Michelle Obama celebrates seniors, tells them to ‘breathe deep and dance your heart out’ at virtual prom

Former first lady Michelle Obama shared a message Friday celebrating high school seniors’ hard work in the midst of a pandemic and encouraged them to “breathe deep and dance your heart out” at a virtual “Prom-athon” event. 

“Hey class of 2020. Look, I know none of you planned on missing out on so many senior year milestones, things like sports tournaments or prom nights,” Obama starts the video. “I’m so proud of what I’ve seen from you all. You’re persevering through everything you’re facing. And look, there’s no playbook for any of this.”

I’m so proud of the #Classof2020 and all you’ve accomplished this year. Tonight’s #MTVPromathon is for you––you deserve a dance break!

Don’t forget to register to vote and invite three friends to do the same by texting PROM to 56005 or by going to https://t.co/KZPeCe1ryV. pic.twitter.com/JGwYjV2cCg

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 22, 2020

The video comes as Obama’s “When We All Vote” organization has partnered with MTV to hold a special prom event for seniors that also encourages them to register to vote. 

“Tonight, I just want you to breathe deep, dance your heart out and enjoy this prom-athon. You earned it,” she said.

The event, for students whose in-person proms were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, takes place Friday with an all-day takeover of MTV.

The livestreamed event included shoutouts by students and also featured celebrities and artists including DJ Khaled, DJ Pauly D, Fat Joe, and Janelle Monáe.