Saunders expressed the extensive rehearsals and long hours of daily practices dancers must go through to prepare their bodies for shows and tours. There is a “science” to dance, Saunders said, and the goal is “catlike control.”

“Males will learn their jumps and women will learn pointe,” Saunders said. “Everyday it’s a process — you get a little bit better, a little bit stronger … one thing must follow another; Dancing is a thing of the moment; every movement must be sharp and clean.”

Funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the event will culminate with a performance today at 7 p.m. inside J.A. Pickard Auditorium. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for students with ID.