Ballet dancers from around the globe graced J.A. Pickard Auditorium’s stage Thursday as hundreds of students, teachers and staff from throughout the Black Belt looked on in awe at the controlled, yet graceful movements.

The group of dancers, known as the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, demonstrated the most popular techniques and positions of the art form under the direction of director Keith Saunders, who narrated.

Rita Lett, Director of Educational and Cultural Affairs for Wallace Community College-Selma, said the dance troupe’s presence in Selma has been a “dream come true.”

It’s not often we get a dance group of this caliber to come to Selma,” Lett said. “We want you to be attentive (and) we want to show them (DTHE) we have a true appreciation for the arts in Selma.”

For many, Thursday’s lecture and demonstration was a taste of “culture.”

“I think it’s a good learning experience for students at Wallace,” said Wallace Adult Education counselor Olivia Acoff. “And, it’s free, so it’s good too.”

Selma resident Burma Lomax said the event was special.

“This is something you really wouldn’t get to see (in Selma) — it’s a great experience for Selma,” Lomax said.