Although Thon ended at 4 p.m. yesterday, there were still a few students that were dancing last night.

Halal Dance Ministries held its annual dance performance last night at HUB Heritage Hall.

The performance by Halal -- which means 'to praise" -- featured hip-hop dancing, mime and a step team, as performers used dance "to praise God," the group's founder and choreographer, Adia Williams (senior-psychology), said.

This year's performance was entitled "It's Time Now," as in "it's time now to give your life to Christ," she said.

Williams said she founded the group in 2003 after being in a different dance group. "God gave me the gift of dance," she said, "I feel I should use it to praise him."

The show opened with mimes dancing to hip-hop, which was performed by the student group Silent Praise. The event continued with more hip-hop dances performed by members of Halal.

After intermission, the show took a change of pace with a performance by the Soul Steppers, a step group that encouraged audience participation. They performed as soldiers who were "on duty for Christ" with a mission "to break it down" and "bring in the Christian sound."

Elizabeth Zimmerman-Clayton (freshman-human development and family studies) said the dance by the step team was her favorite performance. "It's not what you would expect in a dance ministry setting," she said.

The environment was lively, with audience members standing up to show their support and enthusiasm for the performance.

Jessica Robinson (junior-hotel, restaurant, and institutional management) came to see many of her friends perform, calling them "a very dedicated group."

Audience members enjoyed the performance and encouraged more people to see what Halal has to offer, but performers were seeking praise from a higher critic.

"Success is measured in God's terms," Spiritual Leader Sheila Aseto (senior-bio-behavioral health) said. "As long as one person in the audience is touched by God, that's all that matters."