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A Farewell to the Dancing Cadet Save Email Print
Reporter: David Nancarrow
Email Address: dnancarrow@kktv11news.com

A | A | A

Cadets First Class Brian Stoops and Jeff Pelehac, class of 2007, could blend into any formation on campus, but there's something about Jeff.

"People were like, I know you. I didn't know them, how do you know me?" said Jeff.

It has everything to do with a hip-hop song, a hidden camera and a widely circulated Internet clip of Jeff, kicking like a six-legged ninja.

"Oh, you're the dancing cadet!" Jeff said.

The year was 2005, the guys were sophomores, and Brian got Jeff good, doing what Jeff does naturally. Two years and thousands of hits on sites like YouTube later, the guys are still a hit.

"Especially within the Air Force community. It's become a cult classic," Brian said.

"Some people say it's too old of a song,” said Jeff. “Some say I can't dance, some say I can dance."

But there's no denying their popularity. Since the guys’ video first hit the web, there have been other dancing cadets and some flat out copy-cats, but nothing quite like the original.

"Let them have their glory too,” said Jeff. “It's been fun for me. It's two years later and I'm still having fun with it."

Jeff doesn't dance as much in his room anymore, but in spite of the prank, the guys remained roommates. A YouTube search shows Brian's even picked up a step or two of his own.

"I'm not nearly as good as Jeff is, he comes by it naturally," said Brian.

And at local clubs Jeff gets repeated requests.

"They want me to dance all the time!" he said.

But as their time at the academy comes to a close, a joke that might embarrass any other cadet stands out as one of their fondest memories.

"You remember all the hardships,” Brian said. “It's nice to look back and smile and see something funny at the same time."

And with his reputation proceeding him, Jeff might just take his act on the road, this time, a dancing officer.

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Posted by: Caity Location: North Carolina on Jun 27, 2007 at 09:57 AM
I think that the dancing cadet is really funny and cool. I also think that it shows that the military Academies can be fun at some points in time and not just hard work and people yelling at you.

Posted by: Laurie Location: Evans, Colorado on Jun 3, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Dancing with the Stars should get this guy to come on!

Posted by: Joey Location: NSW on Jun 3, 2007 at 04:10 PM
That guy can really swing it. Cool dance. LOL

Posted by: Jerry Location: Hawaii on Jun 3, 2007 at 02:18 AM
So you think you can dance?. Of course, you can! You should see his website, "The Dancing Cadet" or atleast I think its his website.

Posted by: Gary Location: Texas on Jun 2, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Since I found out about the dancing cadet videoclip, I've watched it at least a dozen times. What moves! The incredible dancing...the comraderie between the roommates...magic. A gift to all of us.

Posted by: Richard Location: Virginia on Jun 2, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Jeff's dancing would be a great recruiting tool for the Air Force. He could visit schools and other public venues and create a sensation wherever he goes.

Posted by: Tony Location: Earth on Jun 1, 2007 at 08:18 AM
Jeff is going to serve his country as a civil engineer in the USAF. So he's not just a white boy dancing, he's a white-boy ENGINEER dancing. He rocks!

Posted by: Mag54 Location: home on Jun 1, 2007 at 05:48 AM
At least he dances better than Elaine Bennis during that one Seinfeld episode

Posted by: Melody Location: New Jersey on May 31, 2007 at 10:01 PM
I enjoyed watching Cadet Jeff dance - especially because it was spontaneous!!! Indeed it just came out of him naturally -- makes me wanna dance like him! His moves are contagious!!! After graduation, yup, just dance your way to success!!!

Posted by: Deb Location: California on May 31, 2007 at 06:01 PM
How wonderful that these two new officers take their jobs seriously, not themselves. They are fine additions to our proud military.

Posted by: debbie Location: washington state on May 31, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Everyone does this when they are alone, I know i do. I loved it. I am a grandmother of 3 and it tickled my heart. Keep on dancing, young man.

Posted by: Amber Location: Hanau, Germany on May 31, 2007 at 04:02 AM
I first came to hear about this young man via AFN-TV and was broadcast on the Pentagon Report (one minute reports) and I searched this! This is a hilarious video! What wonderful memories they've made. Congratulations on your graduation and commission.

Posted by: Frances Location: Mentor, Ohio on May 26, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Jeff's mother is my godchild Congratulations to adding humor to life. We need more of it

Posted by: Gina Location: Morgantown, WV on May 26, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Congratulations Jeff!...you have always been able to stand out and make a name for yourself. I know that no matter what you'll always have fun and be successful...Love your sister :)

Posted by: Don Location: Colorado Springs on May 25, 2007 at 06:24 AM
That is a great video and good on those gentlemen for maintaining a sense of humor. Those are two officers I would be proud to serve with!

Posted by: Carla Location: Colorado Springs on May 24, 2007 at 10:22 PM
Brian is my cousins grandson

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