Health care worker breaks into ballet performance in the hospital lobby in 'moment of pure joy'

A spontaneous ballet performance by a hospital worker is being hailed "moment of pure joy" by netizens after a video of the dance went viral on social media. The video, shared by the University of Utah Hospital on its Twitter feed, shows a masked man in blue scrubs, kicking off his shoes before launching into graceful movements. While a volunteer pianist played in the hospital lobby, the hospital worker — since identified as a 21-year-old named phlebotomist named Teva Martinson — elegantly moved across the floor. According to WTVT, the talented dancer from Grantsville was on a 15-minute break when he dazzled patients and visitors with his impromptu performance.

Martinson, who has been working for the University of Utah Health as a phlebotomist for roughly four months, and a co-worker were reportedly on their way to the Starbucks inside of the building when he noticed a woman playing the piano in the lobby. Moved by the soothing music, he went over to her and asked if she knew any music that would fit well with "ballet." The pianist picked Richard Clayderman's 1977 instrumental Ballade Pour Adeline — according to Daily Mail — and the pirouetting phlebotomist showed off his incredible skills.

"I've gotten to see some low moments, I've gotten to see some really high moments but overall I think everyone is just trying to work together to keep a positive, joyous mood in the hospital," Martinson said. Speaking of what moved him to break into dance all of a sudden, he said: "I did it because I wanted to, I felt like it was something right for me, just to like do something and make someone smile, you know to enjoy myself. I just took my little Crocs off and just felt the music."

"My goal when I took my shoes off and got into that headspace was to be happy," added Martinson, who has been dancing since high school. "In the long run I didn't think that dance would go anywhere, I didn't think it would go past the 6 or 7 people that were watching." Holding on to his belief that dancing provides positivity, he said he hopes the video sparks joy and kindness with those who see it. He also encourages others to step out of their comfort zone. "I've had a lot of positive reinforcement just from the faculty, the staff, patients," said Martinson. 

"We're absolutely going through really tough times right now and it's super sad to witness a lot of these things but if I can do one thing in this world to make it a brighter and happier place then I feel fulfilled," he added. Addressing Martinson's now-viral performance, a hospital spokesperson revealed the feelings of those who were able to witness the surprise act in the unlikeliest of places. "As our healthcare workers deal with the stress of the current surge in COVID cases, this was a much-needed moment of pure beauty and grace," said Kathy Wilets.

Martinson's ballet performance has also touched the hearts of many online. "Grateful to [University of Utah Hospital] phlebotomist Teva Martinson for sharing this spontaneous, beautiful moment with us in [the hospital lobby.] While care teams persevere under the stress of the coronavirus pandemic, it's moments like this that bring joy, unity, and strength," tweeted Michael L. Good. "Our staff [University of Utah Hospital] is just terrific and really brighten up everyone's lives. Let's make Teva Martinson a Twitter star," tweeted Neli Ulrich. "Teva Martinson, an ARUP phlebotomist, sparked joy in the UofU Hospital with a spontaneous ballet dance. Thank you, Teva, and all healthcare workers, for caring for patients with such dedication, skill, and even a little style," wrote ARUP Laboratories.