GOING VIRAL: Philadelphia teacher, student go viral for 'veggie dance' throw down

Close to 20 million people around the globe have seen the TikTok video of a 2nd grader and his teacher throw down in a "Veggie Dance" dance-off.
We tracked down the stars of the viral video at Deep Roots Charter School in Kensington and found out firsthand how they won the hearts of the internet.
"It all started to teach Ahmad a lesson," says 2nd grade teacher Regina Laurie. "He kept telling me 'Oh, Mrs. Laurie, you're old. Look at your (gray) hair.' So I said to myself, 'I'm going to challenge this boy to a dance off. I'm going to dance rings around this boy and he doesn't even know it yet'!"
#philadelphia #fyp #foryou #viralvideo #dancevideo

[@lauralarrabee7870]

She gave that 8 year old a Life lesson. You’re never too old to dance.

[@yvonneoverstreet3690]

Never too old to do ANYTHING ❤

[@hdjuarez87]

Most definitely! 🙌

[@danielgoudge8465]

Nvr

[@nolangillentine773]

I can think of at least one of her clothing items that are screaming that you are wrong....

[@tjaspire]

Or never judge a book by its cover.

[@gorickrealty]

Taught that young man a lesson to not judge a book by it's cover.

[@FOX007-um1wr]

Absolutely! Unfortunately so many young people shy away from older people when they have so much to offer us all.

[@brendalg4]

@@FOX007-um1wr even middle-aged people shy away from older people

[@wingolden]

What a happy scene when all enjoyed a fun time , plus the love they shown each other. 😊

[@nikitawashington9328]

It also made him love her even more. ❤️❤️ ❤️

[@sophierosenberg1294]

And she taught me a lesson too because I did not expect to see her bust those moves 🤣

[@LaDanaWendy]

She ate but what I LUV more is that baby boy gave her her props. He was a good, positive loser! No pouting, no making excuses and no being a brat about it. He took like a man and I’m SOO proud of him for that!! Somebody is raising him right💜

[@AaronSmith-my2dh]

I also loved that he had nothing but praise and admiration for her efforts 😁

[@ltrotter636]

Ditto!

[@jondoe-du2fr]

Being a teacher is more than just following the curriculum. Either you have it or you don't. This lady has it in abundance.

[@pamelasmith514]

Love teachers who love kids.

[@tjaspire]

They are easy to love, because they are so loveable! Even the difficult ones. 😅

[@coolbreeze4576]

​@tjaspire sometimes, that's why they're difficult. Their struggles. They just don't know how to articulate it. You have a big heart full and overflowing with love. "Children are the only known substance from which a responsible adult may be made." Anonymous

[@LP-fz5xm]

That should be a requirement to teach ❤

[@daveburrows9876]

You know, most teachers do love kids. It's not like they entered the profession for the pay. It's the administration, the low pay and the rude, hostile parents that are wearing our teachers down and sending them into other professions.

[@satiashaw1857]

Perfectly said!!!

[@mabelregimal5407]

You can tell a teacher that loves her job and her students. It's not just a pay check to her.

[@kabirdas2786]

❤

[@perennialrose4096]

I want to add, though, those wonderful teachers do deserve *better* pay checks!

[@tonyt8805]

@perennialrose4096 My wife would definitely agree! 😉 😂 😉

[@Michelle.1952]

No teacher is doing it solely for the money. There's not enough money in it for that to be the motivator. At least not at her level. A professor in post secondary education, maybe.

[@tsunamieyes]

She left no crumbs. More…positivity. ❤ It’s so refreshing to hear something good about a teacher 👩‍🏫 and 👨‍🎓 student.

[@stuwest3653]

That lady hasn't left a crumb behind since 1987

[@Nightwatchman53]

@@stuwest3653☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️

[@traceytheisen8067]

Best thing on the internet in ages. What a lovely teacher and delightful student. Brilliant!

[@MrTee12]

This is exactly how you make a forever connection with your students! Much love & success!!!

[@jaeshasway]

Exactly! ❤

[@LA-rc7cw]

OH my gosh I have a forever loved teacher that I contacted 20 years after I graduated. He remembered me, still teaching and I was shocked. He even asked me if I ended up with my HS sweetheart and I had to tell him no but it was for the best. Amazing teachers matter, I hope our country doesn't loose too many of them.

[@gorickrealty]

100% right, he will ALWAYS remember that day with a smile. I wish the reporters had posted a link to where their other videos are, I'm sure they're just as entertaining.

[@pattido777]

She's an incredibly empowering educator. Bless her!

[@Sir-.-]

💯

[@fundifferent1]

Guest spot on Abbott Elementary STAT!

