Jeffrey Pelehac
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey Pelehac 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 Meyers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
.
More recently, the two cadets (now Lieutenants) 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.
Viral video
A viral video is one that becomes popular through the process of Internet sharing, typically through video sharing websites, social media and email...
of him dancing was placed on YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
by his roommate. At the time, Pelehac was a sophomore cadet
Cadet
A cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
in the Class of 2007 at the United States Air Force Academy
United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Its campus is located immediately north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States...
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
Candid Camera
Candid Camera is a hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as Candid Microphone June 28, 1947...
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)
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)
"Gonna Make You Sweat " was C+C Music Factory's first hit. It was released in late 1990 in many countries and achieved a great success in U.S., Austria, Germany and Switzerland where it reached number one on the charts....
", a hit by C+C Music Factory
C+C Music Factory
C+C Music Factory is a dance-pop and hip hop group formed in 1989 by David Cole and Robert Clivillés which stopped recording 1996, following Cole's death...
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
Challenge coin
A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion , bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. They are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. In addition, they are also collected by service members.- Origins of the challenge coin...
by General Richard Meyers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
.
More recently, the two cadets (now Lieutenants) 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.
Awards
- The dancing cadet: The greatest viral video of the year. Salon.comSalon.comSalon.com, part of Salon Media Group , often just called Salon, is an online liberal magazine, with content updated each weekday. Salon was founded by David Talbot and launched on November 20, 1995. It was the internet's first online-only commercial publication. The magazine focuses on U.S...
. December 7, 2005.