Highland Middle School students show off their dance moves for parents, classmates

Highland Middle School students showed off their dance moves for parents and classmates in the school's gymnasium Thursday in Libertyville.

The dances they learned were part of their physical education curriculum. Sixth grade students performed folk dances, seventh grade students performed line dances and eighth-graders performed contemporary-style dances.

"It's dated back to the '70s that the department has been doing this," said Julie Fievet, a physical education teacher.

Groups of students performed dances they learned during class and choreographed their own version for the performance.

The performance is the finale for the student's P.E. unit. Kids are graded on appearance, performance and enthusiasm, officials said.

"We convert a lot of kids from not liking dance, to liking it and having fun," Fievet said.