[@1truek269]

Yes!!!!

[@robbinjefferson7470]

It is Abbott too. lol 😅❤

[@Standingupstrong993]

Yesssssssss!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@s9yui43]

But it’s a charter 🫢

[@hannahevans8193]

Yes. I wanna see Mrs. Howard and Jacob in a dance off.

[@katlegomhlauli8423]

Teachers who love their jobs and totally leave a huge impact on the lives of their students

[@michawilliams1521]

I love this. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face with anything. This is a teacher who still love to teach. Sometimes lifes lessons don't come in a book. Go teacher go. I love this.

[@AgentCP]

Ms. Lori you are a ⭐️

[@pthesmith]

She brought that heat 🔥🔥🔥🤣

[@NicoleJButler]

Lol, she already knows! 🙌🏿

[@Saytherightthing]

This is so sweet. She taught him a lesson in a beautiful way. He got served

[@yumyum215]

Very much so!

[@me-pd1so]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅⁰😅

[@skyyday4857]

LET CHILDREN BE CHILDREN! Best words ever said. ❤

[@AaronJohnson-of2hm]

She is an amazing person. That’s what being a teacher is. The connection of an inspiration.

[@ourtruth216]

I can tell she was a dancer from that circle walk lol she wasn’t coming to play with that child 😂

[@LindaC616]

With a head snap😅

[@virginiamoss7045]

I immediately knew she was a well trained dancer the moment she walked.

[@callmeonkeshiasphone]

honey that was fosse, that was bob fosse

[@gifi11]

She killed the walk lol I knew it was about to be a long day for the young bull lol

[@cr-zq8qn]

It was over right then😂😁

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Well done that teacher. Instead of punishing or lecturing him for being disrespectful she made them both internet sensations and taught a lesson that will be remembered much longer than a scolding.

[@hijadela_BuenaMai7941]

Yes!

[@user-gt2go7te3u]

absolutely. Well said

[@user-hx7mi7ml8u]

He still needs to be told not to be disrespectful. I can’t imagine talking like that to a teacher at 8 years old. There’s probably more where that came from…

[@00Caleb00]

@@user-hx7mi7ml8uIt obviously was said as a joke and he’s obviously not a bad kid because he would’ve been punished if he was.

[@theresahackforthat5239]

​​@@user-hx7mi7ml8u it's not disrespectful to say someone is old or has gray hair. He likely said it with regards to her ability to still dance. I don't understand why some people are so quick to villainize children, especially black children You've ascribed malice to this child and implied there's more "where that came from" Re-examine your thought process

[@SandraBarrett-wn9jc]

Very Positive! Mrs Lori you are the best! God bless you

[@MrDXRamirez]

“I want to go to this school”...hilarious.

[@raykusko9365]

Teachers do so much more than standardized tests. She taught a life lesson that will be remembered far longer than any paper and pencil test

[@xaustedbrain2369]

Teacher like this gives student hope and positivity in their lives

[@kevindwelle1625]

Honestly! This is a perfect example of why our teachers don't get paid fairly and or properly in America...

[@r.r911]

Aww he's so cute...I love how he admired his teacher enjoying her moment. Beautiful video. ❤️

[@gregcooper7789]

What a adorable student and Teacher!!!! This put a smile on my face! God Bless the Children, and Blessings to the teachers!!!

[@anamairazapata6306]

Who are u calling old? Hahahaha what a beautiful awesome teacher we need more teachers like her. Putting a smile in children’s faces is amazing

[@1_star_reviews]

He should have known she wanted all the smoke when he saw her bare feet. 😂😂

[@danielgoudge8465]

Just more people like her in general

[@lateiro6845]

@@1_star_reviewsI didn’t see the bare feet! 😆

[@deneenogbeide5087]

It’s hard for young people to believe that older people can dance. Good for her!

[@robinpowell2563]

Really raised my spirits as those kids are so deserving of such a wonderful dedicated teacher!! Way to represent Philly!! Keep up the greatness!!

[@joannfelters8198]

Awesome that teachers interact with their students this way! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MGeorge-d8z]

Greetings beloved 💞I hope you don't feel I'm bothering you, I can't just inbox you for no reason. But if I'm permitted I can tell you what I sensed

[@hannahevans8193]

As a Philly native I'm glad to see our schools being shown in a positive light.

[@geminitwin5525]

I agree no Sexy Redd.

[@ginarobbins2741]

Finally some good positive news with teachers and students this is how you connect with students ❤ more news like this please

[@deenak79]

Yes,,, I'm crying happy tears!! ❤

[@bcfly1965]

Exactly! Kids are hearing & seeing too much negative & not enough positive.

