Sean Chaffin
Michel Jackson’s “Thriller” album has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide since being released in 1982. The video became synonymous with MTV and transformed music videos into an artform, with zombies dancing along with the pop star.
With Halloween right around the corner, area residents will have the chance to relive the experience – only this time as part of Jackson’s beastly band of dancers. The Thrill the Word Dance and Bazaar is set for Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chaves County Cultural Plaza.
The event brings dancers together with people from around the world to join together in dance at the creepiest time of the year.
Similar events can be found as far away as Brazil, Russia, Japan, and more. The celebration launched in 2007 and was created by Canadian dance instructor Ines Markeljevic. The project grew out of a 2006 Toronto event where 62 people performed the “Thriller” dance together.
Dancers now gather together to practice the choreography and record a video of a final performance. The international organizers offer complete video instructions on putting all the moves together. The thrill has now been felt in 32 countries on six continents by more than 23,000 dancers.
In Roswell, dance rehearsals begin at 1 p.m. and are held every 30 minutes so participants can learn at their own pace. At 4 p.m., the group will join dancers around the world performing together in sync.
Those in attendance can expect more than just boogieing with boogeymen. The bazaar includes more than 50 local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a zombie walk, jalapeño eating contest, salsa contest, green chile stew contest, zombie costume contest, and more.
As with other Thrill the World events, the bazaar is geared toward a charitable cause. The local dance benefits Roswell Night Skies, a local community organization focused on organizing free, family-friendly events for children, teens, and families.
The announcement of a Thrill the World get-together attracted plenty of interested potential zombies on Facebook.
Other Local Halloween Events
Beyond traditional trick or treating, area residents have a few other Halloween-related events in the coming days to look forward to. Here are a few to check out:
- Ozztoberfest – Oct. 25, 4-11 p.m. at The Liberty. A full afternoon of hard rock music with an Ozzy Osbourne theme. For more information call 575-627-2121.
- The Asylum of Horror Maze Experience World Tour – Oct. 29-21 at the Encanto Event Center, tickets $20 pre-sale and $25 on site. Three nights of pure terror featuring dark halls, twisted screams, and evil waiting around every corner. For more information call 575-840-3943.
- Haunt Fest Halloween Night Market – Oct. 30, 4-9 p.m. at The Liberty A night of fun for the whole family with local vendors, spooky drinks, light bites, trick or treating for kids, a costume contest, and more. For more information, email geri@thelibertyinc.com.
