For old folks like me, there was a highly anticipated video event released on MTV December 2, 1983. The video was around 14 minutes long, making it one of the longest at the time. It was also the most expensive with a $500,000 budget. Obviously, I am talking about Thriller. It captivated audiences across the globe.
Michael Peters choreographed this masterpiece. I feel like I could walk up to almost anyone, in any part of the world, and ask them to demonstrate a step or a move from that video. It may not be exactly the way it was choreographed, but they would imitate something – whether it’s the iconic head twitch, the zombie claws, or the zombie walk.
It was not just a sensation for folks around during that time. Kids today still dance along to it on television, YouTube, or TikTok. In fact, it appeals to all age brackets.
It’s hard to believe that this December, it will be 43 years since Thriller wowed audiences worldwide. Even more reason I should start planning now for the 50th anniversary when I will be the youthful age of…………. Yeah, I’m not thinking about that today.
Back when I opened my dance studio, I came across an event called Thrill the World. The idea behind it was that every participant would perform a modified version of the choreography from Thriller at the exact same time across the world.
Depending on your time zone, you may have had a convenient performance time of 8:00 p.m., or you might have gotten 7:00 a.m. Fortunately, they switched it up each year, so regions didn’t always get the same performance times.
Today, it has been simplified to Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere performance times. The event occurred on the Saturday closest to Halloween – but not on Halloween if it falls on a Saturday.
The sponsor (my studio at the time) paid a nominal fee, and then we were provided with a DVD of the choreography which we taught to anyone who wanted to learn. Participants dressed up as zombies, we had a countdown, and we started that music at exactly our designated time.
As time went on, we stepped away and started doing our own choreography to include even the youngest students. We created our own event called Thrill the Night, so we could control the day and time we performed.
Hundreds would show up to watch, and it was a fun night with prizes for best costumes and performances in all age brackets. We performed in various locations, and most recently we were at the Denny House in 2024.
Since turning over my studio to some younger teachers (it’s now Waynesburg Arts Academy), I am just in a helping mode now when needed for a class, a workshop, solo/duos, or a competition piece. However, for some odd reason, I have had some people asking me about Thriller again.
I have to admit; it was a super fun time. Therefore, back by popular demand, I will be rising from the dead, to teach a new, easy-to-follow routine for 18 and older this year. We will meet every Tuesday in October (10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27) at 5:30 p.m. at Gypsy Rambler in downtown Waynesburg (formerly In Motion Dance).
We will then perform on October 29, at The Denny House. Zombies will receive a complimentary beverage and a free T-shirt for participating. No experience is necessary, and I can adapt for people needing a wheelchair, a modification, etc.
Or, you can just come join the fun on that Thursday for a Witch’s Brew, an appetizer, and a free t-shirt (if you’re in costume). You can even get up and dance with the zombies after they’ve performed (if the spirit moves you). A little line dance perhaps?
By the way, the performance will NOT be 14 minutes long, so no worries. BE THERE OR BEWARE!
If you are interested in watching Thrill the World this year, the closest place I could find is Parkersburg, WV. It will take place on October 24 at 6:00 p.m. You can also check their countdown clock on www.thrilltheworld.com.
If you would like to watch some of Waynesburg’s performances from back in the day, you can visit this link: thrillwaynesburg – YouTube.
For more information, call/text 724-255-6395, or show up at our first practice on 10/6, at 5:30 p.m. at Gypsy Rambler, 44 W. High Street, Waynesburg, Pa.
We can take Venmo, cash, check, Zelle, or pay by credit/debit for the $20 fee. The great part about dressing up as a zombie is that many will not recognize you! Don’t worry about your dance skills or lack thereof.
Dancing is innate, and I believe everyone can do it. It’s never too late to try something new. Dancing is linked to better health, improved balance and endurance, increased energy levels, stress reduction, and wait for it……significant reduction in dementia risk!
So, if you have been thinking about it or wishing you had participated in previous years, now is your chance. Join me and the other zombies this month.
