Students at Oak School in Hinsdale danced their way to confidence on Wednesday as Dr. Cool and Pride taught them to expect others to like them just the way they are.

“I learned about respecting other people,” said fourth-grader Samantha Lee. “And I loved seeing the teachers dance.”

Jeff Bizar, who started Dr. Cool and Pride 18 years ago after losing a girlfriend to an eating disorder, uses original rap music and dancing to build children’s self confidence and encourage them to make good decisions.

“My goal in life is to empower kids all over,” Bizar said. “I want them to learn to be resilient and to make smart choices.”

While Bizar plays Dr. Cool, his partner Brandon Brown plays the role of Pride. Bizar said he created Pride after Martin Luther King Jr., and one of their big messages is to have pride in yourself and your culture.

The duo travel all over the state doing 100 shows a year for all age groups. Bizar is working on expanding nationwide.

As Oak students jumped around the room, they were reminded its their choice to feel good they took in the “golden rule.”

"I learned how to treat others the way you want to be treated, and that people will respect you for who you are,” said fifth-grader Darryl Jones.

Dr. Cool and Pride were brought in by Oak School’s cultural arts committee to further the motto of being safe, responsible and respectful.

“We wanted something fun that also got the message across,” said parent Sue Riefy who co-chairs the committee. “I think there was a lot of energy, and they really got it.”