Merced kids celebrate different cultures with dance

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Friday was all about a celebration of cultures at one elementary school in the North Valley.

Students at Sheehy Elementary in Merced put on a spectacular show for their families during the school's annual Multi-Cultural Day celebration.

There were 11 different groups that performed choreographed dances to everything from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to "Achy Breaky Heart," by Billy Ray Cyrus.

Others showcased traditional dances, such as the "Dance of the Old Men."

"I love all the cultures coming together," Kindergarten teacher Jose Pineda said. "It started small and now we have 19 classes participating."

Pineda started this event as a Cinco de Mayo festival 32 years ago, but it has since grown into a dance festival honoring a variety of cultures and musical genres.