[@bartbluemusic]

Yeah ... this was just awesome! I love the atmosphere they are promoting at this wonderful school. BIG time kudos for sharing this with us. :)

[@kimedwards6413]

Fun Friday makes me want to go back to school. The energy is infectious there. Don't stop. 🕺🏽💃🏾💕

[@williegrant3054]

YOU GO TEACH 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 SHE DID THAT 😂😂😂😂😂

[@arvurebantra7639]

She not only had fun with her students, she taught a very valuable lesson about not judging people by their looks. Most people would have probably looked at her and said "Nah she can't dance" but she just does it.

[@lisaanndavis3289]

AND she has a degree in dance!

[@haplessasshole9615]

Nah, she didn't "just do it." She did it with miles and miles of sass and style. She not only proved a point about age, she proved one about size as well. She's a superstar teacher, and a danged good dancer.

[@tinamarie8061]

He judged her by her age. He said she was old 😂

[@Vero2yu]

@@tinamarie8061 Big mistake loool. Older ones are the one who dances looong before them, frequently acting as if they have invented dances or something, dumbass people.

[@theresamurphy4455]

Surprise 😂😂, Your Teacher 🎓Killed it, 👍🏽. Both were Just Awesome,!! 💃🏿🕺🏿. His Smile Shows What a Joy & Gift to have her as a teacher, Nothing wrong with Spreading Joy. Thank you for All you do🎓💃🏿🙏🏽💝

[@liszaf3976]

How lovely, made my day seeing something nice for a change!! Greetings from Greece!!

[@tg3104]

This is why I work in education! The level of excitement and opportunities are endless. Music Teacher, you got it, girl.

[@Flipper86]

She’s a 2nd grade teacher with a background in dance.

[@khaleesiy.7886]

You know what I love? The kids are dancing like children no inappropriate moves. I love it.

[@ZombieQueeen]

*eye roll* maybe don’t look at children in a sexualized manner

[@aaronjames3228]

Oh please 🙄

[@Bindismom]

@khaleesiy.7886. You are so right and I’m so glad you said it. I too, believe that our children have been way too sexualized at too young an age. It was all so wholesome and just a joy to watch.🤗👍👍

[@gabrieledean8225]

Amen! ❤❤❤

[@jackiesmith1325]

People would rather say something like this that is boarderline negative than say how great the little boy danced. He might have never ever thought of dancing any other way.

[@rohiniramanchakrabarti5282]

There’s always that one teacher that you love, and will never forget. This was absolutely beautiful. They both did a wonderful job. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🥰🥰

[@ericvoneric5069]

Thank you .. I needed this kind of joy in my life right now 😂😂

[@dreajam870]

“Gracie’s Corner” has everyone lit 🔥 😂👏🏾👌🏾💯

[@yasey908]

For real!😂😂😂

[@lookinatyoulookinatme1600]

Yes, me and my grand daughter love that show.

[@derrickablair1368]

Stay bumping Gracie's Corner in the car

[@leelew.1462]

My tail too😂😂😂

[@user-ft6pu8uo5y]

Ms. Lori is the definition of a teacher who loves her job. It makes a different, you can tell she is a loved teacher ❤Love this

[@charlieb9064]

That's a teacher who's passionate about her kids. We need to do more to get teachers to connect with kids in a positive way and not just throw books at them and talk down to them.

[@sherry8894]

This is just plain awesome! You go Laurie and Ahmad !!! Every School needs a Fun Friday 💗💚💜

[@patrinapelton-smith1942]

Lol...she literally danced circles around him! I love it! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@haplessasshole9615]

Danced circles around him with style and sass to spare! I love how the young man, with only a tiny bit of (very natural) embarrassment, owns up to the fact his old, gray-headed teacher beat him like a taiko drum -- _buh-WHAM!_

[@jackiesmith1325]

She dances around him but not danced rings around him. She wasn’t as good as the little boy and people should stop lying.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

🎯❗️♥️

[@haplessasshole9615]

@@jackiesmith1325 Nobody is lying. @patrinapelton-smith1942 is pointing out how the teacher danced _in a circle_ around him. Not "danced rings around him," which is an expression with a wholly different meaning. So, maybe it's _you_ who's lying, if by "lying" you mean "mistaken."

[@AxleBoost]

@@jackiesmith1325 Eh, I thought she was good personally.

