Students at Snoqualmie Middle School took dance steps invented centuries ago, as a member of the Seattle Shakespeare Company visited the school Wednesday, April 28, for a trip back in time.

Language arts teacher Rene Peterson invited the company to teach her seventh grade students about Renaissance dress and manners.

Receiving a grant from the SMS parent-teacher association, Peterson asked Michelle Traverso, education director at the Seattle Shakespeare Company, to teach a two-day workshop that included learning two dances common to the era.

“They teach my students the stuff that I would have a challenge teaching,” Peterson said.

Dressed in capes and skirts, the students danced in pairs and were given a choice to partner with a fellow girl or boy partner. Traverso then taught them a pavane, a slow piece of music where dancers usually step forward, lift up their legs and point their toes.

“It’s a little awkward, but other than that, it’s fun,” said student Issac Mullins.

The company’s lessons on dance and dress make the students spring Shakespeare comedy performances that much more authentic, Peterson said.