For more than 50 years the students of Pleasant Acre Day School have performed a Christmas program for the Elks, family and friends.

“In return, they’ve entertained us with supper, Santa and song,” school director Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt said. “It’s one of the highlights of their year.”

After finishing up a quick morning snack, five students recently got ready to practice for their upcoming minstrel show. Susan Ellis was the first to stand-up from the table, leading the four remaining students into rehearsal. Each student found their seat among the five chairs arranged in a single line.

“Alright get your wings ready,” Foggo-Eidt said as she pressed play on the CD player.

When the familiar Chicken Dance began, Sarah Cichirilla exchanged a small smile and laugh with Haley Freeman, while Foggo-Eidt encouraged them to “shake their tail feathers.”

The school began practicing “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” and other folk songs in October for this year’s show.

“We’re hoping to get audience participation,” Foggo-Eidt said while she handed out shiny plastic top hats. “The program is more fun when everyone is involved.”

If the Chicken Dance doesn’t get people on their feet, Foggo-Eidt thinks the finale might.

At practice last week, Sarah Cichirilla had no problem adjusting the top hat on her head, rising from her seat and putting “her right in and shakes it all about” with the rest of the students. Pleasant Acre Day School is performing at 6 p.m. today at the Elks Lodge, and the show is open to the public.