Horror will canvas the city as zombies are set to take over New York on Oct. 27.
This Saturday marks the sixth annual Thrill the World in New York City, an attempt to break the Largest Simultaneous Dance record with Michael Jackson’s famous song “Thriller.” In cities all over the world, participants will learn the famous “Thriller,” dance and perform it together.
Canadian dancer Ines Markeljevic founded Thrill The World in 2007 as an attempt to break the world record for the greatest number of people concomitantly dancing to “Thriller” and to raise money for charity through the power of dance. Since 2007, Thrill the World has spread to hundreds of cities in dozens of countries worldwide.
Amada Anderson, worldwide team leader for Thrill The World and the organizer and director of the event in New York City, originally learned the “Thriller” dance through Thrill the World in 2009.
Anderson realized New York City did not have a manager for the event, so she registered the city for Thrill the World and has been directing it every year since.
This year’s Thrill The World in New York will take place at the Jackie Robinson Park bandshell in Harlem, from 1 to 5 p.m., and will benefit the Pajama Program, which provides pajamas and books to children in need.
“I wanted something that gives back directly to the community,” Anderson said about her decision to raise money for the Pajama Program. “Michael [Jackson] loved children, and we as citizens should protect them and nurture them as best we can. It just seemed like a perfect fit for Thrill The World.”
Thrill the World’s main dance group is composed of various volunteers and some professional dancers. According to Anderson, the New York City program will also feature Michael Jackson tribute artist Moses Harper. The dancers will perform at 3 p.m. before heading to Coney Island for an after party.
“I would love to see everyone in full costumes, dancing, having fun [and] celebrating Michael Jackson’s legacy,” Anderson said. “I would love to see them bring a donation of a new children’s book or new pair of pajamas for our charity.”
Saskia Kivilo, a Tisch sophomore and member of the NYU Pulse Dance Project, said Thrill the World is an important cause.
“I think that what [Thrill the World] is doing is fantastic,” Kivilo said. “Dancing is not only fun, but it also teaches you coordination, musicality and helps you stay fit. Having such large volumes of people doing something in unison is beautiful and helps spread a positive message.”
For information about Thrill The World and TTWNYC, visitthrilltheworldnyc.com
Paige Brott is a features staff writer. Email her at [email protected].