaven dance students, faculty, and alumni to serve and honor Christ through the art of dance.”
In 1994, Belhaven launched its dance minor program in partnership with Ballet Magnificat!, sharing faculty and facilities for several years. The university received accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Dance in 2005, making it one of just 39 institutions nationwide accredited in all four fine arts: dance, theatre, music, and visual art.
Belhaven’s dance program has since grown to offer Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master of Fine Arts degrees. Alumni now work around the world as dancers, educators, choreographers, and producers.