Dance Dance Revolution keeping Fresno students active

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Seven Fresno Unified schools are getting fit to the beat of the music.

Tehipite Middle School hosted the first annual Dance Dance Revolution Tournament on Tuesday morning in hopes of encouraging middle school kids to stay active.

"Last year we were given the gift of having Dance Dance Revolution as part of our P.E. program. So once we were given the gift we thought the best way to do it is to add a little bit of competition to the game, and join all the schools, and hopefully promote other schools in the district adding Dance Dance Revolution to their P.E. program," Campus Culture Director Erin Dunbar said.

Eighth grader Damien Mejines says he prefers using the game as his workout over traditional exercise.

"While you are dancing you feel the rush of competition, you're sweating. The whole time you are moving, there is not one time where you are not moving in this game," said Mejines.

Jane Grace teaches P.E. at Scandinavian Middle School. She says her school started using the gaming system once a week during P.E. classes, and soon transitioned to adding it as an after school elective.

"They don't really realize that they are working out because they are having a great time," said Grace.

School and district officials say the program has had a positive impact on the children beyond improving their physical condition.

"Many of the students that are competing today were some of my shyest students that I have had, and now they are more outgoing, running for student council, and just feeling better about themselves overall," said Dunbar.

District officials say that if this year's event is successful, they plan to return next year, adding special education students to the group.