Fourty-five kids ranging in age from eight to their early 20’s will present “Tarzan: The Ballet” as part of the 10th Annual Spring Showcase by The Academy of Dance & Gymnastics in Rifle.

“We’ve been working on it since October — this is our big show of the year,” said director Landon Churchill, 19, of Rifle.

The Churchill family, including his brother and two sisters, along with ArtillumA Entertainment of Rifle are involved in the production of the event as are the teachers and students of the academy.

“Most of our students come from Meeker and Glenwwood Springs to Parachute,” Churchill said. “The academy offers a lot of different classes from jazz to contemporary.”

The production of “Tarzan” will feature both acting and dancing, with the focus on dance. As the feature presentation, “Tarzan” is an original, family-friendly show inspired by the classic book by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

“You’ll be guided into the jungle where you’ll encounter gorillas, tamarins, orangutans and even a panther,” Churchill said.

The show stars Michael Churchill and Amanda Chenoweth. Other presentations by the academy students during the performance will include “Babes in Toyland” - an adventure through a child’s toy chest; “Even the Raven Mourns” — a heart-wrenching saga of a family of ravens; and “Jump, Jive ‘n Wail” — a colorful and lively swing number that takes place in a 1960s swing club.

Landon Churchill started line dancing when he was eight and at 10 began taking classes at the academy, where he’s been working since he was 15.

And if you’re not into long, drawn-out ballet production, don’t worry. “Tarzan” is short.

“We tried to keep it brief,” Churchill said. “It’s a story to music. And it won’t be boring.”