Be The Light Music & Dance Company

Be The Light Dance Company works to foster the love of music and dance in children and teens while sharing the love of Christ. The studio offers a comprehensive dance education program in a nurturing Christian environment designed to promote positive self-esteem, confidence, and physical coordination. Owner and director Nesia Campbell grew up dancing in this studio under the direction of Mrs. Jean Forrest for over 30 years before later buying it and changing the name to Be The Light. Born and raised in Jacksonville with a B.A. in Communications from the University of North Florida, Nesia combines her love for Jesus, people, and dance to develop relationships with students and families.

Classes run Monday through Thursday and Wednesday mornings, serving children from age 2 through high school seniors. The school offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tumbling, Pointe, Contemporary/Lyrical, and Ballroom. There is also a Competition Team with separate Shine Squad, Junior & Teen, and Senior divisions, as well as Private Lessons. All students are expected to perform in the end-of-year recital held in June at Thrasher Horne Performing Arts Center. Summer dance camps are offered at $125 per camp with discounts for multiple weeks and siblings.

The instructors bring years of recreational and competition experience. Ms. Jasmine holds a Masters of Dance from Florida State University and teaches junior and senior dancers. Mrs. Karen has taught for 40+ years in the Jacksonville community and specializes in working with ages 2–6, teaching ballet and tap fundamentals. All dance instructors have a relationship with Jesus Christ and strive to create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment where students feel loved and accepted. Cheri O'Steen has served as Administrative Assistant since 2015, helping with registration, class parties, costume organisation, and family support.

The studio is located in the historic Avondale/Ortega area at 4274 Herschel Street, Suite 200 (top floor, entrance in back of building). The space is available for rental at $100 per hour with a 3-hour minimum for birthdays, showers, receptions, rehearsals, meetings, photo shoots, bible studies, and art classes. Be The Light was voted a 2023 Best of Florida winner in the Performing Arts Schools & Instructors category in Guide to Florida's annual readers' poll.

Classes are structured by age group and run most evenings Monday through Thursday, with morning sessions on Wednesday as part of the Everlight Homeschool Dance Collective. You can expect a welcoming, Christian-centered environment focused on teaching dance fundamentals while building confidence and positive self-esteem.

Ms. Jasmine holds a Masters of Dance from Florida State University and teaches junior and senior dancers. Mrs. Karen brings 40+ years of teaching experience in Jacksonville and specializes in ages 2–6. Other instructors include Erica Diaz, Niya Jones, Taylor O'Steen, and Amber Looney. All staff have recreational and competition-level experience and emphasise a safe, loving, welcoming environment.

Classes begin at age 2 with Ballet/Tap, and the studio emphasises creating a nurturing environment where students learn fundamentals and feel loved and accepted.