Veritas Christian Academy

The annual Colonial Dance is Veritas Christian Academy's signature event. 

Decked out on colonial garb -- gentlemen with knickers and tri-corner hats, ladies in gowns edged with lace -- youth and adults take hands and step, turn, and process through a series of intricate dance steps coordinated to eighteenth century music.  A visitor would be forgiven if he thought that this was the set of a Jane Austin film or a grand ball in Colonial Williamsburg.  But to Veritas families, who have spent three weeks learning and practicing these steps, it's a chance to enjoy an evening of fine food, pleasant fellowship, and elegant dancing.

The Virginian Pilot reported on the first Colonial Dance held in 2007:

Entering the door to the Founders Inn on Dec. 6 was like opening the cover of a history book.

Male guests sported tri-corner hats, knickers and black shoes with buckles, while the ladies paraded around the room in floor- length gowns, long gloves and intricate jewelry. A long banquet table was laden with shepherd's pie, bread pudding, creamed peas and pork roulade with apple-pecan stuffing.

Music by which to gently and precisely show off colonial dance steps played softly. The dances included the "Comical Fellow" and "March to the Wedding."

Students and staff at Veritas Christian Academy had succeeded in putting together an evening that showcased the history they had been studying. It's what sets apart the Chesapeake private school's classical learning approach from others.

The school is built on a philosophy that says history should be taught chronologically, while integrating Biblical history.

"We try to create an ambiance of history, not just have them learn from the textbooks," said Maria Elgut, the elementary school administrator and a part-time language arts teacher at the Oak Grove Road school.

Reporting on the second annual Colonial Dance in the Voices of Veritas newsletter, student J.D. Hewitt noted:

From the moment of arrival to the time of departure, you really felt whisked away back to the Colonial era. Each and every guest was introduced to the host and hostess at the door which gave them a sense of honor. After the honoring introductions, guests were seated by various colonial characters who spoke with English diction. 

The Colonial Dance has quickly become a favorite annual affair and simply gets better every year. This is definitely a highlight of our year and we eagerly anticipate next year’s dance.