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.

[@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!!!

[@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...

[@Hope-kx9lz]

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

[@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 🤣

[@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-.-]

💯

[@traceytheisen8067]

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

[@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

[@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😂😁

[@AgentCP]

Ms. Lori you are a ⭐️

[@pthesmith]

She brought that heat 🔥🔥🔥🤣

[@NicoleJButler]

Lol, she already knows! 🙌🏿

[@stacywacy4995]

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

[@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 😂😂😂

[@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.

[@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

[@charmainegibson4905]

We all need it. In today's society where kids are hooked on screens and having their childhood experiences marred by the mess that going on around them and society at large, this is very joyful to see let alone be in that physical space where all that fun and excitement is taking place where children get to play and laugh and be themselves is priceless.❤❤❤❤

[@haplessasshole9615]

I loved seeing the room full of excited, happy kids, all completely engaged in what was happening to them right in that moment.

[@Saytherightthing]

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

[@yumyum215]

Very much so!

[@me-pd1so]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅⁰😅

[@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! 😆

[@JungleKittie5280]

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

[@soniapatterson7254]

This made my day, there are good teachers out there, A life lesson!!!

[@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

[@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

[@AaronJohnson-of2hm]

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

[@user-hh9sd6pl5c]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@PinkkyyWells]

She wanted to teach her young pupil a lesson and she did with LOVE, he will never forget her. Teachers have no idea the impact they have in our lives I remember three of my grade school teachers fondly and tear up each time I think of them 💕

[@skyyday4857]

LET CHILDREN BE CHILDREN! Best words ever said. ❤

[@deneenogbeide5087]

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

[@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.

[@electrickflame353]

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

[@joannfelters8198]

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

[@williegrant3054]

YOU GO TEACH 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 SHE DID THAT 😂😂😂😂😂

[@hannahevans8193]

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

[@geminitwin5525]

I agree no Sexy Redd.

[@r.r911]

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

[@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💜

[@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.

[@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😂😂😂

[@alfredgeorge3186]

I love this educator!! Teachers are one of our greatest resources....

[@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.

[@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

[@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. :)

[@gregcooper7789]

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

[@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

[@katielj91]

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

[@charmjorman4235]

A real teacher!!! I love teachers like this 💖💖💖

[@ARZ1987]

I wish diversity was celebrated this much when I was a kid, looks like a great place to grow up.

[@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. 😊💕

[@EnjoyingLife2024]

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

[@samuellong2000]

Grandma throws the glove down said bring it beautiful moment for everyone 😂❤😂❤😂❤😂❤

[@claudiabaca2139]

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

[@TheTrill334]

Those kids love their school and teachers .

[@antm64]

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

[@margaritakleinman5701]

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

[@VisualizeHealing]

What a lovely story and she is comfortable in her own body and teaching that to these children!

[@tessdurberville711]

She might be more comfortable in custom made attire.

[@MissPriss919]

This is hilarious and heartwarming ❤

[@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.

[@ronlu2952]

Such an innocent , respectful, and adorable boy! Well done mom and dad!👍

[@MrBTRDAYZ]

Absolutely wonderful! Teachers like her make connections with these children that last a lifetime. He'll grow up, become an adult and yet STILL visit his old school looking for the teacher that showed him so much love, to tell her from an adult perspective how meaningful and impactful she was to his life. And he just learned a great life lesson that you don't go around calling people old, because they too were once your age, and our inner child lives on in all of us!

[@doresca1634]

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

[@Beautifu1l]

She is a beautiful soul!

[@peggynielsen4808]

I love the light-hearted fun this is❤

[@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🎓💃🏿🙏🏽💝

[@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!

[@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.

[@LMGM5]

This is how we want our Teachers, loving our children. Teaching them!!!

[@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! 💃🏽 🕺🏽 🎶

[@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.

[@tguido4139]

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

[@kimedwards6413]

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

[@soulsister1976]

Oh my Gosh he will never forget this..Awesome!!

[@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!

[@mayraestrada-perez6047]

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

[@cixtos]

Instead of getting angry she made a positive connection with her community ❤

[@Stewalebeth]

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

[@chichou7]

exactly, and vice versa in some cases

[@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!

[@glw5166]

When this boy grows up and does well in life he will still be thanking Mrs. Laurie for being such an awesome teacher.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@linneytoo]

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

[@vershaletyus7509]

I love that statement, Let children be children!❤

[@marilyngarcia750]

Protect our children at all cost!! Love love love this!! 🤩🤩

[@MzBeautifullyReal]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@rohiniramanchakrabarti5282]

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

[@lindapearson2815]

A Video that's soooo positive Instead of fighting. Love it.❤

[@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.

[@wardmichaels8759]

That was a beautiful display and the exact form of heart-warming embrace that’s needed in this world today.

[@kathleenmcclain8963]

This is what we need ❤ pure joy

[@jayforrester2163]

Props to the teacher for not backing down. ❤

[@soowzy]

Can't even say how much I love this! Such a good philosophy, kids being kids and you are never too old!

[@Sambucha1234]

So positive

[@rosaharris4750]

I think her movements are so graceful.

[@nairobi804]

It's so refreshing to see a happy story of student and teachers

[@annmariebellamybartholomew1020]

I love that teacher she made no distinction she just love her kids and are able to relate to them in love .Wonderful

[@lilpalebluedot]

Absolutely priceless! We ought to delete the hate and fill KZbin with vids like this one. 🥰 Much love to the teacher and to the little student.

[@muiresuilgorm3452]

If only !!!

[@BiBlackCar1]

My hats go off to all the educators that go out of their way to find a way to encourage and motivate their students as well as protect their students 🙏🏾

[@nuday777]

This brings tears to my eyes because things in this world are so chaotic and to see that people can still share human moments like this warms my heart!! Kudos for this teacher’s compassion for these beautiful students ❤

[@MrDXRamirez]

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

[@florawoodfin5447]

We used dance on Friday at the school I retired from in Fort Wayne,Indiana. It was a real lively time. I miss the kids.