The internet never forgets, and sometimes, it resurfaces the past in unexpected ways. When a video of a young Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dancing during her college years at Boston University emerged online, it quickly became a viral sensation. This wasn’t just any dance video; it was a “Lisztomania Brat Pack mashup,” a playful homage to 80s culture and indie music, created back in 2010. But why did this decade-old clip of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dance moves suddenly capture the internet’s attention in 2019, and what does it tell us about online culture, viral content, and the ever-blurring lines between the personal and political in the digital age?
The Origin Story: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s College Dance Video
To understand the 2019 viral moment, we need to rewind to the video’s origins. As a Boston University undergraduate, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, then known as “Sandy,” participated in creating this video with fellow students. It was a “Lisztomania Brat Pack mashup,” inspired by the popular internet trend of mashing up Phoenix’s song “Lisztomania” with scenes from the iconic 1985 film The Breakfast Club. This particular version, directed by Eric Baker, wasn’t intended for global virality in the way we understand it today. Instead, it served as a promotional piece for the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground at Boston University and was even broadcast on campus TVs. Uploaded to YouTube in September 2010 by an account under the name “Julian Jensen,” it joined a growing online ecosystem of similar mashup videos.
Resurfacing and the “Shame” Attempt
Fast forward to early 2019, just as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was beginning her term as a Congresswoman. Suddenly, this innocuous college dance video resurfaced on Twitter. The intent behind its re-emergence was clear: to shame or discredit the newly elected progressive politician. Those sharing the video seemed to believe that footage of a young AOC dancing was somehow detrimental to her political image, a sign of supposed flaws or limitations. One early tweet even mistakenly claimed she was in high school in the video, further attempting to paint it as inappropriate or embarrassing.
However, the attempted shaming tactic largely backfired. Instead of damaging her reputation, the video was widely embraced. Many saw it for what it was: a lighthearted glimpse into her past, showcasing a relatable and human side of a public figure. The video’s innocence and the obvious attempt to use it negatively actually boosted AOC’s popularity and further solidified her image as authentic and unpretentious.
A Moment in Internet Time: 2010 vs. 2019
The reception of the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dance video in 2019 offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the evolution of internet culture. In 2010, when the video was initially uploaded, social media was a different landscape. Facebook’s “Like” button was still relatively new, having been introduced in 2009. Viral content existed, but the mechanisms for achieving and measuring virality were evolving. Sharing often happened through direct links, and engagement was frequently centered around comment sections.
By 2019, social media had become far more centralized and algorithm-driven. Platforms prioritized user engagement within their own ecosystems. The concept of “viral” content was more professionalized and often explicitly designed to attract attention and monetization. Looking back at the 2010 video from a 2019 perspective highlights these shifts in online culture and how we consume and react to content.
More Than Just Views: Understanding Viral Virality
While the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dance video accumulated millions of views after its 2019 resurgence, understanding its virality goes beyond simple metrics. Several factors contributed to its widespread attention:
- Media Interest in “Viral” Content: By 2019, media outlets were keenly attuned to viral trends and quick to report on anything gaining traction online. The video became a news story in itself.
- Mashup Culture Legacy: The video was part of a broader internet phenomenon of “Lisztomania” mashups, which had already gained some recognition and even scholarly attention. This existing context added another layer of interest.
- Copyright and Remix Culture Discussions: As Parker Higgins pointed out, the original Phoenix / Breakfast Club mashup faced copyright issues. This element of remix culture and copyright debates further fueled discussions around the video.
- AOC’s Public Profile: Crucially, the video’s subject was now a prominent political figure. This instantly amplified its newsworthiness and public interest.
AOC’s Response: Dancing Through the Noise
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez herself responded to the video’s resurgence in a characteristically savvy and humorous way. Instead of being embarrassed or defensive, she leaned into the moment. She posted a new video of herself dancing outside her congressional office, set to Edwin Starr’s “War,” with the caption “I hear the GOP thinks women dancing are scandalous. Wait till they find out Congresswomen dance too!”
This response was widely praised as brilliant. It effectively neutralized the intended negativity, showcased her confidence and humor, and further solidified her connection with her supporters. Her reaction became another viral moment, overshadowing the original “controversy” and turning a potential attack into a public relations win. The Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dance narrative became less about a college video and more about her resilience and ability to navigate the often-absurd landscape of online political attacks.
Archiving the Present: Lessons from a Viral Dance
The Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dance video incident serves as a compelling case study in internet history and the evolving nature of online identity. It highlights how quickly online content can be repurposed, recontextualized, and weaponized – and how individuals can respond and reclaim their narratives in the digital sphere. It also underscores the importance of understanding the historical context of internet culture and how our perceptions of online content have shifted over time.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of social media and online public life, the story of the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dance video reminds us that even seemingly innocuous moments from the past can resurface and take on new meanings in the ever-evolving digital landscape. It’s a reminder of the long memory of the internet and the ongoing negotiation between personal expression and public scrutiny in the age of viral content.
