SAN ANTONIO – The popularity of the show "Dancing With the Stars" is catching on with a very young crowd.
Damon Gutierrez, 9, a third-grade student at Loma Park Elementary, said he enjoys watching the show and is impressed with the dancers.
"I want to be a dancer on 'Dancing With the Stars,'" he said.
On Tuesday morning, Gutierrez had a shot at dancing for a trophy.
The third-grade class at Loma Park Elementary, in the Edgewood school district, held their very own version of the dance competition.
Dressed to the nines and showing off some fancy footwork, a gymnasium full of students danced the Salsa and Triple-time Swing dances for guest judges in hopes of taking home first prize.
The children have been practicing under the direction of Jorge Alonso Perez, CEO and founder of Dance Therapy. He said he started the company not only to get people to dance but also to reach out to their spirits.
"It's about self esteem, building confidence and also about attendance, staying in school and making sure that they understand that one day, they're going to be very successful individuals in our community," he said.
Diana Espinoza, the grandmother of 9-year-old Marissa Valdez, said she's noticed a big difference.
"Her behavior, her attitude, she's more ... open. She has more self-esteem in herself," she said.
Valdez and her partner, Damon Gutierrez, danced their way to first place.
Each credited their partner with the win.
"My partner made me win," said Gutierrez.
"My partner's a great dancer. He's been practicing and going to Wednesday classes with me," said Valdez.
The entire class will compete in the finals dance competition, against two other schools in the district, on May 12.