As the energetic music begins to play, the cafeteria turns towards junior Zachariah Njie. He turns the cafeteria into his own stage, and presents his powerful dance moves full of his passion for dance.

“When I first saw him I thought he was a good dancer and [that] brought the community together to enjoy his performances,” junior Ryan Mackenzie said. “It brought color to the mundane tasks of life.”

Before performing his dances in the cafeteria, Njie discovered his passion and talent for dancing when he was young.

“I started dancing when I found my love for the game ‘Just Dance’,” Njie said. “I used to play often a long time ago and I really enjoyed it.”

Playing Just Dance helped him gain more experience and learn difficult dance moves. After experimenting with multiple dance styles and song choices, Njie found the perfect style for him.

“My favorite kinds of dances are mainly fun dances,” Njie said. “[Songs like] ‘Move Your Body’ by Beyoncé really helped me get into the groove because dance is mainly through the rhythm of the song.”

Njie began to dance publicly at McLean this year when he was encouraged by his fellow students. He realized that the joy he gets from performing could impact others as well.

“Whenever I dance in the cafeteria, it is mainly to spread positivity,” Njie said. “I feel like it would be nice to have people be entertained and make McLean a happier place because every lunch they have something nice to see — a nice show.”

Although many students would be timid to perform in front of such a large crowd, the McLean cafeteria’s supportive environment gives him the ability to do so.

“Normally, I have confidence because my friends would be there supporting me,” Njie said. “It makes me happy to know that people in the cafeteria like what I’m doing.”

Standing on the sidelines are McLean teachers and administrators who watch and cheer on his performance.

“He is one of my students this year and he always talks about how he loves making people happy dancing and spreading positivity through dancing,” social studies teacher Amanda Williams said. “I think dance is a great way to do that because it’s lighthearted and fun.”

Teachers also notice the positive impact Njie’s dances have on students.

“I’ve had him for three years [and] I’m still surprised everyday hearing he does dance battles out here,” said social studies and special education teacher Britton Boyce. “It brings about conversation and everyone’s smiling with a good heart.”

Through his performances, Njie encourages other students to join in to share the spotlight.

“I’ve had a few people at lunch join me for lunch [and] sometimes my friends call me at night to help me find a cool dance to do together,” Njie said.

Njie has made it his mission to continue sharing his love for dance to as many students as possible.

“I perform every [red and silver] A-lunch and try to fit in some other lunch schedules, but it’s hard to come by because I have classes,” Njie said. “I would love to go to other lunches to spread more positivity.”