Students from Eastern Elementary took the stage at the Turnage Theater on Friday to express themselves through flamenco, a Spanish art of dance, music and song.

According to Juwanna Waters, the music teacher at Eastern Elementary School, the opportunity came from a grant presented by Michelle Oros, director of grants and development at Beaufort County Schools. Waters had applied for the grant back in 2012. The grant award she received led to staff and administration partnering to bring Flamenco Vivo Carlotta Santana to the students of Eastern Elementary.

Flamenco Vivo, created by Flamenco Dancer Carlotta Santana, is a traveling group of dancers who present the dance style around the world, according to Waters.

“Not only does this build a connection between the cultures, but this goes across the curriculum,” said Waters. “It reaches social studies, arts, music and P.E., so the children are just having a blast.”

According to Waters,  students practiced two hours each day for four days through training from the Flamenco Vivo dancers.

“They have done an amazing job,” Waters said. “We are so proud to have received this grant and this opportunity.”

Waters said that the county plans activities like this annually. Students will perform next week at Steppin’ Out, an event in which students from area schools come together to compete via musical performances.

“We would love to have more arts come to Beaufort County because we have such talented children here,” Waters said.