In February, Sean O’Brien, a 48-year-old man from the UK, became an unwitting symbol against online bullying. Photos of him joyfully dancing, taken without his consent and posted on the notorious website 4chan with cruel captions, sparked a wave of body-shaming. However, what began as a deeply hurtful act quickly transformed into an extraordinary testament to human kindness and resilience, ultimately giving rise to the inspiring story of the “Dancing Man.”
Sean O
Sean O’Brien, known as the Dancing Man, joyfully dances alongside Whitney Thore from television, showcasing body positivity and the joy of dance.
Sean O’Brien’s life took an unexpected turn when his private moment of happiness became public fodder for ridicule. The anonymous post on 4chan, intended to mock him, instead ignited a powerful response. Cassandra Fairbanks and a group of women, horrified by the body-shaming, launched a social media campaign to find the “Dancing Man.” Their goal was not just to offer support, but to throw him a massive dance party, turning a negative experience into an overwhelmingly positive celebration.
This remarkable story is part of “2015 Voices,” a series highlighting individuals behind significant moments of the year. For Sean O’Brien, the past nine months have been a surreal journey, a real-life fairytale born from an act of online cruelty. He still finds it hard to believe the incredible turn his life has taken since that fateful day.
“It still sounds unreal when I try to explain to friends what has happened in my life over the past nine months,” O’Brien admits. “And, in truth, I keep pinching myself to make sure that I really am not dreaming.” From being anonymously mocked online, Sean’s experience became a “spectacular journey,” filled with “once-in-a-lifetime opportunities” and encounters with “inspirational people.”
The turning point came with the collective decision to confront online negativity head-on. “I will forever be thankful to the people who had the courage to say enough is enough, and decided to take a stand against such posts by reaching out to me and suggesting we hold a dance party,” he says. This proactive response transformed Sean’s narrative from victim to victor, demonstrating the power of community and collective action against bullying.
The search for the “Dancing Man” went viral in March, rapidly gaining momentum across social media platforms. Within a day, Sean had connected with the women in Los Angeles who were organizing the dance party. The following two months were a flurry of intense planning, fueled by an outpouring of support from individuals and organizations eager to contribute. This swift and enthusiastic response underscored the widespread empathy for Sean and a collective desire to counteract online negativity with real-world positivity.
In May, Sean flew to New York, marking the first face-to-face meeting with the individuals who had initiated the campaign. He describes an “instant connection” and a sense of ease with these newfound allies. This personal connection solidified the movement and set the stage for even greater public engagement.
His story reached a broader audience when he gave his first-ever interview on the TODAY show on May 22nd. This appearance was followed by an unforgettable moment: dancing with pop star Meghan Trainor live in Rockefeller Plaza. This public display of joy and defiance against body-shaming resonated deeply with viewers and further amplified the “Dancing Man” story.
The journey culminated in Los Angeles at the highly anticipated dance party. There, Sean was welcomed by a host of celebrities who joined the cause. He met Tatyana Ali, the party’s host; Monica Lewinsky, who delivered a powerful speech; and Whitney Way Thore, who featured the event on her show, “My Big Fat Fabulous Life.” The warmth and acceptance he received from everyone he encountered made him feel completely at ease amidst the whirlwind of events.
The media attention surrounding the “Dancing Man” story was immense, spanning across the U.S., Japan, Germany, and the U.K. Sean was interviewed by press outlets from around the globe, highlighting the universal appeal of his story and the resonance it had with people from diverse backgrounds. The story clearly tapped into a collective sentiment against bullying and a desire for positive narratives.
Recognizing the broader implications of the “Dancing Man” phenomenon, Hope Leigh Rollins established the Dance Free Movement. This platform provided a space for individuals who had experienced bullying or victimization to share their stories and find support. The movement aimed to foster open conversations and build a community around the values of acceptance and resilience.
The magnitude of the event truly hit Sean when he arrived at the dance party venue. He was greeted by paparazzi and a line of over 200 people waiting to show their support. The party itself was a resounding success, culminating in a $30,000 donation to chosen charities from a social media app called Gudly. Adding to the surreal experience, Sean was invited on stage to throw the first pitch at an L.A. Dodgers baseball game the following day, further cementing his status as a symbol of triumph over adversity.
Sean O
The Dancing Man, Sean O’Brien, embraces DJ Tropicool at his celebratory dance party, an event born from overcoming online body shaming.
The extraordinary experiences continued. Dita Von Teese personally took Sean to lunch in her vintage Cadillac, creating a memorable and surreal moment. Following lunch, a private tour of the L.A. Coliseum and a picnic in the end zone further underscored the outpouring of generosity and goodwill he received.
Even after the dance party, the media attention persisted upon Sean’s return to the U.K. He participated in television and radio interviews, consistently using these platforms to raise awareness about online bullying and promote the charities that had become central to the movement: Kidscape, the Diana Award, Cybersmile, Pacer, and I Am That Girl.
Reflecting on his journey, Sean often answers three recurring questions: the highlight, what’s next, and advice for bullying victims. His highlight remains the genuine connections he forged with those who initially supported him, now considered true friends. Looking ahead, he aims to leverage the “Dancing Man” platform to continue fundraising for the supported charities, and beyond that, to contribute as simply Sean O’Brien.
As part of his commitment, Sean is stepping outside his comfort zone to participate in three 10K runs in Liverpool, London, and Los Angeles, further demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the cause. His advice to anyone facing bullying is to prioritize the opinions of those who genuinely care and to seek support from the numerous organizations available. He emphasizes a powerful message: “Bighearted people far outweigh the small-minded every day of the week.”
Sean admits to pondering the motives of those who initially posted the body-shaming images. Ultimately, however, he focuses on his own positive transformation, acknowledging that his life has improved as a direct result of those images, a truly ironic and inspiring outcome. The story of the “Dancing Man” serves as a potent reminder of the potential for good to emerge from negativity and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