[@margaret-pb6mt]

I’m a retired educator. When I was 13, in ninth grade, the school I went to had a great idea for kids to get friendly, relaxed and enjoy each other’s company. The kids would go to eat lunch, every day, and as soon as you were finished eating we went to the gym where, usually an upper class student, was up on the stage or bleachers, or whatever. Where (in those days records) music was played……..good old rock and roll!!! And everybody danced until time to resume classes. It was great! It was a rural area so we often lived far apart from each other, with this lunchtime “playtime” we got to mix more with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. It helped foster good friendships and it released the stress of the classroom. After about 30 minutes we were happy and were ready to get back to work! It didn’t cost anybody anything and it created great personal interactions. I think that would be a good idea for kids today, rural and city schools. I would love to see that happen. I can hear everyone saying “we can’t waste classroom time like that!” But think about it! School is not and should not be just classroom time. We educators also have a responsibility to teach children how to LIVE! not go around bullying and shooting each other!!!!

[@terinn7115]

You, my lady, are a true educator and good human being.

[@stacyfabiszewski4633]

I totally agree with you, you're such an Amazing person ! Teachers are the Best! ❤❤❤

[@deepsea5348]

Absolutely! And it’s also been proven time and time again that getting fun physical activity into your life improves focus, so it’d be a worthwhile investment in everyone’s time.

[@sandyshore8787]

Very well said! Making kids happy, and happy to go to school is NEVER a waste of time. ❤️

[@kimedwards6413]

You are right. That's where "life skills" come in. Socialization was once part of teaching. It's every bit as important in society. Teachers who love their vocation are the best. 😊💕

[@diegozimmerman8261]

I am in tears lol, thank you

[@claudiabaca2139]

In this video every teacher and child looks so happy... I love it!!!!!

[@Hope-kx9lz]

The little boy's disbelieving face as she starts dancing...hilarious. 🤣🤣🤣

[@katielj91]

Her hug at the end of the video shows what kind of teacher she is 💖 Love it! You go Mrs. Lori!!

[@nancyrodriguez1151]

beautiful love it made me smile to see something so different , i miss this happy thoughts , good old times use to be like this long ago. tums up to the Philadelphia teacher for bringing a smile to many of us.

[@HugoHackenbush-jq7hl]

I needed this. So uplifting. Sending Philly the 🤎 from Chelsea, London, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@antm64]

Teachers hold a special place in my heart!! These children will long remember their experiences at this school. Well done!!

[@stacywacy4995]

Mrs. Laurie's smile and engagement with her students is heartwarming. Keep dancing and having fun.

[@stacyfabiszewski4633]

Love this !!!!!! Very heartwarming to see Teachers that love teaching and having fun with their kids!

[@Nicole-fj3pt]

Thank you for showing something that makes us smile!

[@EnjoyingLife2024]

"Give it all you got cause you only have one shot." Surprise, surprise! You never know what talents a person has hidden inside. ❤️❤️

[@TheTrill334]

Those kids love their school and teachers .

[@josephinewileswarner6549]

Love this; so heart warming! Way to go teacher. Show them that you are not too old to make your students happy. God bless her.

[@elizabethlevy1394]

You made my day!, ❤️ Thanks from Australia 🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@oldmama8929]

I left the classroom and went into administration. This makes me miss those days. So happy that the teachers and administration has learned to take the time and connect with the students. They learn more when they are engaged and feel safe, heard and seen.

[@peachypie3442]

They're going to be long time friends. Just watch and see. Teachers like this leave the most positive lasting impression on a child's life.

[@electrickflame353]

That’s the way it should be, student and teacher respecting each other and bonding for life!

[@LV2UJC-FM]

What a wonderful teacher. XO I wish the news would show this kind of happiness, and love shared between adults and kids, instead of all the hate and violence, maybe if they did we'd have a lot less anger among people.

[@wandabell2120]

This truly stole my heart! I love educators who are real people allowing kids to still be kids! Thank you Educators for all the love! God Bless You All!

[@doresca1634]

Nice one Ms Lori. Teachers like you, your pupils will remember and continue to talk about you in their adult life.

[@UniqueAutoSport2450]

I love this .....thank you for your love and dedication Ms Laurie

[@corrinemischiek1487]

I just LOVED this! What an amazing teacher she is! That little guy got one great life lesson about not judging….❤😅😂😂

[@corrinemischiek1487]

PS: I bet every kid loves her!

[@MissPriss919]

This is hilarious and heartwarming ❤

[@JBaxter-pi8oj]

What a wonderful teacher and what a wonderful school. This is the kind of teacher -student relationship that creates an open and trusting learning environment. Thanks for sharing!

