TTE Fifth-Graders Blast Through Time with Time Travel Dance
The whole fifth grade performed.
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson
With the student-selected theme of “Time Travel,” the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth-grade dance tradition continued this year, serving as the grand finale for the annual variety show in early May. “This was one of my most favorite parts of my fifth-grade year!” stated Engla Cadwell. Jacob Woods added, “Too much fun for kids my age.”
The fifth-graders danced their way through time to 39 songs from the 1930s through 2018 with the help of “Mr. Dan’s Time Machine,” a student creation that looked like the DeLorean from the movie “Back to the Future” — complete with a flux capacitor. TTE building engineer Dan Golden joined the fifth-graders as their time machine’s controller.
This massive year-long collaboration between the fifth-graders, music teacher Cindy Berndt and art teacher Wendy Wilson included 40 feature dancers, two guest teacher features, set design, student-led technological support, and the opportunity for every student to shine in the front row.
“I could not have wished for better teachers to teach me the fifth-grade dance,” stated Elly Brooks. The students also provided their own costumes to support their choreography and auditioned to feature in a solo or small group. “We couldn’t be prouder of each and every student. They gave their all for us and trusted us with making memories,” stated Berndt.
Madeline Buckman and Lauryn Goode rocked out to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Jacob Woods danced to “Finesse” by Bruno Mars. Woods also choreographed the entire beginning of the show, then taught it to his peers.
Carline Deen disco roller skated to “Take a Chance on Me” by ABBA.
Drew Berndt and Hayden Baker performed as Milli Vanilli.
Jackson Jones danced to “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson.
Kari Pringle’s class swing danced.
Dawson Prewett and Josh Miller performed their glow-in-the-dark feature to “Rock n’ Roll” by Skrillex.
Tony Howell and Dan Golden as Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
Aspen Heppe and Rezam Al Bakri swing danced to “Sing Sing Sing (with a Swing)” by Benny Goodman.
