ILWACO, Wash. — When Cheryl Cochran took on directing a drama production at Hilltop Middle School this winter, it was a big job. But after listening to the musical score, she decided it should be a little bit bigger.

Cochran, a special education teacher at the school and longtime dancer, put out a call to all kindergarten through fourth-graders in the Ocean Beach School District interested in learning and performing ballet as part of the show. She got quite a response.

“I expected maybe 12 sign-ups, but was overwhelmed with how many children wanted to participate,” Cochran explained. “I couldn’t say ‘no’ to anyone and (now) we’ve got 40 little ballerinas.”

She said the first song of the play, “Wonderland” — based on a Lewis Carroll book — especially inspired the decision.

“It occurred to me that the opening number would be perfect set to a ballet dance,” she said. “What a great way to include our little ones in our drama club production.”

So for the last month, once a week, the dancers have rehearsed with Cochran on the stage at Hilltop Auditorium in advance of the play’s performances on March 4, 6, 7 and 8.

And the kids have quite a teacher. Cochran, who says she has been a dancer for 55 years, has also directed and choreographed more than 100 productions on stage and screen. She also teaches part time at the Encore Dance Studio in Warrenton.

“It’s always a challenge starting a program, but honestly, I set the bar high and the children always rise,” Cochran said. “Ballet teaches inner strength and discipline which extends into your daily life.”