Starmer says sorry for leading pupils in 6-7 dance

The prime minister has apologised to a head teacher after leading primary school children in a version of the viral 6-7 dance meme.

Sir Keir Starmer visited Welland Academy in Peterborough with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson on Monday to promote the expansion of the free school meals programme.

During the visit, Sir Keir was reading with pupils when one pointed out they were on page 67. The prime minister made the juggling hand gesture that accompanies the reference, prompting class-wide hilarity.

"You know children get into trouble for saying that our in school," a teacher told him afterwards. "We are not over that yet, the 6-7, it's still very much a thing."

As he left the room, Sir Keir told head teacher Jo Anderson it had been a "bit wild" in the class, only to be told the dance was banned at the school.

He then apologised to the head, insisting: "I didn't start it, Miss."

The prime minister uploaded a video of his antics to Instagram, with the caption: "I think I just got myself put in detention..."

The phrase "6-7", which first gained popularity with Generation Alpha, has gone on to become a viral internet sensation and was even named Dictionary.com's Word of the Year for 2025.

The catchy phrase and its accompanying dance has gripped classrooms across the UK, much to the bafflement and annoyance of some parents and teachers.

According to Dictonary.com, the phrase is thought to have originated from a song called Doot Doot (67) by US rapper Skrilla.

The song went viral on TikTok and on other social media videos to describe the height of basketball players.

Earlier this year, teenager Maverick Trevillian became known as the "6-7" kid after a viral video showed him yelling the phrase at a basketball game while performing the accompanying hand gesture.

The video on YouTube has been viewed more than 7.7 million times.

Its actual meaning is unclear, though some say it means "so-so" or "maybe this, maybe that".