With the semester winding down at Colorado Mesa University, students in performing arts extend themselves beyond finals to perform their last performances of the semester. For many students, this performance is Ends Dance Recital. And for the students performing in Ends Dance Recital, preparation for the performance has been a long time coming. Students have been preparing since the beginning of the Fall Semester. The performance took place at Moss Performing Arts Nov. 30  at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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In a note from the director of the concert, Meredith Lyons, she explains “Our theatre arts season this year has followed the theme Ends and Means: the Pursuit of Happiness. This theme provided topics of discussion for both faculty and students on how dance is positively impacting the CMU campus and throughout the nation.”

According to Natalie Schievelbein, a performer in the production and a student pursuing a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance, “Selected students, faculty, and guests choreographed this concert.”

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This semester, the guest artist and choreographer was Daniel Charon, the Artistic Director of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.

“I was not in his choreography but I was able to take class from him. It is always wonderful to work with guests especially those who bring styles we do not normally have to the space. He has such a wonderful use of musicality and movement that just feels great to do. [His presence in the production of Ends] brings a different style to the concert along with a very educational story line,” Schievelbein said.

Dance concerts at Colorado Mesa University are some of the most popular performances, and Ends is no exception.

With numerous contributors and hours of rehearsal, the productions always have a message and always have a takeaway.

“The production includes uplifting and serious topics. It is a sort of emotional roller coaster. The message and theme of this concert is civic participation, social movements and interconnectedness in the digital age,” Schievelbein said.

“I hope this concert can give community members and students a love and passion for viewing dance. We could not put on these shows without the wonderful audiences who come to see us perform,” Schievelbein said.

The performance features a selection of dance numbers of varying styles. Schievelbein noted that the hip hop and ballroom numbers were her favorite.

When asked what she took away from being performer in the concert, Shievelbein said, “Dance is my passion and every opportunity that I have to perform with my friends brings me joy! The arts can be very educational but also fun.”