Ryan Kirk (Michael) and Lexie Kirsch (Jane) look on as Michelle Chan (Mary) sings “A Spoonful of Sugar” in Bullis Charter School’s production of “Mary Poppins.” Kindergartner Julia Shrivastava (playing a toy ballerina) awaits a magical tidying up.

More than 80 percent of Bullis Charter School students participated in two full-scale musicals and a dance recital this spring.

The first musical was “Mary Poppins,” performed by students from kindergarten through fourth grade in late May. Convincing British accents, expressive delivery of lines, colorful costumes and live music made the show a hit for its sold-out audiences.

Fifth- and sixth-graders tackled the challenging musical “One,” an adaptation of “A Chorus Line” for younger audiences, in early June. Principal Wanny Hersey provided piano accompaniment and vocal direction.

For each musical, two casts alternated performances on four successive nights, giving each child a chance to participate.

First- to sixth-graders performed in a recital, “Dance Around the World,” June 9.

Many students were exposed to dance for the first time when they chose it as a Friday elective. Students formed a lunchtime Dance Club and practiced after school, learning a wide range of styles.

All students take a weekly acting class taught by drama and dance teacher Katia Nazarian, who also choreographs and directs student productions.

Nazarian said, “At the beginning of the year there were some (students) who could barely say their name in front of the class. Now these same children are volunteering to create skits, dance and perform improv!”