---

The Anxiety Meme: A Viral Dance and a Revival of Iconic TV Moments

The song Anxiety by Doechii was originally released on November 10, 2019, but it was largely forgotten until it experienced a resurgence in early 2025. A remix of the song began circulating on TikTok, where it quickly became the soundtrack to a viral dance trend. Most people are familiar with the first part of the meme: users dancing to this particular track in various creative ways. However, the dance also featured a subtle homage to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a beloved 1990s television show.

The key moment referenced was the secret shadow dancer — a figure dancing behind someone else, reminiscent of the famous scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where Will Smith's character mimics Tatyana Ali’s character in a playful, behind-the-back manner. This gesture of homage, combined with the new music, led to a flood of video variations across social media, blending nostalgia with contemporary sound.

On March 14, 2025, a surprising twist took place. Will Smith, who had been involved in controversy following his actions at the 2022 Oscars, reached out to the creator of the Anxiety remix. Together, they recreated the iconic dance scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, now set to Doechii’s remix. The video was an instant hit, and in many ways, it symbolized Smith’s attempt to rise from the fall of his public image. By partnering with the creator of the remix, Smith’s attempt at a cultural redemption lifted the Anxiety track to even greater heights, intertwining both their stories in a unique moment of viral culture.

In doing so, Will Smith not only paid tribute to his own past but also highlighted the power of the internet to revive and transform cultural touchstones. The combination of old-school dance moves, new viral music, and a popular meme turned into a larger commentary on redemption, both personal and artistic.

---

Citations:

1. Entertainment Weekly. "Will Smith and Tatyana Ali Recreate the Iconic 'Fresh Prince' Dance in Viral TikTok." March 14, 2025.

2. People. "Will Smith Reunites with 'Fresh Prince' Costar Tatyana Ali to Recreate Their Trending 'Anxiety' Dance." March 14, 2025.

---