Emily Nicholson danced around a classroom with her headphones on, singing loudly to her favorite songs, but her classmates never heard her.

Nicholson and the 19 other fourth-graders in her Le Jardin Academy PE class were taking part in silent disco, a trend at mainland nightclubs that has come to local kids’ parties and schools.

The students donned headphones and, following a DJ’s instructions, marched around the room, formed a conga line, played games and did the limbo, increasing their flexibility while having fun.

In the club environment, the silent discos allow participants to listen to one of several music options over headphones, so that dancers can choose the music they like best.

In the school setting, the headphones are often programmed to play the same music to all users, but help cut down on noise disruption to other classes. Families hiring the company can have a party without worrying about disturbing their neighbors.

The class wound down as the kids spelled out Y-M-C-A to the music of the Village People.

“It was just fun to dance around and be free. It’s better than regular PE,” said 10-year-old Austin Korkowski. “When I walked in and saw all of the equipment, I knew it was going to be fun.”

That’s exactly the impression Silent Disco 4 Kids’ co-owner Paul Rosenberg hopes for when he sets up a classroom with colored lighting and laser effects.

The self-proclaimed “director of fun” came from Australia to launch the silent disco in Hawaii six months ago after establishing Silent Disco 4 Kids in Australia and on Bali. Rosenberg partnered with Miranda Rudegeair, owner of Hawaii Dance Bomb, a local group that hosts dance events.

Silent Disco 4 Kids can customize playlists and accommodate groups up to 50 people, with plans to expand the business. Their kid-friendly song lists include classics like “Macarena” and newer hits such as “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).”

“The music was really good,” said the 10-year-old Nicholson. “They played ‘The Fox’ and I love that song.”

Parents worried about kids’ hearing can rest assured that although the headphones are noise-canceling, kids can’t crank the sound up past a World Health Organization-approved 75 decibels.

Building confidence, promoting teamwork, incorporating fun in exercise and fostering creativity are just some of the benefits of a silent-disco curriculum. Rosenberg says the activity even encourages listening skills as the kids follow directions given to them via headset.

“I have regular headphones at home, but these ones are much more fun and exciting,” said classmate Shane Kitty as his headset emitted a pulsing green light. At parties the different colored lights indicate which channel of music a user is listening to.

Wendy Sprague, the physical education teacher for third to fifth grades at Le Jardin Academy, scheduled the silent disco session to complement her movement curriculum. Dancing for exercise was “an hour of the most creative fun,” she said.

Sprague says that music makes a big difference with kids’ energy and attitudes, and she incorporates it into basketball drills and other class activities.

“It keeps the kids engaged. And it helps them to break out a little bit,” she said.

Sprague joined her students on the dance floor. “I’m always doing the activities with them,” she said. “I had so much fun.”