As dance music pumps through Belvedere Elementary School, pupils step left and hop right with the beat, gaining points on Dance Dance Revolution .

The Sony PlayStation game was released a few years ago, and physical education teachers are using it to incorporate technology into their fitness curriculum.

Four dance pads, showing where to step, are lined up in front of large TVs as pupils compete for high scores. Pupils waiting can "practice" their moves on make-shift dance mats behind those at the front of the line.

After watching her own children work up a sweat with DDR and the Nintendo Wii sports games, physical education teacher Linda Duckett wanted to include the activities in her class at Belvedere. She bought the video game consoles and dance pads with her P.E. budget this year and borrowed her children's Wii from home to add extra activities.

Those not dancing compete in five Wii games: tennis, boxing, baseball, bowling and golf.

"A lot of kids know the games already, and the ones that aren't familiar with it are eager to jump in," Mrs. Duckett said.

Aiken Middle School also incorporates DDR into its P.E. curriculum and will hold a dance-off as part of end-of-the-year celebrations. While dancing or practicing perfect bowling form, pupils work on hand-eye and hand-foot coordination, Mrs. Duckett said. Kindergarten pupils have a soccer game in which they act as goalies.

At the end of a session, pupils run over to a heart rate chart to make sure they are in the exercise zone.

"We have such a good time with it, and once they move past the beginner stages, it's a great workout," Mrs. Duckett said.

Pupils also enjoy the option of a rainy day activity their teachers can use in the classroom.

"We get to play games we wouldn't get at home, and we get to play with our friends," said Tristan Summers, 10. "DDR is my favorite, but I'm still working on my steps."

Though the video games are not part of the standard curriculum in the school district, several other elementary schools, including Chukker Creek Elementary, are looking to implement more technology-infused physical fitness programs.