The NMSU Dance Program has seen a countless number of talented dancers come and go over the years, but this one may be a particularly hard goodbye. The final performance for this years senior class is taking place mid-week on Wednesday the 28th and Thursday the 29th of March. The senior class also preformed at a show at the beginning of the semester which showcased the talented and diverse dancers NMSU has to offer. 

Jermey Edmonson, a masters student here at NMSU said, “Being in the dance program is a very transformational experience and helped us discover who we all are. We come in here with who we are already, and no one tries to strip that away, they just have us layer more of who we truly are.”

Edmonson continued to explain that the dance program has such an amazing opportunity for growth. Each day you come to class as you, not trying to be anyone but yourself. Whether it’s hip hop, jazz, ballet, or contemporary dancers can bring their own personal little style to it.

Erik Brown, a senior in the dance program explained how much the department means to him. 

“One of the things that I learned in the dance program was, confidence. It took me a long time to develop my confidence throughout my youth. I didn’t really have very many friends when I went to UNM. But since I started dancing here, I learned to be more open towards others and not let my negative thoughts get in my way” said Brown. 

Savannah Hinojosa is also a senior in the dance program. Hinojosa discussed how much she has learned and grown because of the dance program.

“Being in this dance program has taught me that it is okay to make mistakes as long as I don’t let those mistakes control my life” said Hinojosa “The key to fixing the mistakes is getting back up and working even harder.”

Ann Gravit, the director of the Dance Program said that she will miss this year’s graduating class dearly, but she knows that will be just fine no matter where life takes them. According to Gravit, the performance at the beginning of the year was “one of the best shows NMSU has put on.”

Before everyone goes their separate ways, Gravit wanted to leave the seniors with a little bit of advice, “Always stay true to who you are and never try to be someone else” Gravit said. 

The common thing that they all said was that dance is all about community, getting out of your comfort zone and being involved with the ones around you. Human interaction is never a bad thing, being able to connect with people is never bad, whether you are like them or complete opposites.

Edmonson concluded, “One of the biggest pieces of advice he can give to you, whether you are dance majors or not, is to always be yourself. Be unapologetically you.”