[@B6east]

SO awesome !! The world needs so much more of this energy ❤

[@johnanderson1085]

😂😂😂😂😂 big shout out to the teacher and students ❤❤❤❤❤ it was absolutely awesome truth I was not expecting that at all she was indeed amazing 😀 👏 ❤️ 🎉🎉

[@GratitudeGriot]

THIS! Is how you engage and connect with students!! Not that other teacher that’s going viral for having his students unbraid his hair 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@DC45193]

judgemental.....you do what u can to build rapport..have several seats ....he's young....it's called professional development

[@kerahouse8663]

Yea but how is unbraiding a teachers hair helping the student? That shit was unprofessional.

[@jerri3285]

@@DC45193now it’s called unemployment

[@PassportBrosAndBlondeManWeaves]

@@kerahouse8663 See you don’t understand grooming so you’re being delusional to the fact

[@PassportBrosAndBlondeManWeaves]

@@DC45193wrongggg

[@rachelle6058]

Such a Blessing! I hope that teachers can continue to AFFORD providing THIS to students!! There is Love, Motivation and Confidence in this video ❤

[@theresamealer3314]

Indeed 💯 ❤

[@user-ci8qw5py1n]

It costs nothing to instill Love motivation and confidence just saying

[@sandrawilson8792]

Teachers need to get paid was the point. Love is free. Food isn't. If you think teachers are important support them by paying them.

[@verdaleonard2728]

That was a great video. You never judge a book by its appearance!!😂 🤣

[@sharronridgenal6964]

thx you for this ....I love how the adults are relating to the kids.❤ GOLD!

[@Beautifu1l]

She is a beautiful soul!

[@linneytoo]

This whole video gave me chills. I’m a retired math teacher and i would have loved to work in such a positive environment! This school should be the model all others strive to be. Awesome job all around!

[@gelinda2718]

You guys are awesome ! All of you , NEVER STOP BEING KIND TO EACH OTHER 😁😁🤗😇

[@margaritakleinman5701]

Thank you to this great teacher for helping to dispel some of the many misconceptions about "older people".

[@patj4952]

Now this is what teaching is about. Making that connection and bringing smiles and surprises to your students. This teacher should win the teacher of the year award. 🥰

[@shadyganley8877]

But can he spell or do basic math? Probably not but the hell with it! Let's dance y'all 😂😂😂

[@dsmith1146]

Hope lives in those halls and in their hearts! 💕 Thanks for sharing and giving us a reminder to be hopeful and kinder. Our children are watching and learning!

[@lisathompkins1301]

Keep spreading the JOY!!!! LOVE THIS……🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@user-qd3nl6lb6c]

This is wonderful…bless all the children and teachers and school staffs across the world!! Love love ❤

[@mayraestrada-perez6047]

She will always be that teacher who’s he will always remember ❤

[@tguido4139]

❤❤❤❤❤Thank God for GREAT EDUCATORS 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@user-hh9sd6pl5c]

What a fun teacher. That is awesome. Those kids will never forget her.❤

[@JungleKittie5280]

She said she was gonna dance circles around him & SHE DID!!!! Loved It!!!! 😁😆😁😆💜💜

[@MzBeautifullyReal]

Mrs. Regina Laurie is beautiful, and so is her spirit! Little Ahmad is so funny. I so love this! 💝

[@Stewalebeth]

The moment kids find out teachers are people they both change for the better ❤

[@chichou7]

exactly, and vice versa in some cases

[@pattysalegna-killeen821]

Love this thanks for sharing and yes we need more of this😊

[@HeartBreakHigh]

I wish I had a teacher like that when I was at school! This is the cutest moment between teacher and pupil. More videos like this please! 💃🏽 🕺🏽 🎶

[@linneytoo]

That is so great. This connection with him will help them both work together. It’s wonderful.

[@childofgodpraisejesus5191]

This woman ate this and left no crumbs. She is so invited to the cook out. This is wonderful to see.

[@tessdurberville711]

English?

[@lysanamcmillan7972]

@@tessdurberville711 It was English, you just don't know the slang.

[@user-to9en7qk3t]

Yay for both of ya congratulations looks like a lot of fun and love keep it up and going ❤❤🙏🏾💪🏾👏🏾🤗💯

[@janicedorsey3945]

Love the attitude of this SCHOOL‼️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💫💫💫💫💫💫💫Stars are taught here‼️🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@kiciacoldspring1621]

This is some of the most cutest, most internetest ish I’ve ever seen😍

[@Dou_7.]

There's teacher's and there's TEACHER'S ,my 7th grade teacher taught me so much in science I was able to make test and give a grade for 2nd semester.😊. Thank you Mr Edny.

[@jacquelinekoch7446]

This is wonderful!! Love This!!!❤❤❤

[@ashleywilson9205]

I wish there was more teachers like her. Brilliant