Time was of the essence for Cinderella as the clock inched toward midnight. In similar fashion, student dancers from La Roche College Dance Theatre are watching the school year wind down as they prepare for their annual performance at the Byham Theater tonight.

Coincidentally, "Cinderella" is on the program, called "Flights of Fantasy." Staged by artistic director Gerard Holt, along with "Delilah," the second installment of his series, "Scarlet Women of the Bible," and Miriam Scigliano's contemporary work, "Destiny Bound," it signals the culmination of a whirlwind season for the La Roche dance department.

"It's been a particularly good year and particularly busy," says Holt, who points to the Byham event as the 10th major performance for La Roche, with highlights such as the Shadyside Arts Festival, a combined engagement with the Pitt Dance Ensemble and an appearance in Buffalo City Ballet's "Nutcracker."

Another highlight was the company's debut in New York at Aaron Davis Hall in Harlem in February. At the invitation of the Archdiocese of New York, La Roche appeared with the Gestures Dance Ensemble and the Alvin Ailey Fordham program.

"It was a great experience for the dancers," Holt notes. "We were well-received, more than we expected. It might become an annual event."

But the Byham is just as exciting to Holt and his students, who carry a full academic load in addition to participating in the dance program. Eight students will perform in "Delilah," a work that stemmed from Holt's interest in the Bible and elements of ancient history. Given the seductive nature of the piece, it will have a balletic flair as Delilah attempts to find the secret of Sampson's strength. Scigliano's dance will trace a pair of star-crossed lovers who are "Destiny Bound."

"Cinderella" will require the resources of the complete department, 24 dancers in all. In deference to time factors (also symbolized by an ever-present clock), Holt has trimmed some segments, but not by much.

Prokofiev's score sends the dancers from Cinderella's home to the dream scene and castle and back again. With four fairies, the stepsisters, a prince and various supporting roles, everyone will have a chance at the spotlight.