Dance Alabama! is back beginning Oct. 4, revealing another round of student choreographed and danced performances for its 13th season.

Open auditions are held at the beginning of each semester for any University of Alabama student to participate in the show, which happens twice each year. Over the course of five weeks, students gather on their own time to create and rehearse their pieces that are then critiqued weekly by the dance faculty.

“These dance majors do something incredible every semester,” said assistant professor of dance Sarah Barry. “They only have four to five weeks to audition dancers, craft a dance work, get feedback and make changes repeatedly, and finally present their work to a large public audience.”

Barry said she is continually impressed by how well the choreographers work under pressure, and the ability the students have to perform so many styles of dance.

“This concert is a wonderful reminder of the incredible versatility of our dancers,” Barry said.

After the April 27 tornado that hit Tuscaloosa last spring, senior dance major and vice president of Dance Alabama! Kelsey Ebersold said UA dancers became a closer-knit group.

“It’s definitely more emotional because of what we’ve been through,” Ebersold said. “You can see the vulnerability in the choreography.”

Ashley Volner, a junior dance major and president of Dance Alabama!, said this season reflects relief rather than sadness.

“A lot of us hadn’t seen each other since the tornado, and the first time we did was during auditions,” Volner said. “Dancing together was emotional. I feel like since we all shared the same experience, in a weird way without talking about it, it grooved us.”

The emotional connection between the dancers is reflected in many of the choreographers’ choices of movements. Ebersold said each choreographer expanded beyond their comfort zone to choreograph different movements than what’s been done before.

“This is a time for chances,” Ebersold said.

This fall show is the last one for the many dancers who are graduating in December. Volner said several of the seniors’ pieces symbolize moving forward and leaving a legacy with the dance community at the University.

Volner was particularly impressed by senior dance major Cody Schmidt’s vision for his piece “Tierra,” which was ignited when he first looked at drawing of a pair of worn boots. Over the course of his creative process, he was inspired by the way his movement reacted to the music he chose to use.

“The very earthy and literally grounded movement closely resembles the voice quality of the musical accompaniment,” Schmidt said. “I wanted everything to flow, and with the addition of elegant dancers, the idea came to life rather quickly.”

Ebersold, who also choreographed this semester, said she believes dance is a direct link to her emotions.

“[My] piece is named ‘Alatross,’ for the psychological burden of a dancer because, as a dancer, you have to get past the burden in able to improve,” Ebersold said.

Ebersold said her dancers inspire her. She encourages each one to show individuality throughout choreography. Ebersold believes in showcasing each dancer’s true style, not mimicking her own.

Volner, who is also choreographing, created her piece “Fallen Angel,” to play off the irony between angels and fallen angels. Although she is excited about performing, Volner said she is most looking forward to the first time the dancers “circle up,” a tradition in the dance community.

“It’s a time when the dancers take a deep breath, relax and come together as a family before the curtain opens and the chaos begins,” Volner said. “We are a dance family and community.”

Dance Alabama! runs Tuesday, Oct. 4 through Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Morgan Auditorium.

IF YOU GO

What: Dance Alabama!

When: Oct. 4 to 6 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Morgan Auditorium

How Much: $12 for students, $15 for UA faculty/staff and senior citizens, $18 for adults