A video of Fr. Nonso Ohanaka, chaplain of Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville, Tennessee, dancing at a recent basketball game has gone viral on social media, amassing more than two million views over the weekend.
"Father O brought out the moves at halftime of the JPII vs Father Ryan Men’s Basketball game," wrote the school in the January 16 post on Instagram.
The school added that they looked forward to seeing what Father Ryan High School, another Catholic school in the area, would come up with when the two schools play again.
The video shows Father Ohanaka standing at center court, as the song "Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC began playing. Father Ohanaka then began a perfect recreation of the song's award-winning choreography as the crowd cheered.
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On Instagram, people were quick to praise both the priest's dance moves and how he showed a different side of the priesthood.
"Awesome Father, thanks for showing the fun human side," wrote one Instagram user.
John Cook, a former backup dancer for the band, wrote "as a former NSYNC backup dancer I approve," along with clapping emojis.
One opposing fan defended the visitor's sections' comparative lack of a reaction to the dance.
"I was stunned into awe," wrote Stephanie Lord on Instagram, who identified herself as someone who was in the visitor's section. She continued, "I was trying to keep my cool so as to not embarrass my teenagers. This was a high school event after all. I was surrounded."
But, "I will not soon forget this moment," said Lord. "It was JOY!"
JPII beat Father Ryan, 46 to 44. There's no word on if Father Ohanaka's sweet dance moves were the final piece of the puzzle to motivate the team or the crowd, but it certainly couldn't have hurt.
Aleteia reached out to Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School for additional comment and to find out whether Father Ohanaka knows any other iconic 2000s choreography.
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