Watch a 106-Year-Old Woman Dance as She Meets the Obamas

2 minute read

Virginia McLaurin thought she would never live to see the inside of the White House. But on Thursday, Feb. 18, the 106-year-old African American woman traveled to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and posed for a photo with the first black president and his wife.

When she got a glimpse of the president, it was as if she was seeing a old friend. She stretched her arms out wide and let out a boisterous “yay!”

To mark the joyous occasion she did a little dance, captured in a video that has since gone viral online. “I tell you, I thought I would never live to get in the White House,” she told President and Mrs. Obama after posing for a picture. “I am so happy.”

Virginia McLaurin was one of several guests who joined the President and First Lady for a reception celebrating Black History Month at the White House. “A black president. A black wife,” she said, as the Obama’s annotated her comments. “And I’m here to celebrate black history.”

Before the trio took a photo, President Obama asked her, “what’s the secret to still dancing at 106?” She responded with movement. “Just keep moving,” the First Lady said with a smile.

More Must-Reads From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com