Name Jeffrey Pelehac | ||
Education United States Air Force Academy | ||
Jeffrey Pelehac (born 1984, hometown Republic, Pennsylvania), nicknamed "The Dancing Cadet", became famous in 2005 after a viral video of him dancing was placed on YouTube by his roommate. At the time, Pelehac was a sophomore cadet in the Class of 2007 at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The video itself was much commented on and also served to familiarize the public with the concept of "viral video" itself.
His roommate, Brian Stoops, used a candid camera to film Pelehac without the latter's knowledge. The video was at first shown to friends and was then posted on various Internet sites, which brought both of them widespread coverage. Pelehac danced to several songs, most notably "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)", a hit by C+C Music Factory from 1991.
Pelehac was part of the Blackjack Squadron and became known as "The Dancing Queen" among his friends. In recognition of Pelehac's contribution to Academy morale, he was given a challenge coin by General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
More recently, the two cadets (now Captains) were mentioned by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, in the Air Force Academy Class of 2007's commencement address. "To learn about the dangers of dancing in your dorm room (laughter) and yes, I've seen the video," joked Gates. "So the next time your mirror beckons you to bust a move, remember the dancing cadet." As a result, CNN interviewed the two over the phone and correspondent Jeanne Moos ran a story on CNN.com later that evening, May 30, 2007.