From the first day of freshman year to graduation and beyond, students in The University of Alabama’s department of theatre and dance strive for excellence.

Dance Collection, a performance sponsored by the freshman honor society Alpha Lambda Delta, provides dancers at the beginning of that journey with an opportunity to shine.

“That’s what I really love about Dance Collection, because I really get to watch freshmen and sophomores come into their own,” Cornelius Carter, director of the dance program, said.

The one-night-only show features freshman and sophomore dancers performing works choreographed by upperclassmen and faculty members in addition to guest choreographer Bryant Henderson, who graduated from the University in 2006 with degrees in dance and public relations.

When the program started, it was a chance for seniors to participate in one last performance before graduation. Over the years, it has changed into a way to showcase new students and give them stage experience.

Students audition in the fall for the opportunity to perform, and student and faculty choreographers select the dancers they want to work with for their pieces. Some of the student-choreographed works were shown Nov. 6 in the Dance Alabama! concert. Others will premiere Friday.

Many of the students in the dance program have backgrounds in conventions and competitions, rather than stage performance. Dance Collection, along with other productions like Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and Dance Alabama!, provides an opportunity to learn more about other techniques.

“I honor where they come from, but my job is to give them a totally different experience,” Carter said.

Although the two sectors of the dance world are different, students who came from the competition side enjoy theatrical performance as well. Erika Davis, a sophomore majoring in dance and chemical engineering, said she particularly enjoys the opportunity to work with someone new on a regular basis.

“You’re always growing, always learning, always exposed to new ideas,” Davis said.

Dance Collection allows younger students to get a glimpse of what is in store for them through the department, as well as hone their craft under the guidance of faculty members, Carter said.

“Let people follow their passion because their passion is going to take them who knows where,” Carter said.