The United Dance Collective (UDC), a new Christian-based dance club, held its first contemporary dance class on Feb. 20 in the Residence Hall 2 Commons. 

UDC was founded by Co-Presidents Keri Kilpatrick, a freshman nursing major from Ocean Springs, Miss., and Haley Rivers, a sophomore criminal justice major from Ellisville, Miss. 

Their goal is to provide a welcoming environment for all students to dance, worship and build community.

“We want to use dance to glorify the Lord and find joy in the smallest things. We are just showing or teaching people that you can include God in all aspects of your life,” Kilpatrick said. “Our warmup right now consists fully of worship music, but our combos and showcases will be other genres, too.”

Beyond the dance floor, UDC also hosts Bible study sessions. 

“We also plan to have Bible studies with our (members). They won’t be mandatory,” Kilpatrick said. “We plan to be leaders and show them through our actions what living a Christ-like life is like.”

Kilpatrick was inspired to start UDC after being cut from another on-campus dance organization that required auditions. She used that setback as motivation to build a space where all students who feel passionate about dance could feel welcome and supported.   

Rivers, who has been dancing for 10 years, also wanted a space where she could share her love of dance with others. 

“(I wanted) to create an environment where everyone can come to enjoy a fun class and create a passion for some people who don’t have that right now,” Rivers said. 

Ashton LaMarr, a sophomore integrated marketing communications major from Fairhope, Ala., serves as UDC’s social media chair.

“I look forward to getting to dance more,” LaMarr said.

Although not yet a registered student organization, UDC is hosting events and

tabling to attract new members. Rivers said that starting the club was not without roadblocks. 

“It was challenging getting the word out and gaining traction,” Rivers said. “Finding an (adviser)  was difficult.”

Rivers and Kilpatrick were able to recruit Chelsea Welch Bennett, director of Luckyday Scholars Program, as the adviser for the new organization.

UDC welcomes anyone — from beginners to experienced dancers — eager to explore dancing. 

The next meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the RH2 Commons at 6 p.m. For more information about upcoming events and membership, visit their website or their Instagram @olemiss.udc.