In Loving Memory of Fellow Dancer Betsy Blackmon, 1984 - 2018

The Betsy Blackmon Dance Program is named as a lasting tribute to Elizabeth "Betsy" Blackmon, Class of 2007, one of the first students to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of South Carolina. Betsy's 33 years of life were spent living her dreams – first as a dancer and then an interior designer in major cities across the U.S. That life and her nine-month battle with cancer proved to be an extraordinary example of courage, commitment, discipline and faith. We celebrate the vibrant spirit she brought to our world and hope her journey inspires you to "Dance Through Life."

Discovering the Spark

Even as a child, Betsy spoke the language of joy, laughter and movement. Music and dance became her playground, and the many hours she spent at the barre instilled confidence through the discipline she was mastering. Betsy's love of dance led her to important firsts in her education. She was a member of the first class admitted to the SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, SC. She later became one of the first graduates of USC's dance major. At USC, Betsy flourished as a dancer and grew as an individual. Her work ethic, dedication and unwavering pursuit of success in the dance studio and her USC college experience became the platform and cornerstone of her professional life.

Community, Creativity and Connection

After graduating from USC, Betsy moved to Atlanta and pursued a degree in Interior Design. She then obtained an internship and later full employment with well-known designer Richard Keith Langham in New York City. From there she began her own design firm, "Substance and Style," designing residential and commercial spaces in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and the Carolinas. Dance taught Betsy to connect, communicate and joyfully share her talents both in her work and her community. Whether she was designing interiors in Los Angeles or serving on a mission trip to South Africa, she connected deeply with others through dance, music and laughter.

A Tradition of Excellence

USC's Dance Program began in 1975 with a single modern dance class. It has grown to become one of the nation's top non-conservatory dance programs performing works by world-renowned choreographers. The combination of artistic excellence with a liberal arts education prepares dance students to excel in every stage of life with qualities of discipline, commitment and a drive for excellence qualities exemplified by Betsy Blackmon.

The program was named the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program in 2023 through the generous support of Betsy's parents, Tommy and Jane Suggs.