MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Three Manatee County schools located in area hard-hit by the opioid epidemic are working with the Drug Enforcement Administration to help students stand up to drug use, and they're using music and dance to do it.

On Wednesday, Blackburn Elementary students danced to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake on their cafeteria stage. The message behind the dance, however, was much more than just having fun moving to the music.

It was all about standing up to drug use. 

The DEA Youth Dance Program "was established to empower kids by providing a free and positive afterschool alternative to drugs through the fun, healthy, and expressive art form of dance," according to the program's website. 

“A lot of these children this day and age are very aware of what's happening in their houses and in the streets around them,” says Joanna Tides, DEA Group Supervisor.  

The after-school class is scheduled to start next week for fifth graders. In addition to Blackburn Elementary, Manatee Elementary and Oneco Elementary are partnering with the DEA to offer the class.

Organizers say they hope the program spreads awareness regarding young people expressing themselves, as well as gaining confidence to stand up against drug use.

“We are trying to make sure these children know making good decisions is important,” says Tides. 

For more information on DEA Youth Dance Program, click HERE.