It was a dance through the ages. 

About 100 Altara Elementary students guided students and families through the world of dance in the Trotsworty Castle from the days of yore to the trends of today in the production, “The Knight the Castle Rocked.”

Through song and speech, the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade choir members dressed in simple costumes to set the stage, while their feet took the steps of the medieval reel, minuet, waltz, Charleston, swing to more modern-day dances. 

“The Charleston, it’s just like—yeah,” fourth-grade Aurea Barranon said, swinging her arm as she did in the dance.

It was her favorite dance in the 45-minute production. 

“We dance a lot and it makes the little kids happy. They were cheering and smiling and clapping,” she said after the school performance. 

It’s the first year of the school choir while Aurea has been at Altara. She joined to have fun with friends and “to make the school happy.”

In December, they performed a traditional holiday concert.

Principal Julie Fielding supports providing more arts opportunities for students.

“There are experiences kids have that they can’t have in any other way than by performing with a group in front of an audience,” she said. “They learn to be together and follow those cues; they learn presenting skills. Music, movement, speaking and listening are all part of our core curriculum, but they’re learning more. They are part of a team. They belong, and it’s friendship across the grade levels. They have a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing I’m a part of this group and we’re doing something that’s good.”

For four months, the students practiced twice every morning before school under the direction of Lisa Pixton and Kerbie Dennison.

Aurea said it was worth it.

“We practiced a lot, and it paid off,” she said.