The holiday season serves as a counterpoint to the fast-paced nature of the lives people lead, and the typical desire to find what’s new and different before boredom sets in.

Growing up, singer Diane Penning recalls two experiences that made the excitement of the holidays come alive in her house: The arrival of the Sears Roebuck Christmas catalog, and listening to holiday records like the Firestone Tires Longines Symphonette albums.

The lights go dark. From underneath the stage comes a mermaid, or rather a silhouette of a mermaid, swimming up — blue, silky curtains reflecting water behind her. The music is subtle, but moody. At that moment, the audience knows they’re in for a performance.

In its 38 years rooted in Kalamazoo as Michigan’s preeminent modern dance company, Wellspring Cori Terry & Dancers has featured different company members, collaborated with various musicians and other dancers and choreographers, and otherwise found ways to change it all up just enough to keep its audiences engaged without compromising Cori Terry’s fundamental style and vision for the company.